In May, UL published the Sixth Edition of ANSI/UL 1993, dated May 17, 2024. UL 1993 is the most important safety standard for lamps / light bulbs. The standard covers both self-ballasted lamps and self-ballasted lamp adapters rated 120-347VAC nominal for connection to screw-base, pin-base, or recessed single contact (RSC or R7) lampholders. These devices are intended for use in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, and the Canadian Electrical Code Part I, CSA C22.1, in non-hazardous locations, and the Instalaciones Eléctricas (utilización), NOM-001-SEDE.

The new edition includes the following changes in requirements:

• Flammability rating of polymeric lamp bases
• Additional instructions for Type A LED lamps
• Revision to A8.8 Drop Impact Test
• Alternate wattage limit for high-lumen lamps
• Revisions to production line test conditions
• Lamps for use in elevated ambient temperatures
• Merging of duplicate rigidity after drop test methods
• Protective functions during the temperature test
• Wireless control circuits
• LED Lamps
• Current Cascade Abnormal
• Edison screw base length
• Correction of footnote b in Table 5.2
• Corrections to various errors
• Updates to ANCE references – 2.1
• 4.5.1.2: Add the reference – NMX-J-198-ANCE-2015
• 5.3.1: Add the publication year to the reference NMX-565/2-11-ANCE
• 5.3.3: Add the reference NMX-J-565/3-ANCE-2006
• Table 5.2 – Add a note; updates to footnote b and footnote c
• 5.4.5: update reference to: NMX-J-024-ANCE-2018
• 6.1.1, Delete all references to NMX-J-325-ANCE
• 6.4.5: update reference to: NMX-J-578-ANCE-2006
• B3.8 (b): add NMX-J-591/1-ANCE-2007 & NMX-J-591/2-6-ANCE-2020
• C4.5.2: Add the reference NMX-J-295/2-ANCE-2010
• Correction: Add reference to UL 2054, in Section 2, Reference Publications
• Updates to E2 Reference Publications and E5 Markings and Instructions in Annex E for Special use lamps.

The Sixth Edition of ANSI/UL 1993 can be purchased here.

Image: Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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