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【Safety Certification】Grounding Continuity Test of UL 153 Portable Electric Luminaires & UL 1598 Luminaires
Do you know the difference of Grounding Continuity Test between UL 153 Portable Electric Luminaires & UL 1598 Luminaires? Please see the followings for reference.
 
Test Results:
the impedance between the point of connection of the equipment-grounding means and any other metal part that is required to be grounded shall not exceed 0.1 ohm.
 
Test Name & Method:
  • UL 153, Portable Electric Luminaires - Grounding Continuity Test
applying a current of 25 amperes – derived from a 60 hertz source with a no-load voltage not exceeding 6 volts.
 
  • 1598 Luminaires - Bond Impedance and Ground Continuity Test
applying a current of 30 amperes for 2 min. – derived from a ac or dc source of approximately 12 volts.
 
 [Safety Standard]
  • The main safety standard for portable luminaires in North America of UL:
UL 153, Portable Electric Luminaires.
 
  • The main safety standard for fixture in North America of UL:
UL 1598, Luminaires.
 

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【Safety Certification】About the Shade of UL 153 Portable Luminaires

In accordance with UL 153, Standard for Portable Electric Luminaires, a portable luminaire shall be provided and shipped with a shade unless:
a) The shade functions only as a decorative part and instructions are provided for a usable shade information of this portable luminaires;
 
b) The design is not intended for use with a shade and instructions are provided to state that no shade is to be attached; or
 
c) The design is not intended for and has no means to readily attach a shade.
 
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【Safety Certification】Additional Requirements for Wet Location Outdoor Use Wall-Mounted Surface Luminaires of UL 1598 – Parts Requirements
In addition to the same requirements as dry location indoor use luminaires, the UL 1598 wet location outdoor use wall-mounted surface luminaires, also need to comply with the following parts requirements:
 
Drain holes
A luminaire that permits water to enter the luminaire during the rain or the sprinkler shall be provided with a drain hole.
 
Water shields
The polymeric or wooden water shield shall comply with additional material or thickness requirements and UV exposure conditioning test, thermal conditioning test or impact
conditioning test.
 
Gaskets and bushings
A gasket or bushing required to prevent water from entering the enclosure shall be secured to prevent its loosening during user maintenance by a clip, clamping ring, adhesive, or other mechanical means.
 
Lampholders
The lampholder screwshells of the luminaire shall be copper, copper alloy of at least 80 percent copper, nickel alloy, or stainless steel.
 
[Note] UL Luminaire Safety Standard: UL 1598, Luminaires
 
Please feel free to contact us for Safety Certification Service or more safety information.
 
GCS Safety Team
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【Safety Certification】Additional Requirements for Wet Location Outdoor Use Wall-Mounted Surface Luminaires of UL 1598 – Basic Requirements and Tests
In addition to the same requirements as dry location indoor use luminaires, the UL 1598 wet location outdoor use wall-mounted surface luminaires, also need to comply with the following basic requirements and Tests:
 
Enclosures
A luminaire shall be constructed to prevent the accumulation of water on live parts, electrical components, or conductors not identified for use in contact with water.
 
Corrosion protection
- All exposed exterior and interior surfaces of ferrous metal parts shall be protected by plating, baked paint…
- Copper, aluminum, alloys of copper and aluminum, stainless steel, and similar materials having inherent resistance to atmospheric corrosion may be used without additional corrosion protection.
 
Tests
- Mounting height above 1.2 m (4 ft)
Rain test 
- Mounting height below 1.2 m (4 ft)
Rain test & Sprinkler test 
 
[Note] UL Luminaire Safety Standard: UL 1598, Luminaires
 
Please feel free to contact us for Safety Certification Service or more safety information.
 
GCS Safety Team

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【Safety Certification】Sheet Metal Thickness for Enclosure in UL 153 Portable Luminaires
The key factors to decide the sheet metal enclosure thickness:
material, conditions of use, largest dimension, whether the surface involved is curved, ribbed, flanged, or reinforced with additional metal.
 
The thickness requirement for sheet metal enclosure:
- material: copper, brass or aluminum > zinc-coated > uncoated.
- conditions of use: component support > no component support.
- largest dimension: more than 127 cm > not more than 127 cm > not more than 66 cm
- surface reinforce: no reinforced > reforced.
[note]
The sheet metal for enclosure need not to be UL Recognized material.
 
 [Safety Standard]
  • The main safety standard for portable luminaires in North America of UL: UL 153, Portable Electric Luminaires.
 
