What is UL 268 ?

UL 268 and UL 272 are both important standards that play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of buildings and their occupants. UL 268 is a widely recognized standard for smoke detectors, while UL 272 is a technical standard for consumer electronic devices. In this article, we will explore the purpose of these standards and the key requirements they impose on manufacturers.

UL 268, also known as the UL 711 standard, is a comprehensive set of standards that outlines the requirements for smoke detectors. The standard was developed to improve the effectiveness of smoke detectors in detecting and alerting to the presence of smoke in residential and commercial buildings. It sets guidelines for the detection of both smoldering and flaming fires and specifies the minimum levels of sensitivity that smoke detectors must be able to provide.

UL 272, on the other hand, is a technical standard for consumer electronic devices. It provides guidelines for manufacturers to ensure that their products meet certain safety criteria and are safe for consumers to use. The standard covers various aspects, including electrical safety, fire resistance, and material toxicity. By complying with UL 272, manufacturers can demonstrate that their products have undergone rigorous testing and adhere to important safety measures, minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries to consumers.

The primary purpose of UL 268 is to ensure that smoke detectors meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. It sets out the minimum detection limits for smoke density, the time it takes for a smoke density to reach the detection threshold, and the minimum sensitivity required for smoke detectors to detect smoke. The standard also specifies the types of tests that manufacturers must conduct to ensure their products meet the standard's requirements.

UL 272, on the other hand, is focused on ensuring the safety of consumer electronics. It provides guidelines for manufacturers to ensure that their products are safe for consumers to use and meets certain safety criteria. The standard covers various aspects, including electrical safety, fire resistance, and material toxicity. It sets out the requirements for manufacturers to ensure that their products are safe from electrical faults, fires, and other hazards.

To summarize, UL 268 is a standard for smoke detectors that sets out the minimum detection limits, the time it takes for a smoke density to reach the detection threshold, and the minimum sensitivity required for smoke detectors to detect smoke. It also specifies the types of tests that manufacturers must conduct to ensure their products meet the standard's requirements. UL 272, on the other hand, is a technical standard for consumer electronic devices that provides guidelines for manufacturers to ensure that their products are safe for consumers to use and meet certain safety criteria.