What is UL60335-2-338?

UL60335-2-338 is a set of safety standards created by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for household appliances. It specifically addresses the safety requirements for charging units used in electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. These charging units are commonly known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).

The Purpose of UL60335-2-338

The main purpose of UL60335-2-338 is to ensure the safety of both users and property when using EVSE. This standard sets guidelines that manufacturers must follow to ensure their charging units comply with the necessary safety requirements. By adhering to these guidelines, manufacturers can improve the overall quality and safety of their products.

Key Requirements of UL60335-2-338

UL60335-2-338 covers various aspects related to the design, construction, and testing of EVSE. Here are some key requirements outlined in this standard:

Protection against electric shock: The chargers must be designed to prevent electric shock hazards to users.

Protection against overheating: Measures should be in place to prevent the unit from overheating during operation.

Protection against mechanical hazards: Chargers should be constructed in a way that minimizes potential dangers resulting from moving parts or sharp edges.

Protection against environmental factors: EVSE should be able to withstand specific environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and dust.

Protection against abnormal operation: The charger should have safety features to detect and handle abnormal situations, such as short circuits or voltage surges.

Compliance and Certification

To ensure that EVSE meets the UL60335-2-338 standards, manufacturers can opt for voluntary certification processes. UL and other recognized certification bodies assess products against the requirements of this standard. Once a product successfully passes all the necessary tests and inspections, it can receive the appropriate certification mark, indicating compliance with the UL60335-2-338 safety standards.