What is UL 879 ?

Title: What is UL 879? A Technical Article on Safety Requirements for Electrical Heated Blankets

Introduction

The use of electrically heated blankets has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency. However, the use of these blankets also poses certain safety risks, such as the risk of overheating, electrical shocks, or fire outbreaks. To mitigate these risks, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has established UL 879, a widely known standard for the safety requirements of electrically heated blankets.

Purpose of UL 879

The primary purpose of UL 879 is to ensure the safety of electrically heated blankets available in the market. It sets forth rigorous testing procedures and performance requirements that manufacturers must adhere to in order to obtain UL certification for their products. The standard aims to minimize the risks associated with the use of electric blankets and prevent potential hazards such as overheating, electrical shocks, or fire outbreaks.

Key Requirements of UL 879

UL 879 provides several key requirements for manufacturers to meet in order to obtain certification:

Electrical Safety: The product must be designed and manufactured to minimize the risk of electrical shock and fire. This includes ensuring that the product is resistant to electrical currents, and that all electrical components are listed and labeled.

Heating Performance: The product must be able to provide a safe and effective means of heating. This includes ensuring that the product is able to maintain its temperature within safe limits, and that it does not overheat.

Fire Resistance: The product must be able to withstand an applicable fire test, which is designed to assess the product's ability to prevent fire or minimize the damage caused by fire.

Durability: The product must be able to withstand the expected use and conditions, including exposure to water, sunlight, and other environmental factors.

Traceability: The manufacturer must be able to demonstrate that they have implemented the requirements of UL 879 and provide documentation that demonstrates compliance with the standard.

Conclusion

UL 879 is an essential standard for ensuring the safety of electrically heated blankets. By adhering to the key requirements of the standard, manufacturers can provide their customers with safe and reliable products that minimize the risk of electrical shocks, fires, and other safety hazards. Understanding UL 879 is crucial for both manufacturers and consumers, as it helps to ensure the safety and reliability of electrically heated blankets.