GCS Safety Team

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【Safety Certification】Basic Requirement & Limitations for Strain Relief in UL 153 Portable Luminaires
Basic Requirement:
Portable luminaire shall be provided with strain relief so that a pull exerted on the power supply cord is not transmitted directly to a terminal splice, or interior wiring of the units.
 
Construction Limitations:
-  metal strain-relief clamp or band used with Type SP-2 or lighter general-use, rubber-insulated cord shall be provided with auxiliary insulation over the cord for mechanical protection.
 
-  clamp of any material shall not be used with Type SPE-2, SPT-2, SVT, or SVTO cord.
 
-  a knot in a flexible cord serves as strain relief, any surface against which the knot is able to bear or with which it is able to come in contact shall be free from projections, sharp edges, burrs, fins and similar conditions, that are capable of damaging the insulation on the conductors.
 
 [Safety Standard]
  • The main safety standard for portable luminaires in North America of UL: UL 153, Portable Electric Luminaires.
 
GCS Safety Team

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【Safety Certification】Normal Maintenance and Use in UL 153 Portable Luminaires
In portable luminaires Safety Standard UL 153, a live part operating above Class 2 circuit limits shall be contained in an enclosure during normal maintenance and use.
 
Do you know what is “normal maintenance and use” ?
 
In accordance with the Glossary of UL153, the “Normal Maintenance and Use” is the cleaning, adjusting, moving, maintaining, and using of the portable luminaire.
Includes items such as:
a) Replacing a lamp, starter or fuse;
b) Adjusting an illumination level; and
c) Removal or cleaning of all parts not secured by use of tools.
 
If you need to know what parts or components shall be contained in an enclosure, you need to know what is “normal maintenance and use” first!
 
 [Safety Standard]
  • The main safety standard for portable luminaires in North America of UL: UL 153, Portable Electric Luminaires.
 
GCS Safety Team

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【Safety Certification】Particular requirements for CE Safety Certification of Aquarium Luminaires
Aquarium luminaires need to comply with the general requirements of luminaires and the protection against Ingress of moisture for Safety Certification in European Union (CE).
 
Unless under some special situations, the surfaces of the aquarium luminaire the protection against ingress of moisture can be reduced to IPX4 or IPX2, luminaires shall have protection against ingress of moisture of at least IPX7.  Only class III non-permanently attached aquarium luminaires where the working voltage does not exceed 12 V r.m.s. can be positioned in contact with or submersible in water.
 
  • The Safety Standards for CE of Aquarium Luminaires:
- EN 60598-1, Luminaires: Part 1, General requirements and tests
- EN 60598-2-11, Luminaires: Part 2-11, Particular requirements – Aquarium luminaires
  • The Safety Standard of Protection against Ingress of Moisture:
- EN 60529, Degrees of Protection provided by Enclosures (IP Code)
GCS Safety Team

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​【Safety Certification】Safety Certification of Aquarium Luminaires (Part 2)
Whether the Aquarium luminaires with Safety certified Transformer or Adaptor need to apply for the Safety Certification?
 
The aquarium luminaires need to apply for the Safety Certification both in European Union (CE) and Northern America (CSA、ETL、UL…). It is basic requirement in aquarium luminaires Safety Certification that use Safety certified Transformer/Adaptor or components.
 
“All Luminaire components have Safety Certification” is not equal to “Luminaires have Safety Certification”, you need to know!
 
GCS Safety Team
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​【Safety Certification】Safety Certification of Aquarium Luminaires (Part 1)
Do the Aquarium luminaires need Safety Certification in European Union (CE) and Northern America?
 
Yes! The Aquarium luminaires need to apply for the Safety Certification to ensure the safety of aquarium luminaires In European Union (CE) and Northern America.
 
The Safety Standards for Aquarium Luminaires:
  • European Union (CE):
- EN 60598-1, Luminaires: Part 1, General requirements and tests
- EN 60598-2-11, Luminaires: Part 2-11, Particular requirements – Aquarium luminaires
  • Northern America (CSA、ETL、UL…):
- UL 1018, Electric Aquarium Equipment
- CSA-C22.2 No. 250.4, Portable Luminaires
 
GCS Safety Team

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 【SAFETY CERTIFICATION】THE MARKING LOCATIONS OF UL 153 PORTABLE LUMINAIRES
The portable luminaire needs to provide relative markings in accordance with Safety Standard, when it passed the safety tests and got the Certification.
 
The marking locations are also strictly regulated except for the wordings to be marked.
 
Here is the form no. and location of marking in UL 153 (13th ed.), for your reference!
 
