UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 2012

UL Sign Industry Business Panel Meeting

UL NBK – Columbian Room

February 29, March 1, 2012

Agenda

Welcome, Introductions, An Overview of UL

Item 1 - Variation Notice Analysis and Discussion

Item 2 – UL48 Standards Update

Item 3 – Rebuild Sign Program Changes

Item 4 – Retrofit Sign Programs

Item 5 – Title 24 Program

Item 6 – Action Items, Future Topics and Next meeting

2

© 2011 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

About Us

An Overview of UL

November 2011

WE ARE A GLOBAL FORCE

FOR GOODAt UL, our mission of working for a

safer world since 1894 is at the core of

everything we do.

- Advancing safety through careful research

and investigation- Preventing or reducing loss of life

and property- Promoting safe living and working

environments for all people

4

DELIVERING UNMATCHED EXPERTISE & THOUGHT

LEADERSHIPFrom the adoption of electricity to the

advent of wireless interoperability, UL is the

leading voice for global safety. Our deep

knowledge and expertise make us

invaluable in:

- Developing standards- Creating codes- Researching safety breakthroughs- Helping customers design, produce,

package and sell safer products

5

Our Marks are on more than 23 billion

products worldwide, per year, signaling

peace of mind to consumers, customers,

businesses and governments.

WE PROVIDE GLOBAL MARKET

ACCEPTANCE

6

SAFETY IS EVOLVING

SO IS ULWith the definition of safety

constantly advancing, UL has

expanded our focus to include

an unparalleled breadth of

offerings. Our goal is to better

help your business meet the

shifting needs of a changing world.

7

UL offers an extensive array of

services to our diverse customers

that support every stage of the

product life cycle, from the testing

of new technologies to

market access.

PROVIDING SERVICES FOR

A SAFER WORLD

8

Agenda

Welcome, Introductions, An Overview of UL

Item 1 - Variation Notice Analysis and Discussion

Item 2 – UL48 Standards Update

Item 3 – Rebuild Sign Program Changes

Item 4 – Retrofit Sign Programs

Item 5 – Title 24 Program

Item 6 – Action Items, Future Topics and Next meeting

9

Variation Notice Analysis

This purpose of analyzing the VN data and trends is to help shape our future programs, specifically:

• Follow Up Service – provide tools and information for our FUS staff to better train them so they can coach our customers

• Follow Up Service – provide feedback to our customers to help reduce the number and nature of VNs and ultimately lower their ongoing costs

• Examine our ‘one free VN program’ and determine it’s effectiveness as an incentive program and to help us make decisions about future modifications

–

10

VN Trend Analysis 2005 - 2011

Timing of several key events created the right environment for a significant drop in VNs from 2008-09

• 2005 & 2006 VN analysis

• June 2008 Sign Association Letter

• IMP initiative in 2008

• Task Fee changes

• Staff Competency and Qualification process

• Gage R & R Study, Sign AAA Study

• Technology Changes LED

• MTR Online Training

11

VN Trend Analysis 2005 - 2011

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2009 VN Causes

13

Typo

ConstructionComponentUse of MarkComplianceCalibrationQuality ProgramTraceabilityotherDocumentation

Category

Pie Chart of VN Item Cause 2009

2010 VN Causes

14

Typo

ConstructionComponentComplianceUse of MarkCalibrationTraceabilityDocumentationotherQuality Program

Category

Pie Chart of VN Item Cause 2010

2011 VN Causes

15

Typo

ConstructionComplianceComponentUse of MarkCalibrationotherTraceabilityQuality ProgramDocumentation

Category

Pie Chart of VN Item Cause 2011

Items per VN 2008

16

VN Count 584 320 187 166 109Percent 42.8 23.4 13.7 12.2 8.0Cum % 42.8 66.2 79.9 92.0 100.0

