5th November 2024
Welcome to the first guest contribution in the Sustainability in UL Standards campaign, which brings to light the likely adjustments to standards in which machine builders and OEMs will want to be privy to, as they embark on bringing products to North American markets.
In this guest contribution from Phil Murby, UK Commercial Manager at Lutze, we explore how a focus on sustainability is impacting the products that Lutze develops and solutions that it provides.
In this guest contribution to the ongoing Sustainability in UL Standards campaign, Phil Murby’s insights provide practical guidance on aligning control panel wiring practices with sustainability and compliance, offering tangible solutions for both efficiency and environmental stewardship.
UL508A and NFPA79 dictates what is required within the control panel wiring (UL508A) and that of the machine envelope (NFPA79) pictured below.
◉ NEC – Regulates the field level
◉ NFPA 79 – Regulates the machine level
◉ UL 508A – Regulates the cabinet level
Codes and standards are not the same. A standard represents a principle or a model in how something is being done. You could call it a “best practice”. Standards are also defined as a level of quality or attainment and allow comparative evaluations.
A code goes a step further and represents a law or regulation that must be followed when it is given statutory force.
The NEC is not federal law but is enforced by adoption by state or municipality.
Electrical wiring in the USA is regulated by the National Electric Code also referred to in short as the NEC. The NEC will make a reference to many different standards.
Both UL508A and NFPA79 specifies the voltage ratings, current ratings and temperature requirements for the single core cables inside the control panel, and that of the multicore cables inside the machine envelope, and approvals required to meet the standards i.e.
“UL Recognised” signifies that the product is rated as a component. A component is a part of an application. Cables with an “Appliance Wiring Material” (AWM per Standard 758) are always “recognised”. Typically these cables are already installed on the machine when it ships.
“UL Listed” signifies a cable as actually tested and proven for a specific use. This way the cable has to match the UL Standards and the requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC). Typically, cables with a UL Listing are used for field wiring in North America.
Abiding by this specification controls the materials that are used to meet the requirements.
In cable manufacturing, recycled materials can be and are used in multicore cables that are compliant to the standards and are invariably used as filling materials for inner sheaths of multicore cables. The quality of recycled materials is not sufficient for single cores or outer sheaths of multicore cables, as it does not meet the electrical and optical properties required of the standards (UL508A and NFPA79).
So how can we be more sustainable? Consolidation of different cable types is one solution. CE approved equipment wire is commonly used in Europe – in North America an equipment wire with UL Listed (MTW) is used for wiring control panels in the subsequent regions. Which presents challenges, as the supply chain in the UK isn’t great, and the cost difference between the two variants is significant.
Within the UK we have a unique answer for the single core cable within the control cabinet, commonly called ‘Tri-Rated’ cable. This single core cable is compliant with voltage, current and temperature ratings and has cURus approval, along with CE printed or embossed down the side of the conductor. This cable is suitable for all markets; UK, Europe and North America, removing the need for two equipment wires for different markets, improving supply chain efficiency and sustainability.
This same solution can be applied to multicore control cables in accordance with NFPA79.
Typically in the UK and Europe, the control cable used between the control cabinet and the machine would be a SILFLEX N or SILFLEX NC cable (Fig 1), commonly known as ‘YY’ or ‘CY’ cable, and within the USA they would use a SILFLEX Control TC-ER cable (Tray Cable Exposed Run) – see Fig 2. The two cable types have two very different cost and logistical points.
Fig1 SILFLEX N (UK & Europe approvals)
Fig2 SILFLEX CONTROL TC-ER (UL Approvals)
Lutze’s solution to improve the sustainability, and having one control cable for UK, Europe and North American market, is the SILFLEX Multinorm (Fig3), having the approvals for NFPA79 and CE/UKCA at a significantly lower cost point of the TC-ER cable and logistically manufactured in Europe.
Fig3 SILFLEX MULTINORM NFPA79 and CE/UKCA Approved
Another solution is to introduce distributed input/output nodes onto an industrial network from your control cabinet into your machine, with the ability of providing real-time data over the network.
Typically, an industrial ethernet backbone is created using a defined protocol i.e. Profinet, Ethernet IP, CC LINK IE, SERCOS, POWERLINK, ETHERCAT. This then reduces the number of multicore cables required from the control cabinet into the machine, to potentially one power cable and one industrial Ethernet cable, with localised connection points to the field devices i.e. sensors.
