Standard for Safety for Power Banks

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
Standards Development Organisation:
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Working Program:
View the UL work program
Designation Number:
ANSI/CAN/UL 2056
Standard Type:
National Standard of Canada - Domestic
Standard Sub-Type
Joint Canada-U.S. National Standard
Standard Development Activity:
New Standard
ICS code(s):
29.220.10; 29.220.20; 29.220.30
Status:
Proceeding to development
SDO Comment Period Start Date:
SDO Comment Period End Date:
Posted On:

Scope:

Note: The title and scope of this Notice of Intent (originally published on March 26, 2019) was updated by the responsible SDO on July 16, 2024.


These requirements cover power banks, sometimes also known as portable USB chargers or portable back-up battery power, which are standalone devices that incorporate primary or secondary batteries for mobile powering of low voltage electronic devices. 

These requirements cover products with the following power characteristics for indoor use only:

a) Input: Supplied by isolated dc power source rated maximum 60 Vdc; or Supplied by ac mains power source, through direct plug-in construction.

b) Output: Provides USB dc output(s) rated maximum 60 Vdc (from USB and similar universal interfaces); and

c) The rated watt-hour rating of the power bank does not exceed 100 Wh.

These requirements are intended to reduce the risk of fire or explosion of power banks.

These requirements also cover products with integral photovoltaic cells as a power source.

These requirements do not cover products under the scope of the Standard for Portable Power Packs, UL 2743.

Project need:

There is a present gap and need for a standard that addresses the necessary safety and quality management requirements for power banks for both Canada and the United States. There have been several recalls and documented safety incidences for power banks, including fire and burn hazards associated with use of these devices, resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. With the growing demand for portable power to charge mobile technologies, it is imperative that power banks be properly assessed to a safety standard. This standard will establish the necessary safety and quality management requirements and drive consistency in the evaluation of power banks.

Note: The information provided above was obtained by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and is provided as part of a centralized, transparent notification system for new standards development. The system allows SCC-accredited Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), and members of the public, to be informed of new work in Canadian standards development, and allows SCC-accredited SDOs to identify and resolve potential duplication of standards and effort.

Individual SDOs are responsible for the content and accuracy of the information presented here. The text is presented in the language in which it was provided to SCC.