Items per VN 45321

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

VN

Count

Perc

ent

Pareto - Items per VN 2008

Items per VN 2009

17

VN Count 310 182 104 77 65Percent 42.0 24.7 14.1 10.4 8.8Cum % 42.0 66.7 80.8 91.2 100.0

Items per VN 45321

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

VN

Count

Perc

ent

Pareto - Items per VN 2009

Items per VN 2010

18

VN Count 239 117 82 57 32Percent 45.4 22.2 15.6 10.8 6.1Cum % 45.4 67.6 83.1 93.9 100.0

Items per VN 45321

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

VN

Count

Perc

ent

Pareto - Items per VN 2010

Items per VN 2011

19

VN Count 214 111 69 49 48Percent 43.6 22.6 14.1 10.0 9.8Cum % 43.6 66.2 80.2 90.2 100.0

Items on VN 54321

500

400

300

200

100

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

VN

Count

Perc

ent

Pareto - Items per VN 2011

Top Ten Reasons for VNs

n Wiring not supported off the bottom of the sign by ½’’

n Ballast / transformer not mounted ½’ off sign bottom

n Drain holes not provided or not de-burred

n No strain relief (knot) provided

n Gaps in raceways exceed 1/8’’

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Top Ten Reasons for VNs, continued

n Ground lead - either not provided or connected to sign body or

connected to a a serviceable part, such as a transformer

n Improper use of wire nuts

n Sharp edges in wire-ways

n LED Driver overloaded or not in accordance with manufacturers

installation instruction

n Components not in SAM, misused or modified (see below)

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“We can’t go back and start a new beginning, but we can start today and create a new ending”

Anonymous

Next Steps; ideas, thoughts, suggestions

1. Leave Program as is until ……. October 2012

2. Review input from Sign Associations – two strikes

3. Continue analysis with six sigma black belt

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Agenda

Welcome, Introductions, An Overview of UL

Item 1 - Variation Notice Analysis and Discussion

Item 2 – UL48 Standards Update

Item 3 – Rebuild Sign Program Changes

Item 4 – Retrofit Sign Programs

Item 5 – Title 24 Program

Item 6 – Action Items, Future Topics and Next meeting

24

UL48 Standards Updates

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UL48 Standards Updates….

UL 48 (Electric Signs)Standards Activity• 15th edition published Sep. 2, 2011• ANSI approved standard• No current standards proposals

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UL 48 Standards Updates…..

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UL 879A – LED Sign and Sign Retrofit Kits – standards activity• Outline

– 1st issue Outline published June 26, 2002– 2nd issue Outline published May 31, 2006

• Standard– Proposed 1st edition went out for preliminary

review on Jan. 18, 2012 with comments due Feb. 9. 2012

– Over 40 comments received

UL48 Standards Updates….

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PUBLICATION OF 15th EDITION

201115th Edition

19171st Edition

UL 48 15th Edition Organization

Section 1 - Scope

Section 2 – Glossary of Terms (Definitions)

Section 3 – General Component Policy

Section 4 – Construction Requirements

Section 5 – Performance Tests

Section 6 – Production Line Tests

Section 7 – Markings

Section 8 – Installation Instructions

Appendix – List of Component Standards

Section 4 – Construction Requirements

Section 4.1 – Mechanical

Section 4.2 – Electrical

Section 4.3 – Devices and Components

Section 4.4 – Supplemental

Section 4 – Construction Requirements

Section 4.1 – Mechanical

• Material Requirements (Metal, Polymeric)

• Corrosion Protection

• Enclosures and Enclosure Openings (Drain/Vent)

