March 21, 2019
By Joe Musso, Standards Program Manager
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STP 325 – DOOR, DRAPERY, GATE, LOUVER, AND WINDOW OPERATORS AND SYSTEMS – A set of 11 proposals was circulated for ballot Q3 2018. Nine of the topics reached consensus, but with seven topics receiving comments that need to be recirculated. Comment resolution is still active, with recirculation expected Q1 2019.
STP 484 – A new proposal topic covering a revision to dielectric strength test requirements was circulated for preliminary STP review January 4, 2019, closing February 4. The proposal received minimal comments and will be balloted in March.
STP 507 - ELECTRIC FANS – The task group formed to continue work on a proposal submitted from the CPSC to include a new thermal condition performance test for unattended fans continues to make progress. CPSC is leading the task group, which completed development of a proposal for consideration by the STP and public. The proposal was discussed at the STP 507 Meeting on February 26, 2019, in Clearwater Beach, FL.
STP 749 – HOUSEHOLD DISHWASHERS – The new (11th) Edition was published November 20, 2018. The next revision cycle has not been initiated.
STP 858 – HOUSEHOLD ELECTRIC RANGES – Two new proposals, including an update to the surface element turn-off requirements and a clarification for the off marking and heat setting requirement, were posted for ballot Q4 2018. Both topics reached consensus, with several comments received on the surface element topic; that topic will need to be recirculated during Q1 2019.
NEW JOINT TASK GROUP BEING FORMED!
A joint task group (JTG) is being formed to develop requirements that address the potential hazards associated with user interface (UI) / actuators / components / sensors that are intended for use on household electric and gas cooktops, either independently or as a system. Using a system approach, the proposed requirements are intended to focus on the interoperability and interaction of these devices with the end-use appliance, so there is not an increased risk of fire when these devices are used with the appliance. Examples of devices include, but are not limited to, after-market appliance controls, voice-operated controls, and remote software updates using the UL 5500 requirements.
STP 923 – MICROWAVE COOKING APPLIANCES – The revisions intended to address the potential risks associated with handling hot food and beverage items by young children in connection with microwave oven usage were published February 13, 2019. This proposal is the result of a task group that worked diligently to get to this point.
A separate revision to add requirements for smart-enabled microwave ovens was published January 3, 2019.
STP 982 – MOTOR-OPERATED HOUSEHOLD FOOD PREPARING MACHINES – A series of 9 new proposal topics was posted for STP ballot in Q3 and Q4 2018. Topics address requirements related to the following:
- Clarification of applicability of self-holding protector abnormal operation test
- Smart enabled machines
- Vacuum blender
- Feed opening accessibility
- Electric knife unintentional operation
- Interlocked blender cover opening equivalent area
- Food processors with momentary contact switch
- Input test
- Soup making blenders
SAVE THE DATE!
Comments received during STP ballot of the above topics will be discussed at an STP 982 Meeting on April 25, 2019, at UL’s Northbrook Office.
STP 1017 - VACUUM CLEANERS, BLOWER CLEANERS, AND HOUSEHOLD FLOOR FINISHING MACHINES - A new revision cycle is underway. Work is ongoing, with the next THC meeting scheduled for March 2019. Once the compiled draft proposals are ready, the next step will be to circulate the document for review by the consensus bodies and public.
STP 2595 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BATTERY-POWERED APPLIANCES – The new (3rd) edition of UL/CSA 2595 has been developed and was circulated for preliminary STP review in 2018. The new edition will integrate, update and clarify a number of requirements related to maximum rated voltages, use of general purpose batteries, general conditions of test requirements, normal charging of lithium-ion systems, power switches and products powered or charged by universal serial bus (USB) power sources. A significant number of comments were received, which are currently being considered by the Technical Harmonization Committee. It is anticipated that the proposed new edition will be posted for ballot in the first quarter of 2019.
STP 60335-2-40 – HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES – SAFETY – PART 2-40: PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL HEAT PUMPS, AIR-CONDITIONERS AND DEHUMIDIFIERS – The international harmonization working group (CANENA 61D Work Group 10) addressed preliminary review comments received on the initial draft of the proposed new (3rd) Edition. Upon completion of that work, the proposed new edition was circulated for STP ballot with a closing date of February 5, 2019. The proposed new edition reached consensus with comments. The working group will now hold a series of meetings to review and address all ballot comments prior to recirculation, likely in Q2 2019.