The importance of adhesive system evaluation in electrical equipment
Electrical equipment component evaluations help reduce the risk of electric shock, fire and injury. Adhesive certification provides value for end-product manufacturers in terms of cost savings, meeting compliance requirements, accelerating market access, and reducing liability and risk across the entire supply chain.
Adhesives are used in a wide range of electric equipment, including:
- Household appliances
- Electric signs
- Luminaires
- Electric vehicle charging systems
- Photovoltaics
- Wire positioning devices
These essential components must meet the requirements of applicable industry standards and specifications. Adhesives intended to secure the structural parts of a device or applied during the installation of a component are tested in accordance with the following category:
|
Category name |
Standard(s) |
Category code number (CCN) |
|
Polymeric Adhesive Systems, Electrical Equipment – Component |
ANSI/UL 746C, Standard Polymeric Materials for use in Electrical Equipment |
Manufacturers create adhesives in various forms (e.g., liquid/paste or film/tapes), allowing installers to select the best type for their design and manufacturing processes. Polymeric adhesives can also be used as a supplement or alternative to traditional mechanical fasteners where applicable.
A suitable adhesive is usually selected based on the bond strength required to join parts. This critical property is established according to the environmental conditions the product may be exposed to. Bond strength is determined in accordance with ASTM test methods and based on the form of the materials evaluated (e.g., shear strength for rigid materials or peel strength for flexible materials).
Polymeric adhesive testing and certification with UL Solutions
Our experts conduct polymeric adhesive evaluations for a wide selection of maximum operating temperatures and surface combinations that align with the adhesive and material substrate.
End-use applications:
- Indoor use for high humidity environments with a minimum temperature of 0°C (32°F).
- Outdoor use for high-humidity environments and occasional exposure to water with a minimum temperature of -35°C (-31°F).
Conditions for acceptable adhesives
Guidelines for end products and suitable adhesives will be included in your report under conditions of acceptability. These conditions generally cover acceptable voltage, temperature and optional ratings.
View the conditions of acceptability in our UL Product iQ® database.
UL Solutions Follow-Up Services
All UL Recognized Component polymeric adhesive systems fall under the UL Solutions Follow-Up Services program, which states that UL Certified products must continue to be manufactured in compliance with UL Solutions requirements.
Why choose UL Solutions for polymeric adhesive testing and certification?
Failures are rarely apparent when components are tested individually. UL Solutions is uniquely positioned to provide a detailed view of how products function within a given system. This is particularly critical in the plastics and components industry, as interactions between substances, parts, systems and the environment can cause significant hazards.
Our technical experts can also help align your products to the appropriate UL certification category and the applicable standards. This helps manufacturers of UL Certified products more easily source components that meet their compliance requirements and project specifications.
Additionally, our worldwide presence allows us to provide you and your team with local services. You’ll have access to our global network of experts, who will support you in your drive to protect public safety and brand value.
With our trustworthy reputation, certification by UL Solutions provides an important product differentiator in a crowded marketplace, helping you to communicate your products’ safety and performance compliance to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), purchasers and regulatory authorities.
Choosing us as your single-source provider and selecting service bundles can help you save time and costs associated with testing. Our integrated testing and certification services are designed to foster innovation, address a wide variety of key business needs that may arise throughout your product’s life cycle, and help you achieve your go-to-market plans more efficiently.
Standards
ANSI/UL 746C, Standard Polymeric Materials for use in Electrical Equipment
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