Key insight and knowledge into the transition of UL 1604 to ANSI C12.12.01 to help you navigate complex hazardous location testing requirements
On July 31, 2012, UL 1604 – Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2, and Class III Hazardous (Classified) Locations – will be withdrawn. It will be replaced with ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 – Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2 and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations. ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 is similar to UL1604, but more stringent.
Following are some of the key changes:
Clause 1: Scope
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 expands the nominal ambient from to -25°C – 40°C, from 5°C – 40°C in UL 1604.
Clause 5: Requirements for Class I, Division 2 equipment
Unlike UL1604, ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 specifically calls out standards UL 50 and NEMA 250 in the case where the unit needs to be considered for weatherproofing and general protection from corrosion.
Clause 7: Non-incendive circuits and non-incendive field wiring
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 adds the concept of evaluating non-incendive field wiring apparatus (entity parameters) to the Class I Division 2 evaluation. Sections 7.4 -7.7 discuss how this evaluation is to be performed and how to establish limits for these parameters. This is similar to the entity concept used in both UL 913 and UL 60079-11.
Clause 9: Marking
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 adds a section on markings for non-incendive field wiring apparatus.
Section 10: Surface temperature requirements
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 adds small component exception for when components under a certain size exceed the temperature code. This exception is similar to the exception in UL 913 and was not present in UL 1604.
Section 12: Evaluation of non-incendive components
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 adds additional detail to the non-incendive component test. It is essentially the same test, just includes more information on how to perform the test.
Section 13: Evaluation of sealed device
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 adds an alternate air leakage test where the test sample shall be shown to leak less than the required leak rate with a suitable leak rate detector. This test method is in addition to two other test methods that were in UL 1604. Passing one of these tests is sufficient for compliance.
Section 14: Evaluation of enclosures for Class II and III
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 adds an alternate method for testing dust tight enclosures – the circulating dust method. This test method is again in addition to two other test methods that were present in UL 1604. Passing one of these test methods is sufficient for compliance.
Section 15: Drop tests and impact tests
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 adds an impact test to the standard that is not included in UL1604. This is a standard impact test that uses a 25mm steel ball.
Section 16: Manufacturer’s instruction manual
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 adds this section to outline what is to be included in the manufacturer’s instructional material to emphasize the precautions required when operating the equipment in a Division 2 location. Among various warning markings, is a table that details the safety-related components and a warning marking that states that substitution of the components may impair suitability for Division 2.
After July 31, 2012, new U.S.-bound products will need to be tested and certified to ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000. Existing UL1604-certified products may remain listed – please note that OSHA no longer recognizes this standard – until a significant technical change is made to the product. A significant technical change is defined as any change that may impact a product’s compliance with the former or the current standard.
Find out more about requirements, cost, and lead time for Hazardous Location testing and certification.
Hello,
What does the obsolescence of UL1604 mean for the products designed according to UL1604 that have not been altered and are shipped today? Is there a mandate to re-certify to the 12.12.01? No grandfather clause?
Is there a US legislation or other regulation stating that only the newest standard has to be declared on the product? Especially if it was not changed?
Thanks for your guidance and pointers.
Kind regards,
Boris
After July 31, 2012, new U.S.-bound products need to be tested and certified to ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000. Existing UL1604-certified products may remain listed until a significant technical change is made to the product. We recommend you check with your agency to confirm that their policy aligns with this guidance.