Standard for Safety for PV (Photovoltaic) Luminaire Systems

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
Standards Development Organisation:
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Working Program:
View the UL work program
Designation Number:
ANSI/CAN/UL 8801
Standard Type:
National Standard of Canada - Domestic
Standard Sub-Type
Joint Canada-U.S. National Standard
Standard Development Activity:
New Standard
ICS code(s):
91.160.01
Status:
Proceeding to development
SDO Comment Period Start Date:
SDO Comment Period End Date:
Posted On:

Scope:

The requirements in this proposed new standard apply to lighting systems that include one or more PV (photovoltaic) modules, storage batteries, one or more luminaires, and controls to manage the energy flow between these devices. They are not interactive with the utility grid and do not supply power to remote equipment. They can be fixed-in-place or portable, but are not handheld devices (i.e., flashlights or lanterns). They are intended to be installed in accordance with the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70 and in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CEC), CSA C22.1.

Project need:

To establish requirements for the safe interoperability of devices that generate, store, and consume electricity to provide illumination independent of the normal utility grid. There are fire risks associated with the heat that may be generated by these systems, if not properly designed or produced with sufficient quality control. There can also be electric shock injury risks if designs exceed the voltage limits proposed by these requirements, and such exceedances do not appear necessary for these systems to achieve their desired functionality. Establishing a standard to reduce and eliminate these risks will promote public trust and confidence, thus aiding acceptance and deployment.

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.