What is UL 498-2004?

UL 498-2004, also known as the Standard for Safety of Attachment Plugs and Receptacles, is a widely recognized standard in the electrical industry. This standard, developed by Underwriter Laboratories (UL), sets the safety requirements for attachment plugs, receptacles, and similar devices.

The Purpose of UL 498-2004

The primary goal of UL 498-2004 is to ensure the safety of electrical connections. It specifies performance and construction requirements for attachment plugs and receptacles, including ratings, configurations, and markings. The standard covers various types of plugs and sockets, from simple household ones to more complex industrial designs.

Key Requirements of UL 498-2004

UL 498-2004 outlines several key requirements that attachment plugs and receptacles must meet:

Current-carrying capacity: The plugs and receptacles must be able to safely handle the maximum current they are rated for. This ensures that they do not overheat or create any electrical hazards.

Durability: The devices should withstand normal wear and tear, including repeated insertion and removal without any degradation in performance.

Dielectric voltage-withstand: They must be able to withstand a specified voltage without any electrical breakdown, ensuring insulation integrity.

Grounding: Proper grounding is crucial for safety. UL 498-2004 specifies the requirements for grounding contacts and their placement in plugs and receptacles.

Temperature rise: The standard establishes limits on the temperature rise of plugs and receptacles during normal operation to prevent overheating.

Testing and Certification

To ensure compliance with UL 498-2004, manufacturers submit their products for testing and certification by recognized testing laboratories. These tests assess factors like current capacity, contact resistance, durability, and temperature rise. If the product meets all the requirements, it receives UL certification, indicating its compliance with the standard.

UL 498-2004 plays a vital role in ensuring electrical safety and preventing accidents caused by faulty plugs or receptacles. Its rigorous requirements and testing procedures provide consumers with confidence that the devices they use meet stringent safety standards. Manufacturers must adhere to this standard to deliver safe and reliable electrical products to the market.