What does the abbreviation CCN actually stand for, and what is the CCN product classification used for? We’ll explain this and also break down the most important CCN codes.
Relation to UL
The Category Code Number (CCN) allows for the unique identification and classification of components, as well as their approval status and intended use. This, in turn, enables the selection of the correct component for the required application in the control cabinet.
What does CCN stand for?
The Category Code Number (CCN) allows for the unique identification and classification of components, as well as their approval status and intended use. This, in turn, enables the selection of the correct component for the required application in the control cabinet.
CCN – Category Code Number
As the leading standards development organization for electrical equipment in the United States, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) offers a wide range of approvals, of which “Listing” and “Recognized” are particularly widespread. However, some UL standards cover a wide variety of products, meaning that the product category cannot be clearly determined by the UL label alone. To enable clear differentiation and classification nonetheless, UL has introduced the CCN, or “Category Code Number.” It serves as the fundamental element when selecting a component. To help companies select the correct CCN, UL provides a comprehensive list of all CCNs for each product type. These can be found in the UL Product iQ database.
Product Classification According to CCN
The most important of these is the CCN (Category Code Number), which is an alphanumeric code that is not an abbreviation but was generated randomly. It is used to identify products and components in the UL Product IQ database by their UL listing, classification, and recognition. It also contains information for each product category regarding the scope and any limitations of the UL listing.
CCNs are also important for inspectors, as they help them verify that a component is being used properly.
Important CCN Codes in UL Control Panel Construction
What does NITW stand for?
NITW is the CCN for UL 508A, the standard for industrial control cabinets and mounting panels used for general purposes in the United States. NITW refers to control cabinets in ordinary environments, known as Ordinary Locations (OrdLoc). These are all operating environments in the United States—excluding hazardous locations—that are approved in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC, NFPA 70).
The CCN NITW also applies to applications involving industrial machinery, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, crane and elevator control systems, flame control, as well as marine applications and service equipment.
As described above, the CCN for the Canadian market is NITW 7.
Relationship to UL – NITW
NITW is the Category Code Number (CCN) for UL 508A and refers to control cabinets in OrdLocs. The CCN allows the product category to be clearly defined and products and components to be uniquely identified. Control cabinet manufacturers can thus use the Product IQ database to make a precise selection of the required components.
What does NRBX stand for?
NRBX is the CCN for the UL 698A standard. It applies to control cabinets that, while not used directly in potentially explosive atmospheres in the U.S., are directly connected to such areas. This area is also referred to as an Ex-i area. The control cabinet itself is located outside the “explosive atmospheres,” known as Hazardous Locations (HazLoc), and requires an intrinsically safe circuit extension, for which UL-listed barriers, for example, must be used.
Here, too, there is a specific CCN for the UL standards in Canada: NRBX 7.
Relation to UL – NRBX
The CCN for the UL 698A standard is NRBX; it applies to control cabinets in the Ex-i zone. These control cabinets require an intrinsically safe circuit extension, for which UL-listed barriers, for example, must be used.
What does NNNY mean?
NNNY is the CCN for the UL 1203 standard. This standard specifies the safety requirements for control panels intended for use in hazardous locations (HazLoc) in accordance with Articles 500–505 of the NEC, NFPA 70, which may be installed in Classes I, II, and III, Divisions 1 and 2; Class 1, Zones 0, 1, and 2; and Groups 1A, 1B, and 1C.
There are particularly strict technical requirements for these potentially explosive areas that must be met in order for electrical equipment to be classified as “explosion-proof” and “dust-explosion-proof.”
For example, when designing control cabinets, care must be taken to ensure that no arc-forming components are present and that the control cabinets can withstand elevated temperatures, as under no circumstances may a source of ignition be created or enter the hazardous area.
The CCN for UL standards in Canada is NNNY 7.
Reference to UL – NNNY
NNNY is the CCN for UL Standard 1203, which defines safety requirements for control cabinets in hazardous locations. The alphanumeric code contains information about the product category as well as any restrictions on UL certification.
Zusammenfassung
The Category Code Number, or CCN for short, is an alphanumeric code that is generated randomly and is used to classify and uniquely identify UL components. This is because the UL label does not always allow for the unambiguous assignment of a product category. All CCNs can be found in the UL Product iQ database, making it easy to find the right component for a product. In control panel construction, the CCNs NITW, NRBX, and NNNY are particularly important. The Category Code Number NITW refers to control cabinets in OrdLocs, NRBX refers to control cabinets in the Ex-i zone, and NNNY is the CCN for HazLocs.
