Standard for Safety for Power Control Systems

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
Standards Development Organisation:
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Working Program:
View the UL work program
Designation Number:
ANSI/CAN/UL 3141
Standard Type:
National Standard of Canada - Domestic
Standard Sub-Type
Joint Canada-U.S. National Standard
Standard Development Activity:
New Standard
ICS code(s):
29.240.01; 29.240.30
Status:
Proceeding to development
SDO Comment Period Start Date:
SDO Comment Period End Date:
Posted On:

Scope:

These requirements cover Power Control Systems (PCS) used in Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems which include one or more power sources in addition to the primary power source, typically the utility grid. The requirements in this standard are intended to evaluate PCS that electronically control power or current flow within power distribution equipment, or within conductors at an external location, via use of external measurement and control device(s). The PCS may be designed for autonomous operation or may respond to external commands or schedules provided by authorized third parties. The PCS may include multiple external reference points used to control power or current on multiple conductors or bus bars. The products covered by these requirements are intended to be installed in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, CSA C22.1, and with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

Project need:

There is a need in Canada and the US for a standard to address Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems which are becoming increasingly complex and now include numerous mandatory grid support functions that control active or reactive power/currents. There is currently no comprehensive standard to address these Power Control Systems for the energy industry, including utilities, regulators, manufacturers, installers, and authorized personnel for distributed energy resource systems. The electrification of the transportation sector will place significant new demands on the utility grid increasing the importance of DER and load management in the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of the grid. An additional key issue addressed by this standard is the need for an increased level of functional reliability of DER and load management to prevent overloading of busbars and conductors on the premises wiring as well as utility owned assets serving the facility.

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.