UL Listed Terminal Blocks

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tom baker

tom baker

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Re: UL Listed Terminal Blocks

I went to UL's Online Certification Directory and entered "terminal blocks" in the keyword field.

It returned 2 pages of info. The basic category code for terminal blocks, XCFR2, does indicate that they are generally "recognized components" rather than "listed."

[ December 28, 2004, 03:44 PM: Message edited by: rbalex ]
 
Re: UL Listed Terminal Blocks

Midged
Open your 2002 code book to page 70-36 and see "Listed" and FPN (foot page note).This will give you some insight. 2005nec-page70-29
 
Re: UL Listed Terminal Blocks

The reason is the difference between a violation and no violation. As an end user I am only allowed to use UL Listed components. A UL 508 shop can used recognized parts. Our AHJ's know the difference.
 
Re: UL Listed Terminal Blocks

Tom,

I don't think you will find a listed terminal block. They are considered components that would go into an assembly that would get the listing. If you want to send me a PM I can provide you with the contact information of someone who may be able to help with any problems your AHJ has with you using recognized terminal blocks.

Tony
 
Re: UL Listed Terminal Blocks

Originally posted by tom baker:
The reason is the difference between a violation and no violation. As an end user I am only allowed to use UL Listed components. A UL 508 shop can used recognized parts. Our AHJ's know the difference.
Click to expand...
Thats not true at all. Any UL LISTED part can be used in essentially any application. A UL RECOGNISED part can only be used in its recognized applications.

For instance, you can use a UL listed power supply in any application (this is one of the most common situations encountered with listed versus recognized). Many power supplies are recognized for office use for instance (think wall warts) but not for industrial use.
 
Re: UL Listed Terminal Blocks

It takes UL 2-1/2 pages in their General Information Directory (pp. 295-297) to explain the difference between "listed," "recognized," and "classified" marks. It's not too surprising that difficulties arise. I've even seen a few UL508 shops blow it once in a while.

Many local statutes mandate universal third-party certification for electical products. (FedOSHA does too).

I always ask what they do about motors in ordinary locations. As of this posting, no one lists motors (UL Category Code "PRGY"). They have no third party certifications at all.

Edit add: Until around March of this year, the only "listed" motors were for Division 1 (Category Codes "PTDR" and "PUCJ"). There are now motors listed for Division 2 ("PTHE") All other motors for "ordinary locations" were "Recognized Components ('PRGY2')."

[ December 29, 2004, 12:27 PM: Message edited by: rbalex ]
 
Re: UL Listed Terminal Blocks

Petersona: It is true in Washington state. We have a state code on industrial control panels, our AHJ's know the difference between listed and recoginzed. If a user installs a non listed or non UL508 control panel, then UL or other lab is brought on site to field evaluate the equipment.
 
Re: UL Listed Terminal Blocks

As a general rule, UL "lists" only completed items. Parts that cannot stand alone, and for which the final use is unknown, are subject to only the most general of testing, and are thus "recognised components," rather than "listed."

Parts that go inside panels are a good example of this. UL has no way of knowing whether the installation will have adequate spacing, separation of differing voltages, or are connected in a manner that would allow something bad to happen.
To carry it to an extreme, just how would you expect UL to "list" an "electric chair?" Yet, for the safety of the witnesses and executioner, many of the parts would be UL listed, or "recognised components," and assembled according to the NEC using traditionally recognised methods.
 
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