Standard for Ultraviolet (UV) Germicidal Equipment and Systems

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements apply to ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) equipment and systems intended for installation and use in accordance with the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70 and in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CEC), CSA C22.1. These requirements cover:

a) UV Germicidal Equipment – These devices emit uncontained UV energy into the surrounding area while the space or room being treated may be occupied. The UV overexposure risk may be mitigated by one or more safeguards. Examples of such safeguards include a fixed installation at a minimum height above the floor, and directional baffling to minimize direct UV emissions towards the occupied space when direct emission is not permitted. This equipment may also produce visible light. See Part 1 of this standard.

b) UV Emitter Assemblies – These devices emit UV uncontained energy into the surrounding area while the space being treated is vacant (i.e., not occupied by persons). Alternatively, these devices can be built into germicidal equipment as components. These assemblies are not considered stand-alone devices; they are intended for use as part of a UV germicidal system. This equipment may also produce visible light. See Part 2 of this standard.

c) UV Germicidal Systems – These systems are intended to expose surfaces within an unoccupied area with uncontained UV energy where the exposure dose would otherwise pose a risk of personal injury to occupants. System components include UV emitters, switches, sensors and other controls acting as site or equipment safeguards. The installation and operating instructions are considered an integral system component. A system may also include devices that produce visible light. See Part 3 of this standard.

d) UV Germicidal Retrofit Kits – These devices are retrofit kits which facilitate replacement of the light source of a General Lighting Service (GLS) luminaire with a UV emitter assembly. These retrofit kits emit UV energy into the surrounding area while the space being treated may be occupied. The UV overexposure risk may be mitigated by the exclusive use of UV sources that are compliant with ‘Risk Group 0 (Exempt)’ level(s) in accordance with the photobiological assessment for the device. The UV source may also produce visible light. See Part 4 of this standard.

e) Contained UV Germicidal Equipment – These devices include an integral enclosed UV source(s) to treat air flowing through it. The UV overexposure risk may be mitigated through UV source containment by the use of baffles, louvers or similar means to minimize UV emissions from the equipment. This equipment also produces visible light. See Part 5 of this standard.

NOTE – Contained UV Germicidal Equipment that does not produce visible light is generally covered under CSA C22.2 No. 113/UL 507 or CSA C22.2 No. 187/ UL 867.

1.2 Parts 1 through 4 of this standard do not cover:

a) Equipment intended for use in dwellings; or

b) Portable equipment.

NOTE: In regard to item ‘a’, dwelling refers to the defined term from NFPA 70 and hence does not exclude spaces of transient occupancy where the equipment is expected to be installed and maintained by qualified service personnel.

1.3 This standard does not cover hand-held equipment.

1.4 Products generating ultraviolet radiation are intended for use in accordance with Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 1000 through 1004, and section 1005.25.

NOTE: These regulations include reporting of Accidental Radiation Occurrences, notification to FDA and customers of a radiation safety defect and corresponding plan for corrective action for FDA approval, and designation of a U.S. agent for imported lamps.

1.5 This standard does not apply to UV equipment covered by other (UL or CSA) standards for safety. The equipment not covered by this standard include:

a) Laboratory and health care equipment with UV emitters are covered under the scope of the CSA C22.2 No. 61010 or UL 61010 series of standards; and

b) Horticultural luminaires with UV emitters covered under the scope of UL 8800.

1.6 Equipment that emit electromagnetic energy with wavelengths outside of the 200 – 400 nm range are not fully addressed by this standard, and may require an additional evaluation.

1.7 These requirements address risk of personal injury due to overexposure to UV emissions. To address other safety considerations (e.g., risk of fire or electric shock, or personal injury risks besides UV overexposure) this standard shall be used in conjunction with one of the luminaire standards specified below for devices covered in their respective scopes absent electromagnetic emissions outside of the visible light spectrum. All construction, performance and marking requirements of the standards specified below (see Referenced Publications) shall also apply unless specifically superseded by a requirement in this standard:

a) CSA C22.2 No. 250.0 / UL 1598, for Part 1 – Part 5 devices;

b) CSA C22.2 No. 250.2 / UL 2108, for Part 1 – Part 5 devices; or

c) CSA C22.2 No. 250.4 / UL 153, for Part 5 devices.

1.8 In this standard, the CSA standard reference applies to products intended for use in Canada, while the UL standard reference applies to products intended for use in the United States. Combined references are separated by a slash (“ / ”).

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