Form no.:      Location
1:                     On an exterior surface that is normally visible. Marking is determined to be normally visible when a lamp or glassware is required to be removed to make the marking visible.
2:                     Adjacent to the ballast and readily visible before and during ballast replacement.
3:                     At a point where visible during relamping.
4:                     On the smallest unit packaging carton.
5:                     At a point visible during mounting.
 
[Note] UL Portable Luminaire Safety Standard: UL 153, Portable Electric Luminaires.
 
Please feel free to contact us for Safety Certification Service or more safety information.
 
GCS Safety Team
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【Safety Certification】The Marking Locations of UL 1598 Luminaires

The luminaire needs to provide relative markings in accordance with Safety Standard, when it passed the safety tests and got the Certification.
 
The marking locations are also strictly regulated except for the wordings to be marked.
 
Here is the marking location designation and description of UL 1598 (4th ed.), for your reference!
 
Location designation:       Description
L1:                   Visible during relamping, and after installation
L2:                   Visible during installation
L3:                   Visible during installation and inspection of wire connections, located near the supply connections
L4:                   On the smallest unit package or carton
L5:                   On an instruction sheet or tag
L6:                   Visible during component replacement
 
[Note] UL Luminaire Safety Standard: UL 1598, Luminaires
 
Please feel free to contact us for Safety Certification Service or more safety information.
 
GCS Safety Team
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【Safety Certification】The Requirements of UL Certification for Portable Luminaires
​for Use in Hazardous Locations
The basic requirements used to investigate Portable Luminaires for Use in Hazardous Locations is UL 844, "Luminaires for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations".
 
Please be advised that Authorities Having Jurisdiction should be consulted with regard to conditions under which these portable devices will be permitted for use. It is recognized that portable equipment should be used only where necessary.
 
You need to study above Standards or contact your Safety Agent, if you intend to apply the UL Certification for Portable Luminaires for Use in Hazardous Locations.
 
[Note] UL CCN & Standard
  • UL CCN & Product name – QPKX, Portable Luminaires for Use in Hazardous Locations.
  • UL 844, Luminaires for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
GCS Safety Team
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【Safety Certification】
​The Designation of Electric Signs in UL Certification

In accordance with the UL 48 & UL 879, the Safety Standards of Electric Signs), Sign designation as followings:
 
1.Fixed - Intended to be permanently connected to an electrical source of supply. 
​
2. Portable - Meets all of the following:
- when provided with mounting means, is removable from its intended mounting without the use of tools,
- weighs 22.7 kg (50 lb) or less,
- product of its longest dimension times its weight does not exceed 575 kg-mm (1500 lb-in), and
- connected to an electrical source of supply by a power supply cord.
 
3. Stationary – Meets all of the following:
- intended to be fastened in place or located in a dedicated space (not portable);
- removable from its intended mounting with the use of no more than ordinary tools; and
- connected to an electrical source of supply by a power supply cord.
 
You need to study the relative requirements, if you want to design your electrical signs or apply your Safety Certification.
 
GCS Safety Team
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【Safety Certification】The Weight Limit of UL 1598 Luminaires

In accordance with UL 1598, the weights of a fixed luminaire intended to be directly mounted to an outlet box are:
(a) 22.7 kg (50 lb) for ceiling surface type;
(b) 11.4 kg (25 lb) for surface wall-mounted type.
 
[Note]
  • UL 1598, Luminaires
  • In the United States, the weight limit of a surface wall-mounted type luminaire is 22.7 kg (50 lb).
 
Please feel free to contact us for more safety information or safety certification.
​
GCS Safety Team
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【Safety Certification】The Risk Group of Photobiological Hazards in IEC / EN 62471
In accordance with the Standard of Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems, IEC/EN 62471, there are four Risk groups for photobiological hazards.
 
See the followings for the “Risk group” & “Photobiological hazards”:
  • Exempt Group:
the lamp does not pose any photobiological hazard for the end points in this standard.
  • Risk Group 1 (Low-Risk):
the lamp does not pose a hazard due to normal behavioral limitations on exposure.
  • Risk Group 2 (Moderate-Risk):
the lamp does not pose a hazard due to the aversion response to very bright light sources or due to thermal discomfort.
  • Risk Group 3 (High-Risk):
the lamp may pose a hazard even for momentary or brief exposure. Lamps which exceed the limits for Risk Group 2 (Moderate-Risk) are in Risk Group 3 (High-Risk).
[Note]
IEC/ EN 62471, Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems

GCS Safety Team
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【Safety Certification】The Light Source of UL Certification Horticultural Luminaires.
In accordance UL 8800, there are three light sources will be used in the horticultural luminaires.
 
