What is UL 61058-1-2020 ?

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 switches are used in these devices, it is crucial to ensure their safety and performance. The UL 61058-2-2020 standard is a crucial set of guidelines and regulations that provide comprehensive requirements and testing procedures for switches used in various electrical devices. In this article, we will explore the latest version of UL 61058-2-2020 and its significance in ensuring the safety and performance of electrical switches.

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 developed and published by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in accordance with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. 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.

Key Changes in UL 61058-2-2020:

The latest version of UL 61058-2-2020 was published in January 2021 and covers a wide range of switches, including those found in household appliances, industrial equipment, and commercial devices. The standard has several key changes compared to the previous version, including:

1. Increased focus on safety: The standard has a significant focus on safety, including requirements for non-contact and arc-fault protection, grounding, and other safety features.

2. New requirements for mechanical design: The standard has new requirements for the mechanical design of switches, including the use of new materials and the need for additional mechanical strength.

3. Changes in testing procedures: The standard has changes in the testing procedures required to evaluate switches, including increased emphasis on environmental stress testing and tests for overload and short-circuits.

Purpose of UL 61058-2-2020:

The main purpose of UL 61058-2-2020 is to provide guidance and criteria for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulators to evaluate switches used in various appliances, industrial equipment, and commercial devices. It sets forth specific requirements for the construction, performance, and safety aspects of switches. Compliance with this standard ensures that switches meet specific performance criteria, withstand environmental stresses, and exhibit proper functionality under normal and abnormal conditions.

Key Requirements of UL 61058-2-2020:

The following are the key requirements of UL 61058-2-2020:

1. Safety: The switch must be designed to ensure the safety of users, including non-contact and arc-fault protection, grounding, and other safety features.

2. Performance: The switch must perform as expected under normal and abnormal conditions, including high voltage, short-circuits, overload, and other conditions.

3. Reliability: The switch must be reliable and have a long service life, including resistance to mechanical stress, aging, and wear.

4. Maintenance: The switch must be designed for easy maintenance, including access to theinside and underside for cleaning and repair.

5. Safety Tested: The switch must undergo testing to ensure compliance with the standard, including non-contact and arc-fault protection testing, grounding testing, and other tests as required.

Conclusion:

UL 61058-2-2020 is a crucial set of guidelines and regulations for the safety and performance of electrical switches. Compliance with this standard is essential for manufacturers, designers, and engineers involved in the production and development of electrical switches. The standard provides comprehensive requirements and testing procedures for switches used in various appliances, industrial equipment, and commercial devices, ensuring the safety and performance of electrical switches.