Insulating Tubing Testing and Certification

UL Solutions’ insulating tubing and related component testing and certification program covers products submitted for evaluation in accordance with electrical, mechanical and flammability performance requirements. Tubing may have variations in polymer type and constructional features, such as heat-shrinkable and meltable liners. Tubing is an essential component in all electrical equipment and systems. Tubing certification can provide you and your customers with a streamlined process for end-product certification, resulting in cost savings and reduced time to market.

We offer insulating tubing certification services to help enable you to expand into U.S. and Canadian markets. With UL Solutions’ component certification program, end-product manufacturers can conveniently source component tubing that meets the necessary performance requirements applicable to their UL Certified products.

The following four categories cover tubing based on the type of product and end-use application:

The end-use product manufacturer selects the performance properties that match the demands of the individual application. This tubing is intended for installation as a component of complete equipment or systems; we test tubing in accordance with ANSI/UL 224 and CSA C22.2 No. 198.1.

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

• Extruded Insulating Tubing – Component (YDPU2/8) – This category covers tubing intended for use as part of internal wiring to electrically insulate one or more inadequately insulated conductors, bus bars, motor leads, transformer lugs or small assemblies of electronic components.
  
  Tubing usually has a round cross section and consists entirely of extruded components consisting of thermosetting, elastomeric or thermoplastic polymers. Tubing may be shrinkable or cross-linked and may have a meltable inner liner. Construction and ratings must be in accordance with UL 224.
  
  Evaluation includes a construction review and testing for electrical, mechanical, thermal and flammability properties. Performance tests include the following: physical properties (tensile strength and elongation); dielectric withstand and breakdown; ability to resist cracks, dripping or deformation of insulation thickness; resistance to cracks in cold environments; review of corrosive effects of contact with copper; resistance to flammability; and recovery qualities related to shrinkable tubing. Testing may also include VW-1 flammability, resistance to Oil Class 01, 02 or 03, and resistance to sunlight exposure.

• Miscellaneous Tubing, Polymeric – Component (YDTU2/8) – This category covers tubing with variations in characteristics or constructional features resembling round cross sections, types, shapes and/or materials from thermosetting, elastomeric or thermoplastic polymers. The safety of the electric equipment depends on proper insulation.
  
  The end-use product manufacturer selects the performance properties of the tubing, design, assembly, mounting and relative positions of parts that match the demands of the individual application. Miscellaneous tubing may have variations in construction and ratings.
  
  Evaluation includes a construction review and optional testing for electrical, mechanical, thermal or flammability properties. Performance tests include the following: physical properties (tensile strength and elongation); dielectric withstand and breakdown; ability to resist cracks, dripping or deformation of insulation thickness; resistance to cracks in cold environments; review of corrosive effects of contact with copper; resistance to flammability; and recovery qualities related to shrinkable tubing. Testing may also include VW-1 flammability, resistance to Oil Class 01, 02 or 03, and resistance to sunlight exposure.

• Flame-Retardant Tubing – Component (YDQS2/8) – This category covers tubing intended for applications where testing the flammability performance of the internal wiring assemblies is required. Tubing attains a VW-1 flammability rating only. This tubing is not intended for use as electrical insulation in contact with live parts without additional suitable insulation.
  
  The end-use product manufacturer selects the tubing based on the provided flammability of the individual application.

• Tubing for Use with Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Products – Component (DHAK2) – This category covers tubing intended for use as the lamp holder in series-connected lighting strings. This tubing is usually round in cross section and consists entirely of extruded components whose characteristic constituents are thermosetting, elastomeric or thermoplastic polymers. This tubing is usually shrinkable and may be cross-linked and have a meltable inner liner.
  
  Evaluation includes a construction review and testing for electrical, mechanical, thermal and flammability properties. Performance tests for this tubing include the following tests: physical properties (tensile strength and elongation); dielectric withstand and breakdown; ability to resist cracks, dripping or deformation of insulation thickness; resistance to cracks in cold environments; review of corrosive effects of contact with copper; recovery qualities related to shrinkable tubing; resistance to small-scale flammability; and resistance to sunlight exposure.
  
  Our testing and certification services provide a way for seasonal and holiday decorative manufacturers to assess whether their tubing meets applicable requirements specified in UL 588, the Standard for Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Products. This tubing is tested to methods outlined in accordance with ANSI/UL 224 and UL 588.

Guidelines addressing the suitability of tubing 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 optional ratings for which the product was found acceptable. The conditions of acceptability are also published in the Product iQ^® database.

Under our Canadian certification program, UL Solutions tests products to CSA C22.2 No. 198.1. As the ANSI/UL 224 and CSA C22.2 No. 198.1 standards are harmonized and include the same test methods, no additional testing is necessary to grant Canadian Recognition. Products found to comply with Canadian requirements are marked with the Canadian UL Recognition Mark. Products certified for Canada are published under CCN YDPU8, YDTU8 and YDQS8. 

All Recognized Component tubing 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.