Products and standards

UL certification service for programmable systems covers all non-networked, embedded microprocessor software whose failure might result in fire, electric shock or other personal injury. This software includes computer programs, procedures and data pertaining to the operation of a programmable component that performs safety-related functions. In addition, the programmable electronics/software safety (PE/SS) program examines how your software relates to the safety-related electro-mechanical parts of the overall machine.

1. Programmable Appliance Control Systems (PACS)

While microprocessor technology has added greater functionality to many modern appliances, the added speed and complexity of software has also heightened risk to consumers. The PE/SS investigation evaluates software controls in the growing number of microprocessor-based appliances. Current programmable appliance control systems include:

• residential, commercial and industrial appliance controls for electric, gas or oil-fired appliances
• switches primarily used in electric refrigeration, gas or oil-fired heating appliances for temperature limiting
• other motor or process controls not covered by other industrial control equipment standards
• appliances.

Formerly known as the Residential Control Systems (RCS) group, the PACS group was prompted to expand their role to include evaluation of commercial and industrial appliance controls as well as residential controls.

2. Programmable Industrial Control Systems (PICS)

There is an increasing reliance on microprocessors and software to deliver better functionality and accuracy in programmable industrial control products. As a result, there is more interest in developing Standards and Directives for programmable electronic systems on an international scale. Our PE/SS investigation evaluates industrial control systems that rely on this category to address electrical safety, environmental stress and software requirements. The type of software typically incorporated into industrial controls includes:

• electro-sensitive protective equipment (light curtains)
• process control systems
• programmable logic controllers
• safety interlock systems

3. Programmable Electrical Medical Systems (PEMS)

UL's Programmable Systems Certificate is also ideal for software-controlled medical devices. Our adjunct service audits the manufacturing process used to develop medical device software that addresses the delivery of therapy, provides information pertinent to diagnosis and treatment, and performs other safety-related functions. Such devices include blood chemistry analyzers, imaging systems, laboratory equipment and monitoring devices.

Upon satisfactory completion of a software investigation, a certificate will be issued stating that the software meets all of the conformity assessment criteria outlined in the investigation.

Software certification related to meeting requirements for the UL Mark

UL's Programmable Systems Certification Services (PSCS) offers software certification as an adjunct service complementing UL's traditional electro-mechanical product investigation.

UL developed UL 1998, the Standard of Safety for Software in Programmable Components, as a reference Standard for evaluating software components in the end-product. UL 1998 is currently referenced in a number of product specific UL Standards that contain software. In these cases, specific requirements in UL 1998 must be met before the overall product is found compliant with the end-product Standard.

UL's PSCS engineers can combine software certification with a traditional UL Listing to provide an all-inclusive approach to safety needs. Upon satisfactory completion of a software investigation, UL will issue a certificate stating that the software meets all of the conformity assessment criteria outlined in UL 1998 or another international standard used for the investigation.

UL is an ANSI-accredited standards development organization that follows an open standards development process to promote public scrutiny and achieve broad-based consensus standards. UL adheres to strict due process procedures to satisfy concerns for all sectors of the population affected by the adoption and application of a UL Standard.

A number of standards organizations set requirements for software performing safety-related functions. Among them are: