Q1::

What is the difference between the test conditions for motor rating and horsepower rating? Let's learn more about it with the ETL certification agency !
  

A1::

The horsepower (hp) rating in North America is based on the traditional motor load test of the finished product and the Building / Electrical Codes, and is marked with the locked rotor amperage (LRA). It is required to conduct an over current test (Over Current Test) at rated voltage and a power factor (PF) of 0.45-0.5 for a total of 50 cycles. The device must complete a durability test of at least 6,000 cycles under the optimal activation conditions, that is, full load amperage (FLA), rated voltage, and power factor of 0.75-0.8.

Each test cycle of the European IEC motor rating must be switched from power on (motor starting) and a power factor of 0.6 to power off (steady state) and a power factor of resistive. The most common test items can be found in the table below:

Q2::

Can a WOYR2 category (UL 1054) switch with a North American load (such as hp, GP, VT, VL or TV) be converted to a WKKY2 category (UL 61058-1) product without further testing?
    

A2::

This is not possible. Although the electrical loads of these two categories are similar, the test methods are different. Therefore, all products originally under the WOYR2 category must also be re-evaluated according to the UL 61058-1 standard, and qualified products can be transferred to the WKKY2 category. If the WOYR2 switch product does not meet the UL 61058-1 standard in 2015, it will not be able to retain the qualification of UL recognized products.

Q3::

Can switch products that have passed UL 61058-1 certification be issued a UL Demko certificate in addition to a UL / C-UL certificate?
     

A3::

Yes, D-Mark (Demko) and UL / C-UL certification evaluations can be conducted simultaneously. Please make this request before opening the case and our customer service staff will provide you with the details.
     

Q4::

Regarding UL 61058-1 switch certification, does UL accept test reports issued by recognized European laboratories?
      

A4::

UL is a member of the CB system, so it will accept test reports issued by other members, but the product still needs to pass the tests specified by the US National Differences, and the CB test report must also include the results of the relevant tests. If not, the product will need to undergo some additional tests - mainly to prove that the product meets the durability test of the 30°C temperature rise limit. The durability test is generally 6,000 cycles, and the lamp load and TV load must complete 12,000 and 10,000 cycles respectively.      

Q5::

Can UL provide UL, C-UL, D, CB and ENEC certification services in the same testing and evaluation?      

A5::

Currently, UL can provide UL, C-UL, D and CB certifications in the same assessment. In the near future, UL will announce that ENEC certification can be included; however, some of the tests must be carried out at specific locations, and some additional process assessments will be added.
      

Q6::

What specific test methods are there for switches used in IEC 60745 hand-held power tools?      

A6::

a. DC Cord Connected Switches

Switches used in DC power cord-connected tools that comply with the 60745 standard must be evaluated for suitability of their ratings using the following method: Use the test method for Simple DC Rated Switch in the 61058-1 standard, i.e. voltage = tool rating, current is resistive load, and a minimum of 50,000 test cycles; finished power tools must also undergo a 50-cycle rotor locked rotation test in accordance with the 60745 standard.

b. Switches for DC Battery Operated Tool

Switches used in DC battery-operated tools that comply with the 60745 standard must be evaluated for suitability of their ratings using the 61058-1 Simple DC Rated Switch test method, i.e. voltage = tool rating, current = steady state, no mechanical load, and a minimum of 6,000 test cycles. Finished power tools must also undergo a 50-cycle locked rotor test in accordance with the 60745 standard.

c. Switches for AC Tool

The open (Resistive Motor, RM) electrical rating or specific load (finished product) rating used by AC power tools that meet the 60745 standard is used to evaluate whether its rating is appropriate. At present, a minimum of 50,000 test cycles must be completed. The general purpose classification in 7.1.2.13DV (national differences) of the 61058-1 standard is not applicable to the 60745 standard because the load does not have the requirement to handle inrush current.      

Q7::

Does the test in 61058-1 allow for electrical loading of the core coil? 

A7::

The standard allows both air-core coils and iron-core coils. However, if you use an iron-core coil, you must observe and verify that the waveform is sinusoidal. In this case, the load usage is usually less than 70% of its marked value. Please refer to Note 3 of Table 17 of the 61058-1 standard.     

Q8::

Is there any difference between the test equipment for UL 1054 and UL 61058-1?      

A8::

The test equipment of UL 1054 is quite simple. In comparison, the test methods and equipment of 61058-1 are more complicated, including a test oven, an actuator, and a dielectric tester. The actuator needs to have a specific drive speed and on and off time control (On Off Times), and the temperature condition can be higher than 55°C. On the other hand, the dielectric tester requires a larger output capacity (see Table 12, Note 1). In addition to the above equipment, the standard also includes      

Q9::

IEC has just released the second revision of IEC 61058-1 3rd edition. When will the UL harmonized standard to match this revision be published?      

A9::

UL has begun drafting the corresponding UL coordinated standard for the new revision of the IEC standard. The new version will be released before the end of this year and is not expected to involve file review. The revision of the 61058-1 standard focuses on: setting the maximum voltage to 480V, changing the lamp load label, clarifying the terminal testing, and adding the TC10 test to determine the ability of the switch to control DC loads (28V or 0.1A or more).     

Q10::

How can manufacturers reduce the cost and time required for certification?
      

A10::