What is UL 1961?

UL 1961 is a standard established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent safety science company. This standard pertains specifically to the performance and construction of flexible cord sets, which are widely used in various electrical and electronic devices.

The Purpose of UL 1961

The primary purpose of UL 1961 is to provide guidelines and requirements to ensure the safety and reliability of flexible cord sets. These cord sets are typically used to connect devices to power sources and have specific characteristics that need to be upheld to avoid potential hazards such as electrical shock or fire.

Key Requirements of UL 1961

UL 1961 outlines several key requirements that manufacturers must adhere to when designing and producing flexible cord sets:

Insulation: The cord set should have adequate insulation to prevent electrical leakage and reduce the risk of shock.

Mechanical Strength: The cord set must be able to withstand typical mechanical stresses such as bending, pulling, and twisting without compromising its electrical performance.

Markings: The cord set should be clearly labeled with important information, including manufacturer details, voltage rating, and any other relevant specifications.

Strain Relief: Proper strain relief mechanisms should be incorporated into the cord set design to prevent excessive stress on the cable connections.

Compliance and Certification

To ensure compliance with UL 1961, manufacturers undergo rigorous testing and inspection processes conducted by UL or other authorized certification bodies. Once a cord set meets all the requirements, it receives UL certification and can display the appropriate UL mark, indicating its compliance with safety standards.

Users and consumers should always look for the UL mark on flexible cord sets they purchase, as this assures them of the product's quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards.