1st Choice in Control Panel
Are You Looking for UL 508A-Compliant Control Panels for the USA and Canada?
To successfully export machines and systems to the USA or Canada, the control panel must comply with the UL 508A standard. We are experts in the development and production of these UL control panels.
Our services – UL certification with Krayer – UL 508A update in 2022
In our whitepaper, you will learn everything you need to know about UL certification for exporting to North America. From the key standards such as UL 508A and UL 1203, to the certification process, legal requirements, and safety regulations.
Our UL Services
Planning
We handle the planning of control panels according to the UL standards UL508A, UL 698A, and UL1203.
Manufacturing
We build your control panel according to UL 508A, UL 698A, and UL 1203 standards for the North American market.
Documentation
Documentation is provided in full compliance with the standards of Underwriters Laboratories.
UL 508A certificate for your control panel with Krayer Systemtechnik
To meet the export standards, the control panels must be built according to UL standards and subsequently certified according to UL 508A. KRAYER specializes in this process.
Our UL certification streamlines the export process, making it safer, faster, and more efficient. You save time, avoid extra costs, and your system is up and running without any bureaucratic hurdles.
Are you exporting your System to the USA or Canada?
The United States and Canada have strict safety standards and regulations that differ significantly from those in Europe. For example, the UL 508A standard applies to industrial control panels used in all environments except hazardous (Ex) areas. UL 508A. However, a certified control cabinet is only one part of the overall process. Many companies shy away from the complex and time-consuming export procedures and therefore forgo access to these lucrative markets.
But there is a simple and convenient solution: If you plan to export your machines and or systems to the USA or Canada, Krayer and its partners can handle the entire export process for you. Learn more in our article, “Across the Pond in Four Steps”.
How can Krayer Systemtechnik provide support with UL 508A?
Seamless Export
During inspection, authorities can immediately see that the control cabinet was built by a UL-certified company in compliance with UL standards and carries a certification recognized in both the USA and Canada.
Understanding Your Needs Comes First
To deliver the best solution, we begin by thoroughly understanding your specific requirements. The better we understand your needs early on, the sooner we can reach your goal together.
Hassle-Free Certification
Your UL control panel will be labeled with the appropriate UL mark directly by us, enabling immediate operation in the United States or Canada.
Do you have any questions or would like a non-binding consultation?
If you have questions about our products and services and would like to learn more about Krayer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts will be glad to assist you.
What exactly is UL 508A?
UL 508A is the standard for industrial control panels and mounting plates intended for general use in equipment exported to the USA and Canada. The requirements are sets forth in UL508A and also apply to applications involving industrial machinery, air conditioning and cooling systems, fire suppression control, as well as marine and service equipment.
Where are UL 508A approved control panels in use?
Control panels that comply with the UL 508A standard are approved for installation in all non-explosive environments in the USA, in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC or NFPA 70). Canada has comparable regulations under the Canadian Electrical Code.
Which areas does UL 508A apply to?
UL 508A is the key standard for industrial control panels, i.e. industrial control cabinets and mounting plates intended for export to the USA and Canada. This standard ensures that these systems comply with the stringent requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the USA and the Canadian Electrical Code in Canada.
Applications covered by UL 508A include:
- Control cabinets and their operating elements: UL 508A applies to control cabinets and components with an operating voltage of up to 600 volts and can be used in all normal and industrial environments except hazardous areas (Ex areas).
- Industrial machinery: The standard applies to control systems in production plants and manufacturing facilities that must ensure reliable and safe operation.
- Air conditioning and cooling systems: Controls for HVAC systems and industrial refrigeration technologies are also covered by UL 508A to ensure that these systems operate efficiently and safely.
- Flame control systems: Control systems for fire protection and suppression equipment, which must activate in emergencies, are required to meet UL 508A standards.
- Marine applications: Ships and offshore platforms require reliable control systems that meet the strict safety requirements of UL 508A.
- Service equipment: Control systems for maintenance and service equipment are also subject to UL 508A to ensure both safety and operational efficiency.
The NFPA 70 (National Electric Code, NEC) refers to UL 508A for Industrial Control Panels, thereby giving it legal authority. Also NFPA 79 (Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery), is highly relevant for all machine and equipment manufacturers, as it defines all requirements—from design to testing—that your electrical machinery must meet.
Safe
We are experts in navigating the complex UL standards. Our certification as a certified partner of Underwriting Laboratories (UL), proves it.
Efficient
We know exactly where everything belongs. Our processes are optimized: from design and procurement to production.
Hassle-Free Certification
Your UL-certified control cabinet is labeled directly by us, allowing it to be put into operation immediately in the USA or Canada.
Over 30 Years of Industry Expertise in UL 508A
Since 1989, we have been developing and building control systems at our facility in Spraitbach, Germany. Today, we produce over 1,000 control panels and cabinets each year—most of them in compliance with UL 508A, but many also certified to UL 698A and UL 1203 for use in hazardous locations (HazLoc). Our customers come from a wide range of industries. Thanks to our many years of experience in designing and building UL-certified control cabinets, we know exactly what matters. This enables us to implement your requirements and expectations with precision, no matter which industry you’re in.
UL 508 or UL 508A – What are the Differences
UL 508 and UL 508A are standards for industrial electrical equipment intended for use in the USA and Canada. Both were developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the global leader in the field of testing and certification of safety standards.