The followings are the light sources and Standards shall comply with:
  • LED (Light Emitting Diode): UL 8800, UL 8750 for LED driver, LED array (module), LED control module, and LED package & UL 1993 for LED self-ballasted lamp.
  • Fluorescent: UL 8800 & “Fluorescent luminaires – supplementary requirements” in UL 1598.
  • HID (High-Intensity Discharge): UL 8800 & “HID luminaires – supplementary requirements” in UL 1598.
 
You need to study above Standards or contact your Safety Agent, if you intend to apply the UL Certification for Horticultural Luminaires
 
[Note]
  • UL 8800, Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems.
  • UL 1598: Luminaires.
  • UL 8750: Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products.
  • UL 1993: Self-Ballasted Lamps and Lamp Adapters.
GCS Safety Team
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​【Safety Certification】The Requirements of UL Certification for Horticultural Luminaires

A horticultural luminaire identified as such and intended to emit light at wavelengths that are intended for growing flowers, vegetables, and other plants. Horticultural luminaires may also supplement general illumination within the horticultural environment.
 
The main requirements used to investigate horticultural luminaires are:
  • UL 8800: basic.
  • UL 1598: mechanical & electrical construction.
  • UL 8750: LED light source.
  • IEC 60598-1: exposure to dust & water.
  • IEC 62471: photobiological safety assessment.
 
You need to study above Standards or contact your Safety Agent, if you intend to apply the UL Certification for Horticultural Luminaires
 
[Note]
  • UL CCN & Product name – IFAU, Horticultural Luminaires.
  • UL 8800, Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems.
  • UL 1598: Luminaires.
  • UL 8750: Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products.
  • IEC 60598-1: Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests.
  • IEC 62471: Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems.
GCS Safety Team
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【Safety Certification】
​About UL Certification for Horticultural Luminaires

In accordance with UL 8800, a horticultural luminaire identified as such and intended to emit light at wavelengths that are intended for growing flowers, vegetables, and other plants. Horticultural luminaires may also supplement general illumination within the horticultural environment.
 
The basic requirements used to investigate products in this category are contained in UL 8800, "Outline of Investigation for Horticultural Lighting Equipment." now, and UL 8800, "Standard for Safety, Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems" in the future.
 
Besides the mechanical and electrical safety of luminaires, UL horticultural luminaires also need to investigation the risk of optical injury to persons caused by light sources.
 
[Note]
  • UL 8800, Outline of Investigation for Horticultural Lighting Equipment
  • UL 8800, Standard for Safety, Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems
  • UL CCN & Product name – IFAU, Horticultural Luminaires.
 GCS Safety Team
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【Safety News】UL new Standard UL 8800 for Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems
 
Proposed adoption of the first edition of the Standard for UL 8800, Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems, was issued on 2019-03-01 and will be balloted by 2019-04-30.
 
This proposed first edition includes both U.S. and Canadian requirements intended to be applied in the investigation of equipment and systems for horticultural lighting to address safety needs in both the U.S. and Canadian markets for these products.
 
The first edition of UL 8800, Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems, is being proposed to be adopted as a U.S. and Canadian Standard for Safety.
 
[Note]
UL 8800, Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems.
GCS Safety Team
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【Safety Certification】
European Union /EU CE ATEX requirements for Luminaires in Commercial Refrigerating Appliances
In accordance with commercial refrigerating appliances of European Union /EU CE Standard EN 60335-2-89, the compression-type with unprotected cooling systems and which use flammable refrigerants, luminaires shall comply with the explosive atmospheres requirements of EN 60079-15.
 
[Note] European Union /EU CE Standards:
  • Luminaires: EN 60598-1.
  • Commercial refrigerating appliances: EN 60335-1 & EN 60335-2-89.
  • EN 60079-15, Explosive atmospheres – Part 15: Equipment protection by type of protection “n”。
 GCS Safety team
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​【Safety Certification Study】
​
About European Union CE “Ordinary Luminaires”

In accordance with EN 60598-1, the European CE Luminaires basic  Standard, “Ordinary luminaire” means a luminaire providing protection against accidental contact with live parts but without any other special protection against dust, solid objects or moisture, like indoor table luminaires、floor luminaires、pendants…
 
Different from "Ordinary luminaires" is the "Luminaires other than ordinary", which are luminaires providing protection against accidental contact with live parts and special protection against dust, solid objects or moisture, like luminaires for road and street lighting…
 
There are different requirements for construction, testing and marking between "Ordinary luminaires" and "Luminaires other than ordinary", therefore; before designing the luminaire and applying for the European Union CE luminaire safety certification, you must understand the requirements of the relevant chapters of the luminaire Standards.
 