• Sign Bodies and Sign Faces

• Fastening Requirements

• Sign Mounting and Support

Section 4 – Construction Requirements

Section 4.2 – Electrical

• Accessibility

• Wire, Cord, and Cable

• Electrical and Thermal Spacings

• Grounding and Bonding

• Wiring

• Splices and Connections

• Barriers and Bushings

Section 4 – Construction Requirements

Section 4.3 – Devices and Components

• General

• Overcurrent Devices

• Switches and Controls

• Disconnect Switches

• Receptacles

• Sign Rotators and Clocks

• Transformers, Ballasts, and Power Supplies

• Fans, Heaters, and Air Conditioners

Section 4 – Construction Requirements

Section 4.4 – Supplemental

• Cord Connected Signs

• Class 2 Signs

• Canopy, Trailer, Awning, and Section Signs

• Residential Neon Signs

• Rebuilt Signs

• Skeleton Neon Tubing

UL 48 BULLETIN ISSUED FEB 17, 2012

Dated February 17, 2012 Announces Effective Date Change of Sign Program Announces New FUII Pages to Correlate with 15th Edition Announces New 15th Edition Training Module

UL 48 Upgrades in Requirements

Markings Installation Instructions Metal Thickness (ISA) Implementation of Table 4.2

Documentation Package – Electrical Schematic or Wiring Diagram – Note 3

** Note 3: Schematic requirements can be met by any combination of the following methods:

Reference to wiring diagrams on components such as ballasts that show component wiring and are available during audit

Photos or drawings showing electrical interconnection of sign parts or components as defined in note 4 (definition of sign parts).

Photos, illustrations, block diagrams, or drawings in installation instructions or separately maintained showing component interconnection

Text or notes identifying interconnection of electrical sign parts

The sign parts list (Item P7 above) shall be considered to meet the schematic requirement for signs that meet all the following: 1) are LED type signs that have a single LED power supply, 2) have one or more LED modules, 3) have no convenience or dedicated receptacles, and 4)have no switches (other than a single disconnect switch).

NEC Correlation – Grounding and Bonding

4.2.4.1.3 The following dead metal parts are not required to be grounded:

a)     The links of a metal chain;

b)     Accessible non-current-carrying metal parts of components (for example, lampholders and switches) that are electrically isolated from live parts;

c)     Non-current-carrying metal parts that are electrically isolated by rigid insulation from live parts operating at a potential of 1000 V or less;

d)     Decorative parts, metal guards, and metal shades that do not enclose live parts;

e)     A dead metal part such as an adhesive-attached metal foil marking plate secured to the outside of an enclosure and mounting hardware external to the sign;

f)     Small metal parts not exceeding 50.8 mm (2 inch) in any dimension, not likely to become energized, and spaced minimum 19 mm (0.75 in) from neon tubing; and

g)     Remote metal parts of a section sign or outline lighting system only supplied by a remote Class 2 power supply shall not be required to be bonded to an equipment bonding conductor.

 

UL 48 and Sign Program

•Future Action Items

•Communications: Include Associations on all mailings/communications to UL subscribers

Sign Training Update

New Online Training Module Covering Changes in 15th Edition.

Updated UL 48 Online Curriculum Status

•Upcoming ‘Updated’ UL48 Workshops

•Solicitation of Input for New Training Material and Approach

Agenda

Welcome, Introductions, An Overview of UL

Item 1 - Variation Notice Analysis and Discussion

Item 2 – UL48 Standards Update

Item 3 – Rebuild Sign Program Changes

Item 4 – Retrofit Sign Programs

Item 5 – Title 24 Program

Item 6 – Action Items, Future Topics and Next meeting

42

ITEM 4 – LED Sign Kits (Retrofit) [Signs] Sign Conversions, Retrofit - UYWU

See General Information for Signs

USE AND INSTALLATION

This category covers retrofit sign conversions consisting of subassemblies or kits intended for field installation in Listed signs. There are several types of sign conversions as specified below.

Scrolling units (motor-operated message assemblies), devices to change the type of illumination ( such as from incandescent to fluorescent), or combinations thereof consist of subassemblies intended for field installation in specific Listed permanently connected electric signs. The conversion identifies the catalog number (or other description) and company name of the sign in which it is intended to be used.

