Switchgear UL 1558 Listing

[FaradayFF]

Hello folks,
Are low-voltage switchgears in the US built to UL 1558 rating by default? There is an IEEE C37.20.1 standard that is used to govern switchgear construction. I wasn't sure if UL 1558 adherence needs to be specified in the tech spec for a switchgear, or whether it is assumed that most US vendors such as Eaton, Square D build the switchgear to the UL 1558 standard already. I know that UL 1558 provides for a robust construction, but it could also be expensive.
Thank you for your thoughts.
EE

 

[jim dungar]

If you want UL 1558 you have to specify it.

 

[ron]

I don't think NEC Article 408 requires switchgear to be listed, but I think it is a good idea and you need to specify it as 1558. We often specify Switchboard UL 891 where we used to specify SWGR in the past due to cost and lead time, since we don't use the 30 cycle SCCR anymore.

 

[FaradayFF]

Thanks guys. What's the rough price difference between UL 1558 listed and non 1558 listed switchgear?

 

[jim dungar]

Thanks guys. What's the rough price difference between UL 1558 listed and non 1558 listed switchgear?

I wouldn't think much, for a basic setup, most manufacturers use similar breakers and draw out mechanisms. But no one buys switchgear because it is cheap.

 

[JoeStillman]

If it's non-UL 1558 it isn't switchgear. It's a switchboard.

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[jim dungar]

If it's non-UL 1558 it isn't switchgear. It's a switchboard

No. It is simply non-UL switchgear, often referred to as ANSI rated switchgear. A switchboard is an entirely different animal.

 

[Jraef]

No. It is simply non-UL switchgear, often referred to as ANSI rated switchgear. A switchboard is an entirely different animal.

Correct. I run across switchgear made by smaller companies that is not UL listed, installed in industrial plants that have their own special requirements and maybe even STRICTER standards than UL, where the big gear mfrs do not conform and cannot be flexible enough. UL listing means nothing to them because they are not going to rely on municipal inspectors, they have their own internal EE and safety departments. These custom switchgear builders exist all across the country as niche players, targeting specific industries that have these extra requirements. generally though, it’s not because the non-UL gear is CHEAPER, in fact it is usually the other way around.

 

[JoeStillman]

No. It is simply non-UL switchgear, often referred to as ANSI rated switchgear. A switchboard is an entirely different animal.

So can we say that if it is UL 891, it is not switchgear?

 

[jim dungar]

So can we say that if it is UL 891, it is not switchgear?

Yes.
Of course you then fall into industry slang which often calls any large piece or group of electrical switches 'switchgear'.

 

[Jraef]

Yes.
Of course you then fall into industry slang which often calls any large piece or group of electrical switches 'switchgear'.

Yes, in fact I have customers who refer to panelboards, MCCs and even transformers as "switchgear"... I used to try to educate them, but some people don't like that.

 

[JoeStillman]

My clients call a multi-meter center switchgear. It doesn't matter to them what I call it.