UL 1449 Third Edition

UL 1449 is a performance and safety test standard that has recently undergone massive revisions. A major safety testing initiative became effective February 2007. Substantial methodology & administrative changes become effective in Sept 2009.

Virtually all North American surge standards now revolve around UL 1449 Third Edition. This is intentional synchronization with 2008 NEC Article 285, UL 96A, NFPA 780, upcoming NEMA LS-1 and IEEE C62 documents and partial harmonization with IEC 61643.

The Major Revisions are:

• Change terminology from Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) to Surge Protective Device (SPD)
• Change clamping voltage testing from Suppressed Voltage Rating at 6kV/0.5kA to Voltage Protection Rating at 6kV/3kA
• First time inclusion of Nominal Discharge Current (In)
• Add SPD Type Designations (1, 2, 3 & 4) based on installation location within the electrical system
• Include Surge Arresters into UL 1449 safety & performance evaluation
• First time approval as American National Standard (ANSI)

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