The two standards apply to different areas: UL 508 is the safety standard for industrial control devices. It covers industrial controls and peripheral equipment rated at 1,500 volts or less that are used to start, stop, regulate, control, or protect electric motors. UL 508A, on the other hand, is a subset of UL 508 and specifically applies to industrial control panels. (Industrial Control Panels)). While UL 508A remains the current and relevant standard, UL 508 is outdated. From 2012 to 2017, it was gradually replaced by the UL 60947 standard.
Transition: UL 60947 replaces UL 508
UL 508, the standard for industrial controls, was harmonized with the key product standards of the IEC standard for low-voltage switchgear, IEC 60947. The transition took place between 2012 and 2017 in three phases.
The goal of this harmonization was to create standards that are based on and adopt IEC requirements, but at the same time contain enough national differences to facilitate the transition from UL 508 to UL 60947-4-1A. This has largely been achieved. Although the UL 508 and UL 60947 series standards differ in format, they are technically equivalent when taking into account the national differences included in the harmonized versions.
Can You Choose Between UL 508 and UL 508A for Certification?
In some cases, there is overlap between the two standards, and a certification may be possible under either UL 508 or UL 508A. The specific application and technical requirements determine which standard applies to the product. However, control cabinets must always be certified according to UL 508A.
UL 508A provides clear guidelines for control cabinet construction and specifies how connections, fuses, and protective devices must be designed to comply with the standard.
UL 508 vs. UL 508A: Differences at a Glance
There are some important distinctions between the UL 508 and UL 508A standards:
- The UL 508A standard applies to control panels and control elements with an operating voltage of up to 600 volts. The UL 508 standard applies to a rated voltage of 1,500 volt
- If a product is certified according to UL 508A, the manufacturer can modify it as needed, provided that only UL-listed components are used. In addition, the design and build must follow the rules of UL 508A. In contrast, a product certified according to UL 508 may not be altered after certification. It can only be operated as designed and built as originally approved.
- Another difference concerns the enclosure: for industrial control panels, the enclosures are referred to as control cabinets or electrical cabinets. These must be accessible via a door or a special access panel. Products built and certified under UL 508, however, do not require the enclosure to be accessible for the operator.
- The National Electrical Code (NEC) addresses Industrial Control Panels in Article 409 and refers to the UL 508A standard, thereby giving it legal status. UL 508 is not mentioned directly in the NEC.
- Article 409 of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) requires that industrial control panels be labeled with their Short-Circuit Current Rating (SCCR). The value must be based on the value of a listed and certified assembly, or another appropriate method must be used to determine the value. (Further information on determining the SCCR of industrial control panels according to UL 508A can be found directly on the UL website.) Thus, UL 508A requires the SCCR to be specified for industrial switchgear, whereas this is not required for auxiliary products certified under UL 508.
- Another difference lies in the protection of the internal circuit. This protection is required for Industrial Control Panels, but not for UL 508 certifications.
A summary of the differences is provided in the following table:
UL 508 and UL 508A: Correct Spelling and Spacing
As with all technical standards, UL is very precise about proper notation. The designations must include a space after “UL”: UL 508 and UL 508A. Spellings such as UL508, UL508A, or UL 508 A are incorrect—although they are still frequently used.
UL 508A Update from 2022: What’s New in the Control Panel Standard?
The 2022 revision of UL 508A introduced several important updates that must be taken into account for all control panels starting in 2023. The most significant changes are summarized below.
Which equipment is affected by the UL 508A Updates?
The changes to UL 508A apply to all electrical and control cabinets that fall under this standard, i.e. control cabinets for industrial plants in ordinary (i.e., non-hazardous) locations. However, if the enclosure is part of a UL-certified system, the changes indirectly affect the entire system. This is because a UL-certified system is always assessed as a whole.
UL 508A Updates in Detail
The following list of new features briefly outlines the most important updates to UL 508A. It is not exhaustive, as there are numerous changes in many other areas. However, understanding them requires in-depth familiarity with the previous version of UL 508A —something that can only be gained through in-depth knowledge of this UL standard. To avoid unnecessary confusion for readers less familiar with the norm, we have focused on presenting the most significant updates. We are happy to advise you personally on what the revision of UL 508A means for your specific control panel project.
New regulation on standard ambient temperature for control panels
The standard ambient temperature for a control panel, according to the revised standard, is now between 5°C and 41°C (41°F – 104°F). Designing and building control panels for other temperature ranges is, of course, still possible; however the specific ambient temperature applicable to the individual panel must be clearly labeled.
UL 508A no longer applies to control panels in elevator systems
Control panels for elevators are no longer covered by UL 508A Currently, there is no UL standard that specifically applies to these products. Future developments in this area will be worth watching closely.
Revised requirements for wire gauge selection
There is also a significant change regarding the selection of wire gauge within control panels: From now on, wire thickness must be based not only on the amperage, but also on the temperature rating of the component to which the wire is connected.
Updated requirements for inductors and warning labels
Inductors were previously required to comply with UL 5085-1, UL 5085-2, and UL 1561. A new requirement is that they must now also meet the provisions of UL 508. Additionally, there have been changes to the requirements for, and the necessity of, warning labels.
New regulation on standard ambient temperature for control panels
The standard ambient temperature for a control panel, according to the revised standard, is now between 5°C and 41°C (41°F – 104°F). Designing and building control panels for other temperature ranges is, of course, still possible; however the specific ambient temperature applicable to the individual panel must be clearly labeled.
Further updates in UL 508A regarding interlock mechanisms
The 2022 edition of UL 508A includes numerous additional updates, many of which affect specific components within the control panel. This also applies to interlock mechanisms. For more details, please refer to the Wiki article on interlocks.
