UL 94, “Standard for Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances,” has just been modified by the 12/7/2011 revision. Changes are noted in the margins of the 20-page document. It amounts to a change notice for the 1996 standard, one of 14 that have been released since the original publication of the document.
These revisions to ANSI/UL 94 are being issued to address the following changes in requirements:
Clarification of the VTM Test Procedure
Harmonization of Conditioning Time and Temperature
Harmonization of Gas Supply
Editorial Revisions
Additionally, three paragraphs, 8.1.2, 8.3.2, and 11.1.1, will become effective as of October 23, 2012.
The UL 94 covers tests for flammability of plastic materials used for parts in devices and appliances. The tests are intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their acceptability with respect to flammability for a particular application.
The methods described in the document involve standard size specimens and are intended to be used solely to measure and describe the flammability properties of materials, used in devices and appliances, in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions. The actual response to heat and flame of materials depends upon the size and form, and also on the end-use of the product using the material.
The standard also allows for assessment of other important characteristics in the end-use application including factors such as ease of ignition, burning rate, flame spread, fuel contribution, intensity of burning, and products of combustion.
The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use in complete equipment that conforms with the standards applicable to such equipment. The flammability classification required of a material is dependent upon the equipment or device involved and the particular use of the material. The performance level of a material determined by these methods shall not be assumed to correlate with its performance in end-use application.
If found to be appropriate, the requirements can be applied to other nonmetallic materials. However, these requirements do not cover plastics when used as materials for building construction or finishing.
A product that contains features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems new or different from those covered by the requirements in UL 94, and that involves a risk of fire or of electric shock or injury to persons shall be evaluated using appropriate additional component and end-product requirements to maintain the level of safety as originally anticipated by the intent of the standard.
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