Download Sign Industry Meeting 29 Feb – 1 Mar 2012

UL Sign Industry
Business Panel Meeting
UL NBK – Columbian Room
February 29, March 1, 2012
UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 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
About Us
An Overview of UL
November 2011
© 2011 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
WE ARE A GLOBAL FORCE
FOR GOOD
At 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
LEADERSHIP
From 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
WE PROVIDE GLOBAL MARKET
ACCEPTANCE
Our Marks are on more than 23 billion
products worldwide, per year, signaling
peace of mind to consumers, customers,
businesses and governments.
6
SAFETY IS EVOLVING
SO IS UL
With 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
PROVIDING SERVICES FOR
A SAFER WORLD
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.
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
12
2009 VN Causes
Pie Chart of VN Item Cause 2009
Category
Construction
Component
Use of Mark
Compliance
Calibration
Quality Program
Traceability
other
Documentation
Typo
13
2010 VN Causes
Pie Chart of VN Item Cause 2010
Category
Construction
Component
Compliance
Use of Mark
Calibration
Traceability
Documentation
other
Quality Program
Typo
14
2011 VN Causes
Pie Chart of VN Item Cause 2011
Category
Construction
Compliance
Component
Use of Mark
Calibration
other
Traceability
Quality Program
Documentation
Typo
15
Items per VN 2008
Pareto - Items per VN 2008
1400
100
1200
80
60
800
600
40
Percent
VN Count
1000
400
20
200
0
Items per VN
VN Count
Percent
Cum %
1
584
42.8
42.8
2
320
23.4
66.2
3
187
13.7
79.9
5
166
12.2
92.0
4
109
8.0
100.0
0
16
Items per VN 2009
Pareto - Items per VN 2009
800
100
700
80
500
60
400
300
Percent
VN Count
600
40
200
20
100
0
Items per VN
VN Count
Percent
Cum %
1
310
42.0
42.0
2
182
24.7
66.7
3
104
14.1
80.8
5
77
10.4
91.2
4
65
8.8
100.0
0
17
Items per VN 2010
Pareto - Items per VN 2010
600
100
500
VN Count
300
60
200
40
100
20
0
Items per VN
VN Count
Percent
Cum %
1
239
45.4
45.4
2
117
22.2
67.6
3
82
15.6
83.1
5
57
10.8
93.9
4
32
6.1
100.0
Percent
80
400
0
18
Items per VN 2011
500
100
400
80
300
60
200
40
100
20
0
Items on VN
VN Count
Percent
Cum %
1
214
43.6
43.6
2
111
22.6
66.2
3
69
14.1
80.2
4
49
10.0
90.2
5
48
9.8
100.0
Percent
VN Count
Pareto - Items per VN 2011
0
19
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’’
20
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)
21
“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
23
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
25
UL48 Standards Updates….
UL 48 (Electric Signs)Standards Activity
• 15th edition published Sep. 2, 2011
• ANSI approved standard
• No current standards proposals
26
UL 48 Standards Updates…..
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
27
UL48 Standards Updates….
28
PUBLICATION OF 15th EDITION
1917
2011
1st
Edition
15th
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)
b)
The links of a metal chain;
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.
43
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."
44
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.
50
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 SelfBallasted 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.
61
SIGN CONVERSION RETROFIT KITS
QUESTIONS AND FUTURE
ACTIONS
62
THANK YOU.