Insulating Tape Testing and Certification

Tapes are essential components of electrical systems in field and factory installations. UL Solutions insulating tape and related component testing and certification program covers products that have been submitted for evaluation in accordance with electrical, mechanical and flammability performance requirements. Additionally, certification can provide value to you and your customers by helping streamline the end-product certification process, resulting in cost-saving advantages and reduction in time to market.

We offer tape certification services to help enable you to expand into U.S. and Canadian markets. With certification, you can demonstrate compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70^®: National Electric Code^®, Article 110.3, and Canadian Standards Association’s CAN/CSA-C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1. Certification by UL Solutions to the appropriate UL Standards reduces the risk of a particular electrical installation’s nonacceptance by code authorities.

UL Solutions tape certification program provides a convenient way for product manufacturers to select component tapes that meet necessary performance requirements applicable to their UL Certified products.

Tapes are covered under the following three categories based on the type of product and end-use application:

1. PVC tape is evaluated to ANSI/CAN/UL 510 for United States and CSA-C22.2 No. 197 for Canada.

Listed tapes constructed with a single backing and adhesive layer are installed in field applications. Tapes are tested according to backing material and geographical region when applying the requirements in ANSI/CAN/UL 510, the Standard for Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyethylene, and Rubber Insulating Tape or CSA-C22.2 No. 197, PVC Insulating Tape.

For UL Recognized tape, the end-use product manufacturer selects the performance properties that match the demands of the individual application. This tape is intended for installation as a component of complete equipment or system; suitability is determined in an end-product investigation by UL Solutions. Tape is tested in accordance with ANSI/CAN/UL 510A, the Standard for Component Tape.

Here is a brief description of each tape certification category and its corresponding CCN covered by UL Solutions:

• Insulating Tape – Listed (OANZ/7) – This category covers tapes used for electrical insulation on joints and splices of wiring methods. These tapes are constructed with backing materials of rubber or thermoplastic (PVC – polyvinyl chloride – or PE – polyethylene).
  
  Evaluation includes a construction review and testing for electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. Performance tests include the following: physical properties (tensile strength and elongation), dielectric breakdown (dry, elevated temperatures and humid conditions), ability to adhere to steel and backing during initial use and after long-term storage, review of cracking, corrosion or flagging following heat exposure, and deforming of insulation thickness. Testing may also include resistance to flammability, exposure to sunlight and cold environments.
  
  Note: PE and Rubber tapes are evaluated to ANSI/CAN/UL 510 for United States and Canada. PVC tape is evaluated to ANSI/CAN/UL 510 for United States and CSA-C22.2 No. 197 for Canada.

• Insulating Tape – Recognized Component (OANZ2/8) – This category comprises tapes used for electrical insulation of joints and splices of wiring. These tapes may have constructional features designed to achieve specific performance properties that align with individual applications. The end-use product manufacturer selects the functional uses that match the demands of the applications with the tape’s attributes.
  
  Evaluation includes a construction review and specific tests related to the electrical insulation properties of the tape. At a minimum, performance tests for tapes include: tests of physical properties (tensile strength and elongation) and dielectric breakdown (dry and elevated temperatures) for dry locations. To establish additional functional uses based on electrical, mechanical and thermal properties, manufacturers may select from the following supplemental tests: dielectric breakdown (humidity) for damp locations; ability to adhere to steel and backing during initial use and after long-term storage; review of cracking, corrosion or flagging following heat exposure; deforming of insulation thickness; resistance to flammability, exposure to sunlight and cold environments; and resistance to electrical surface tracking (Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) rating in accordance with ASTM D3638 or IEC 60112).

• Miscellaneous Tape – Recognized Component (OARC2/8) – This category covers tapes intended for applications where specific performance of the tape is required. Miscellaneous tapes have variations in constructional features, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tape, woven tape, tape without adhesive or with double-sided adhesive, or metal foil-backed tape. This category of tape is not intended for use as electrical insulation in contact with live parts without additional suitable insulation. The end-use product manufacturer can select the functional uses that match the demands of the applications with the attributes of the tape.
  
  Evaluation includes a construction review and specific tests selected by manufacturers to establish additional functional uses based on electrical, mechanical and thermal properties: physical properties (tensile strength and elongation); ability to adhere to steel and backing during initial use and after long-term storage; examination of cracking, corrosion or flagging following heat exposure; deforming of insulation thickness; resistance to flammability; and exposure to sunlight and cold environments.

Guidelines addressing the suitability of tape when used with an end-product are included in the UL Solutions report under Conditions of Acceptability. The Conditions of Acceptability generally cover voltage ratings, temperature ratings and functional uses for which the product was found acceptable. The Conditions of Acceptability are also published in the UL Product iQ^® database.

Under our Canadian certification program, UL Solutions tests products to CSA-C22.2 No. 197, ANSI/CAN/UL 510, or ANSI/CAN/UL 510A. As the ANSI/CAN/UL 510 and ANSI/CAN/UL 510A standards are harmonized and include the same test methods and compliance criteria, no additional testing is necessary to grant Canadian Recognition. Products found to comply with Canadian requirements are marked with the applicable Canadian UL Marks. Products certified for Canada are published under OANZ7, OANZ8, and OARC8.

All recognized component tape falls under the UL Solutions Follow-Up Services program, which states that UL Certified products must continue to be manufactured in compliance with UL Solutions requirements.

We are uniquely positioned to provide a detailed view of how products function within a given system. This is particularly critical in the plastics and components industry, as interactions between substances, parts, systems and the environment can cause significant hazards. Failures are rarely apparent when components are tested individually.

Our technical experts can also help align your products to the appropriate UL Solutions certification category and the applicable Standards. This helps enable manufacturers of UL Certified products to more easily source components that meet their compliance requirements and project specifications.

Additionally, our worldwide presence allows us to provide local services to you and your team. You’ll have access to our network of experts who will support you in your drive to protect public safety and brand value.

With our trustworthy reputation, certification by UL Solutions provides an important product differentiator in a crowded marketplace, helping you to communicate your product’s compliance with safety and performance requirements to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), purchasers and regulatory authorities.

UL Solutions’ comprehensive testing, certification, assessment and regulatory compliance services are designed to foster innovation, enhance product and process quality, enhance safety, and help you meet your business goals.

With our broad capabilities, we can help you address a wide variety of key business needs that may arise throughout your product development life cycle and deployment. By working with UL Solutions as your single provider, you can take advantage of our cost- and time-saving service bundles. Our integrated testing and certification plans can help you achieve your go-to-market plans efficiently.