What is UL 61058-2-77-2020 ?

Title: What is UL 61058-2-2020? A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

Electrical switches are an essential component in various appliances, industrial equipment, and control gears. As with any complex technology, it is crucial to understand the associated safety and performance standards. One such standard is UL 61058-2-2020, which is a crucial set of guidelines and regulations for switches used in various electrical devices. In this article, we will explore the latest version of UL 61058-2-2020, its purpose, and key requirements.

What is UL 61058-2-2020?

UL 61058-2-2020 is a professional technical standard that defines the requirements for switches for appliances. It is issued by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety science organization. The standard provides extensive guidance and criteria for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulators to evaluate switches used in various appliances, industrial equipment, and commercial devices.

The purpose of UL 61058-2-2020 is to ensure the safety of users by minimizing the risks associated with switch faults or malfunctions. Compliance with this standard ensures that switches meet specific performance criteria, withstand environmental stresses, and exhibit proper functionality under normal and abnormal conditions.

Key Changes in UL 61058-2-2020

While UL 61058-2-2020 is based on previous versions of the standard, there have been significant changes in the latest version. Some of the key changes include:

Increased Focus on Safety:

The standard has been updated to emphasize the importance of safety in the design and construction of switches. It has been revised to include new requirements for electrical safety, such as the use of non-compliant materials and the provision of electrical isolation.

New Test Requirements:

UL 61058-2-2020 introduces new requirements for testing switches, including tests for environmental stress, short-circuits, overvoltage, and overcurrent. These tests are designed to ensure that switches are robust and reliable in various environments.

Changes in the Terminology:

The standard has been updated to use consistent terminology throughout, making it easier for manufacturers and users to understand.

Updates to Appendices:

The standard has been updated to include new requirements for the labeling and documentation of switches. These requirements are intended to ensure that users have access to critical information about the switches they are using.

Key Requirements of UL 61058-2-2020

To ensure compliance with UL 61058-2-2020, manufacturers must follow these key requirements:

Performance and Safety Requirements:

Switches must meet the applicable performance and safety requirements outlined in Table These requirements include tests for electrical safety, environmental stress, and short-circuits.

Environmental Requirements:

Switches must meet the environmental requirements outlined in Table These requirements include tests for environmental stress, short-circuits, overvoltage, and overcurrent.

Electrical Requirements:

Switches must meet the electrical requirements outlined in Table These requirements include tests for voltage, current, and continuity.

Appliance Requirements:

Switches used in household appliances must meet the requirements outlined in Table These requirements include tests for electrical safety, environmental stress, and short-circuits.

Commercial Equipment Requirements:

Switches used in commercial equipment must meet the requirements outlined in Table These requirements include tests for electrical safety, environmental stress, and short-circuits.

Conclusion:

UL 61058-2-2020 is a critical standard for switches used in various electrical devices. By ensuring compliance with this standard, manufacturers can ensure that their switches are safe, reliable, and meet the necessary performance and safety requirements. Compliance with UL 61058-2-2020 is essential for protecting the safety and well-being of users.