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UL has developed more than 800 Standards for Safety. These Standards for Safety are essential to help ensure public safety and confidence, reduce costs and improve quality. Millions of products and their components are tested to UL’s rigorous safety standards with the result that consumers live in a safer environment than they would have otherwise (source: www.UL.com).
UL 943 is the Standard for Safety for GFCIs. UL is revising the standard in 2006 to require improvements in GFCI performance that will provide additional protection from serious injury and electrocution.
Pass and Seymour introduced the first GFCI receptacle in 1971. Our invention has been preventing injuries and saving lives ever since. We have a reputation to live up to. Rest assured we’ve already designed a new GFCI that not only meets but also exceeds the 2006 UL requirements. The new P&S GFCI will be available in Spring 2006.
The new Pass & Seymour GFCI provides better protection against electrical shock. The SafeLock Protection™ feature denies power if the GFCI is miswired or if the GFCI is damaged and protection is lost. This prevents the unsafe condition of power without protection. To learn more, read our press release.
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The reason for
the revisions is to improve each GFCI’s ability to protect people from serious injury due to electrical shock. Before the introduction of GFCIs in 1971, more
than 700 people were dying from household electrocutions each
year, according to EC&M Magazine. As of 2001,
that number had been reduced to less than 200 cases annually.
However, a 2001 UL study determined that “a small but
significant percent of GFCIs, particularly older ones, do
not continue to work when evaluated in the field several years
later.” This statistic has led UL to demand more stringent
safety features that can alert users when a GFCI malfunctions.
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The revised standard incorporates the following changes:
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The revisions to the UL 943 GFCI Standard are scheduled to take effect on July 28, 2006. As of that date, all manufacturers must begin producing GFCIs that meet the new standards. To the best of our knowledge, no GFCI receptacle on the market today is listed to this revised standard.
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No. The NEC regulates installation codes, while UL regulates products.
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All parties should be aware of the new safety requirements and their benefits. The new GFCIs will be safer and easier to install correctly.
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Yes. Distributors and retailers can continue to sell old GFCIs, and contractors can install old GFCIs until supplies run out.
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The revised standard will require
significant product changes, which can create delays for some manufacturers.
P&S proudly employs superior engineering and design capabilities,
and remains committed to providing new GFCIs in a timely manner.
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Your P&S representative will gladly address any further questions or concerns. You could also visit the UL website: www.ul.com.
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