UL 153 Revised For Portable Lamps

UL 153, the Standard for Portable Electric Luminaires, has undergone several revisions in its thirteenth edition, dated April 3, 2024. The key changes include:

Power supply clarification for USB/POE connections:

• Updated sections 8.2, 8.2.1, and 199.1 to clarify power supply requirements for portable luminaires using USB or Power over Ethernet (POE) connections.

Convenience receptacle requirements:

• Removed the maximum number limit for convenience receptacles in portable luminaires, affecting sections 1.4, 26.4, and 44.2.

LED light source specifications:

• Modified sections 48.1, 144.6.4, 144.11A, and 204.3 to address requirements for portable luminaires using LED light sources only.

Portable work lights and hand lights:

• Clarified power supply cord size, maximum receptacle load, and marking requirements in sections 127.1.5, 127.3.2, 138.5.3, 138.5.4, and 138.9.3.

Editorial revisions:

•   Updated section 25.2 and reorganized Battery Tests into a separate section.
•  Revised Appendix A text.

These changes are based on proposals dated November 3, 2023, and February 16, 2024. The standard now includes expanded coverage for battery-operated portable luminaires, as outlined in Supplement SA. It’s important to note that the standard does not cover certain types of luminaires, such as those for hazardous locations, seasonal decorations, or specific products covered by other UL standards.

The revised UL 153 also addresses the growing use of LED technology in portable luminaires, aligning with UL 8750 for LED components and subassemblies. Additionally, it clarifies the distinction between UL 153 and other standards like UL 588 for seasonal lighting and UL 962 for furnishings with integral illumination.

These updates reflect the evolving landscape of portable luminaire technology and aim to enhance safety standards in the industry.

The April 3^rd, 2024 revised standard can be purchased here.

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David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and Senior Business Development Consultant at Capacity Consulting, 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 been co-chair of the 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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