Explore the New UL Outline of Investigation for Active and Passive Optical Cable Assemblies and Connectors

The first issue of UL 2404, the Outline of Investigation for Active and Passive Optical Cable Assemblies and Connectors, was published on Oct. 11, 2022.

As a safety science leader, UL Solutions published UL 2404, which establishes the conformity assessment requirements for evaluating potential hazards of active optical cable (AOC) assemblies, passive optical cable assemblies and passive optical connectors. 

Utilization of optical cable assemblies and connectors continues to increase as demand for higher bandwidth to support faster and larger volume of video, audio and data signal transmission. For active optical cable (AOC) assemblies, the market is anticipated to have exponential growth in the coming years due to extended deployment in additional types of applications such as consumer electronics.

Some types of hybrid AOC assemblies (e.g., USB-C AOC) can be used to carry electrical power and need to be rated for voltage and current. Additional requirements in UL 2404 address the safety concerns with these assemblies.

The following table shows the products covered in UL 2404, the potential safety hazards addressed as well as the UL category control number (CCN) designated for each type of product.

By covering these products under the UL safety certification program, a UL Certification Mark can be provided on the product packaging which allows consumers to readily identify safety certified products.

Refer to UL 2404 for more details of scope, construction, test and marking requirements. Feel free to contact UL Solutions for any inquiries related to UL 2404 or requests for safety testing or certification.