What is UL 1163 ?

Title: What is UL 1163 and UL 1137? A Guide to Electrical Safety Standards

Introduction:

When it comes to cooking, ovens are an essential tool for many people. However, their use can also pose a risk of fire, electric shock, and other hazards. To mitigate these risks, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has established various technical standards for microwave ovens, including UL 1163 and UL 1137. In this article, we will discuss the purpose and importance of these standards, as well as the key requirements of UL 1163 and UL 1137.

UL 1163: The Safety Standard for Microwave Ovens

UL 1163 is a technical standard published by UL that pertains to the construction and performance requirements of microwave ovens. The standard was established to ensure that microwave ovens meet certain safety and operational criteria, such as minimizing the risk of fire, electric shock, and other hazards associated with their usage.

The primary objective of UL 1163 is to minimize the risk of fire, electric shock, and other hazards associated with microwave oven usage. The standard focuses on various aspects such as electrical components, radiation emissions, insulation, and overall construction quality to guarantee safe operation for consumers. The key requirements of UL 1163 include:

1. Electrical Components: The standard requires that all electrical components of the microwave oven be listed for compatibility and suitability, and that the oven have an appropriate circuit breaker to prevent overheating.

2. Radiation Emissions: The standard limits the amount of radiation emitted from the microwave oven to prevent thermal overload and fires.

3. Insulation: The standard requires that the microwave oven be constructed with adequate insulation to prevent heat from leaking out and igniting other materials.

4. Overall Construction Quality: The standard specifies the materials and construction techniques used in the oven to ensure their durability and stability.

UL 1137: The Standard for Electrical Safety in Commercial and Industrial Settings

UL 1137 is another technical standard published by UL that pertains to the construction, installation, and maintenance of electrical equipment used in hazardous locations, such as areas where flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or combustible dust particles may be present.

The primary objective of UL 1137 is to prevent fires, explosions, and other accidents caused by the ignition of these hazardous substances due to electrical equipment. The standard covers various aspects of electrical safety, including the design and testing of equipment, selection of suitable materials, proper wiring, grounding techniques, and the use of protective measures such as enclosures and seals.

Compliance with UL 1137 ensures that electrical equipment can be safely operated in potentially dangerous environments.

Conclusion:

UL 1163 and UL 1137 are important technical standards published by UL that pertain to the construction and performance requirements of microwave ovens. These standards were established to ensure the safety and reliability of microwave ovens, as well as their ability to operate safely in potentially dangerous environments. Compliance with these standards is essential for the safety and well-being of consumers and workers who may be in close proximity to the ovens.