From: Underwriters Laboratory
New UL 8139 provides framework to evaluate, test and certify the electrical and battery systems of electronic cigarettes
UL, a leading global safety science organization, is announcing acceptance of product submittals of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, for construction evaluation, testing and North American certification.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported an increased number of incidents involving fire resulting in injury requiring medical treatment. These recent events highlight the dramatic market growth of e-cigarette use and the associated safety concerns. UL will now be able to test and certify these devices using UL 8139 through a system approach to evaluate the device, its rechargeable battery and charging system.
The testing requirements for UL 8139 specifically evaluate the safety of the electrical, heating, battery and charging systems. The standard does not evaluate the consumable of the e-cigarette, including e-Liquids, vapor substances, wicks and other particulate matter. UL 8139 doesn’t evaluate the long-term or physiological effects of the consumables.
“UL has been evaluating, testing and certifying portable battery powered devices, including battery cells, modules, packs, chargers and power supplies for many years,” said Ghislain Devouge, Vice President and General Manager for UL’s Consumer Technology division. “With UL 8139, our expert science, research and engineering teams have now developed the appropriate requirements and methodology to confidently evaluate and test e-cigarettes for electrical and fire hazards. As recent news has shown us, there is a strong need for this type of service. Today, we are pleased to offer our testing and certification services to manufacturers and distributors.”
Retailers and manufacturers interested in submitting e-cigarettes for product testing and/or UL certification for electrical and battery systems are welcome to submit their request at http://contact.ul.com/contact-ul-consumer-technology or email Ctech@ul.com.