[Note] European Union CE
  • luminaires basic Standard is EN 60598-1 "Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests".
  • luminaires for road and street lighting main Standard is EN 60598-2-3 "Luminaires – Part 2-3: Particular requirements - Luminaires for road and street lighting".
GCS Safety team
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【Safety Certification Study】
About European Union CE “General Purpose Luminaires”

In accordance with EN 60598-1, the European CE Luminaires basic  Standard, “General purpose luminaire” means luminaire which is not designed for a special purpose, like table luminaires、floor luminaires、pendants…;the main Safety Standards are EN 60598-2-1 for fixed general purpose luminaires and EN 60598-2-4 for portable general purpose luminaires.
 
Different from "General purpose luminaires" is the "Special purpose luminaires", which are designed for a special purpose, like luminaires for road and street lighting、aquarium luminaire、luminaires for emergency lighting…
 
Before applying for the European Union CE luminaire safety certification, it is necessary to confirm the applicable standard of the luminaires!
 
[Note] European Union CE
  • luminaires basic Standard is EN 60598-1 "Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests".
  • luminaires for road and street lighting main Standard is EN 60598-2-3 "Luminaires – Part 2-3: Particular requirements - Luminaires for road and street lighting".
  • aquarium luminaires main Standard is EN 60598-2-11 "Luminaires – Part 2-11: Particular requirements - Aquarium luminaires".
  • luminaires for emergency lighting main Standard is EN 60598-2-22 "Luminaires – Part 2-22: Particular requirements – Luminaires for emergency lighting".
GCS Safety team
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​【Safety Certification】CSA/ ETL/ UL VS. CE/LVD / EN
Strain relief requirement in Luminaires!
Luminaire shall be provided with strain relief so that a pull exerted on the power supply cord is not transmitted directly to a terminal splice, or interior wiring of the luminaires.
 
Luminaires in Safety of Europe (CE、VDE、TUV…) and North America (CSA、ETL、UL…) have strain relief requirements, but the content and test are quite different.
 
In Safety of North America (CSA、ETL、UL…), a knot in a flexible cord serves as strain relief is acceptable, but in Europe (CE、VDE、TUV…) is not acceptable.
 
You must to know when apply the Luminaire Safety Certification both for Europe (CE、VDE、TUV…) and North America (CSA、ETL、UL…).
 
 [Safety Standards]
  • The main safety standard for luminaires in North America of UL: UL 153 & UL 1598.
  • The main safety standard for luminaires in Europe of CE: EN 60598-1.
GCS Safety team
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【Safety Testing】
CSA/ ETL/ UL VS. CE/LVD / EN   Portable Luminaires Stability Test!
 In order to avoid the danger of accidental tipping over of the free standing luminaire when it is used, the portable luminaire in Europe and North America has stability requirements, but the angle and content are quite different. Simply share as following:
1. North America (CSA/ ETL/ UL):
(1) 8 degrees – Ordinary luminaires.
(2) 15 degrees – Luminaires with play value.
 
2. Europe (CE/LVD / EN):
(1) 6 degrees – All indoor use luminaires.
(2) 15 degrees – All outdoor use luminaires.
(2) 15 degrees – All indoor use luminaires; if fail, the Thermal test - abnormal operation will be tested.
 
 [Safety Standards]
  • The main safety standard for portable luminaires in North America: UL 153 & CSA C22.2 No. 250.4。
  • The main safety standard for portable luminaires in Europe:                 EN 60598-1 & EN 60598-2-4.
GCS Safety team
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【Standard News】
New requirements of UL 1598 (Standard for Luminaires)

 
In UL published CRD (Certification Requirement Decision) on 2018-06-16, UL 1598 will add new clause 20.5.2.
 
In new clause 20.5.2, the installation and assembly instructions may be provided on a publicly accessible web site!

GCS Safety Team

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【Standard News】
New requirements fo UL 153 (Standard for Portable Electric Luminaires)

 
In UL published CRD (Certification Requirement Decision) on 2018-06-07, UL 153 will add new clause 38.4 & 152A.
 
In new clause 38.4, a class 2 circuit may be permitted to use external surfaces of the portable luminaire to carry current!
 
GCS Safety Team

​DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE “GENERAL COVERAGE LUMINAIRE” OF UL 153 & UL 1598?
GENERAL COVERAGE LUMINAIRE is a luminaire that complies with the temperature test-exempt requirements and all applicable construction requirements in the Standard UL 153 or UL 1598 that do not require an engineering investigation.

​General coverage luminaires do not require a specific product description in the Procedure document and are evaluated at the authorized factory using the Standard as indicated in the UL Follow-Up Inspection Instructions or ETL Report.
​

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