Light-emitting diode (LED) kits consist of the power source, the LEDs and the LED mounting means necessary to change the type of illumination originally contained in the sign to LED illumination. The kit installation instructions specify the type of sign in which the kit is intended to be installed.

These retrofit sign conversions have been investigated to determine that, when used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions provided with the retrofit device, they do not adversely affect the operation of the complete electric sign.

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ITEM 4 – LED Sign Kits (Retrofit)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, see Signs (UXYT) and Electrical Equipment for Use in Ordinary Locations (AALZ).

REQUIREMENTS

The basic standard used to investigate retrofit sign conversions in this category is UL 48, "Electric Signs."

The basic requirements used to investigate retrofit sign conversion LED kits in this category are contained in UL Subject 879A, "Outline of Investigation for LED Kits."

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UL 879A Draft Document

Preliminary Review Comments

45

UL 879A – SCOPE Par. 1.1.1

1.1.1 This standard covers LED (light emitting diode) kits intended for field installation to retrofit signs already installed in the field and LED kits intended for installation in new signs

Comments:

Should also cover Induction Lighting and Electroluminescent retrofit kits and delete reference to kits for new signs.

46

UL 879A – SCOPE Par. 1.2.1

1.2.1 These LED kits are intended to replace all of the electrical components related to a type of illumination in a sign. For neon signs these components include neon tubes, tube supports, neon supplies, and all secondary wiring from the neon supply. For fluorescent signs these components include fluorescent tubes, lampholders, ballast, and ballast secondary wiring. All types of illumination within a sign must be replaced, unless there are different compartments of a sign for different light sources and they only share the same circuitry at the branch circuit connection point.

47

UL 879A – SCOPE Par. 1.2.1

Comments:

A. Delete last two sentences requiring all light sources to be replaced unless other sources separately enclosed.

B. Revise to add “POWER” - For neon signs these components include neon tubes, tube supports, neon power supplies

C. 1.2.1 is related to specific types is retrofit sign illumination that is limited to neon and fluorescent.  This needs to be expanded to include replacement of HID. 

D. Revise to read “Retrofit kits include the power supply or transformer, power supply or transformer enclosure, the LEDs, secondary conductors, wire connectors suitable for the voltage, and the LED mounting means.”

E. In 1.2.1 it states that All types of illumination must be replaced.  Is this intended to not allow existing components to be used - like power supplies or circuit protection?  There are some cases where this equipment can be used again if the evaluation finds it can be reused.  Do we want to limit this?  If so what is the reasoning behind it?

48

UL 879A – SCOPE Par. 1.2.2

1.2.2 Retrofit kits include the power supply or transformer, power supply or transformer enclosure, the LEDs and the LED mounting means.

Comments:

A. Add reference to HID and electroluminescent and installation instructions.

B. Add “as per NEC Article 600 requirements” at end of sentence.

C. Revise: Retrofit kits include the power supply or transformer, power supply or transformer enclosure, the LEDs,and the LED mounting means all secondary wiring, equipment and primary connection(s) .

49

UL 879A – SCOPE Par. 1.3.2

1.3.2 LEDs, secondary wiring, and LED transformers or supplies may be provided separately.

Comments:

This is a contradiction of what a retrofit Kit is.  It is a complete collection of parts for retrofitting an illumination specific sign.  This concept has been expressed repeatedly by UL.  The practice of the parts being provided separately is the basis for the industries request for a review of 879A.

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UL 879A – COMPONENTS Par. 2.2

 2.2 A component is not required to comply with a specific requirement that:

a)     Involves a feature or characteristic not required in the application of the component in the product covered by this standard;

b)     Is superseded by a requirement in this standard.

Comments: Revise to read

2.2 A component is not required to comply with an additional requirement not specific to the application a specific requirement that:

.

51

UL 879A – COMPONENTS Par. 2.3

 

2.3 A component shall be used in accordance with its rating established for the intended conditions of use

Comments: Revise to read

2.3  A component shall be used in accordance with its rating Listing established for the conditions of use..

52

UL 879A GLOSSARY - SECTION 5

 Comments:

A. Add definition for retrofit kit.

B. (5.4) – Delete reference to 45 degree box

C. (5.8) – Question on LPS equivalence to Class 2

D. Correct to read 5.11 WEATHERPROOF - See Wet Location, 5.10 5.12.

.

53

UL 879A – POWER SUPPLIES AND TRANSFORMERS Par. 6.1.3 

6.1.3 Power supplies and transformers may have more than one Class 2 or LPS output

Comments:

A. What about class1?  If it is not mentioned in this section, does that mean it is not allowed?

54

UL 879A – POWER SUPPLIES AND TRANSFORMERS Par. 6.1.3 

6.2.1.1 Except for features specified in this standard, power supplies shall comply with the requirements of the Standard for Electric Sign Components, UL 879.

6.3.1 Except for features specified in this standard a transformer shall comply with the requirements of the Standard for Electric Sign Components, UL 879.

Comments:

A. Add reference to NFPA 70

55

UL 879A – LED Units and Modules C of A’s

15.1.2 Tubular LED lamps that are intended to replace fluorescent lamps and use existing lampholders only for mechanical support and are powered by separate supply connections shall comply with:

a)  The requirements for tubular lamps in the Standard for Self-Ballasted Lamps and Lamp Adapters, UL 1993; and

15.2.4 Each LED circuit is restricted to Class 2 or LPS limits.

15.2.5 Suitability of electrical enclosure and secondary wiring shall be determined if single circuit power requirements exceed Class 2 or LPS limits.

Comments:

A. Need access to UL 1993 to comment

B. 15.2.4 and 15.2.5 seem to contradict each other.  Should there be clarification as to when 15.2.5 is acceptable?

56

UL 879A – Secondary Wiring – Sec 16.2.2

16.2.2 Class 2 wiring methods in accordance with Chapter 725 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 shall be used for wiring between the LED unit and remote power units marked Class 2 or LPS.

Comments:

A. Revise to read:

16.2.2  Class 2 wiring methods in accordance with 300, 600.12(C)(1)(2), 600.33, Chapter and 725 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, shall be used for wiring between the LED unit and remote power units marked Class 2 or LPS.

57

UL 879A – Secondary Wiring – Sec 16.3.3

Comments:

A. Revise to read:

16.3.3 Class 2 circuits operating at over 15 Vrms ac or 30 Vdc or 12.4 Vdc interrupted at 10 to 200 Hz in a wet location shall use Class Chapter 3 wiring methods. These wiring methods are specified in Chapter 3  725  of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. Examples include PLTC cable marked "Sunlight Resistant" or "Sun Res", SJTW or SW cord may also be used. Suitable rain tight fittings are required to keep water from entering the LED unit or the remote power unit.

58

UL 879A – Supplement – SA 11.1

SA11.1 Accessible non-current-carrying metal parts that could be energized from within and where the voltage is greater than 150 V shall be bonded to ground or be made inaccessible.

Comments:

We are dealing with Class 2 or your equivalent LPS and there is no safety reason to allow  accessible non-current carrying parts with a potential line current above 30V to not be connected to an equipment grounding conductor per the NEC

59

UL 879A – General

Comments:

How will the Type L labeling be addressed? Will there be a new requirement for a retrofitted sign capability? I know this requirement exists for rebuilt signs.

60

UL 879A – General

Comments:

A. How will the Type L labeling be addressed? Will there be a new requirement for a retrofitted sign capability? I know this requirement exists for rebuilt signs.

B. General question on qualification of retrofit companies.

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SIGN CONVERSION RETROFIT KITS

QUESTIONS AND FUTURE ACTIONS

62

THANK YOU.