The field devices are usually connectorised using IP and UL rated M8, M12 connectors, with transmission speeds up to 10 Gigabit/s – and suitable control panel related connectors i.e. RJ45 or raw cable conversion modules to keep the integrity of the network in line with UL.
As a cable and connectivity manufacturer, Lutze endeavors to select the correct materials that are both sustainable and provide long product lifecycles for automation applications, and that comply with UL standards (UL508A and NFPA79). This then helps to increase the machine lifecycle, reducing the need for maintenance and waste. Lutze has been investing in this future with the SkyBLUE campaign since 2012. Explore more here.
The Sustainability in UL Standards Campaign explores the evolving intersection between UL standards, particularly UL508A certification, and sustainability. As machine builders and OEMs target the North American market, they must stay informed about potential regulatory changes driven by sustainability initiatives. The series delves into how sustainability trends are reshaping certification requirements, posing challenges such as material adaptation and cost balancing, while also presenting opportunities like enhanced brand reputation and market leadership.
Key themes include eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, lifecycle assessments, and global compliance. The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness and equip stakeholders with foresight, enabling them to navigate this transformative shift and align with sustainability imperatives.
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Stefano Muraro of Rockwell Automation explores specific evolutions of UL508A standards and the impact on industrial control panels, highlighting innovative, sustainable solutions.
In this guest contribution to the ongoing Sustainability in UL Standards campaign, Phil Murby, UK Commercial Manager at Lutze explores a different approach to the construction of a control panel.
In this guest contribution to the ongoing Sustainability in UL Standards campaign, Phil Murby’s insights provide practical guidance on aligning control panel wiring practices with sustainability and compliance, offering tangible solutions for both efficiency and environmental stewardship.
As the manufacturing community increasingly leans towards sustainable practices, machine builders and OEMs find themselves at the centre of impact and progress. But there are several caveats to ‘doing the right thing’, that will almost certainly emerge. The implications for standards and certifications like UL508A for one, could be significant.
European machine builders are increasingly eyeing the lucrative North American market. Ian Knight believes accessing the opportunity depends on your firm’s ability to strategically navigate standards and avoid the pitfalls of safety compliance.
PP Control & Automation has long been promoting the considerations to be mindful of when navigating UL 508A. When doing so, questions linking to NFPA often enter the discussion. This supplement offers some clarity on the relationship between the two.
PP C&A has signed a deal with Product Approvals to boost its product certification offer to global clients.
Having an understanding of the processes encompassing inspection and evaluation is a major facet to the right UL practice for OEMs and the often overlooked considerations and risks when converting European builds to US-ready machines or when looking to expand into North America with new machine builds altogether.
With the control panels built and the components selected, all under UL guidance, machine connectivity will bring the whole thing together but there’s a serious worry that all that hard work can be undone by not understanding the importance of cabling in relation to UL.
Many definitions used in systems implemented in North America have no equivalent in the design of industrial installations according to European regulations. The reason for this is not a simple problem of different terminology, but a different conceptual approach altogether.
PP C&A has over two decades of experience with the North American standards (UL, CSA & NFPA70/79) and can design and fully certify to cUL508a. Explore further here.
Also contributing to the campaign is Rockwell, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, offering hardware, software, and services to enhance resilience, agility, and sustainability in manufacturing operations. Furthermore, we invite you to join us at Rockwell’s Technology Forum during November 2024.
Discover how to bridge your aspirations with the latest in technological advancements. Gain hands-on experience, expert insights, and expand your knowledge through interactive sessions, live demos, and peer collaboration. Explore the potential of smart manufacturing to boost asset performance, enhance product quality, ensure safety, and drive business value. Register now to embrace smart manufacturing and shape the future.
The Technology Forum will include sessions on North American standards. See dates for those session and how to register below.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 12 November 2024 9:30 – 15:00 | Milton Keynes, UK Pitfield, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MK11 3DR Language: English |
| 13 November 2024 9:30 – 15:00 | Manchester, UK Unit 6, The Albion, Brunel Avenue, Salford M5 4BE Language: English |
| 14 November 2024 9:30 – 15:00 | Dublin, Ireland Swords Business Park, Brent House, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 Y2V0 Language: English |
| 26 November 2024 9:30 – 16:00 | Warsaw, Poland Powazkowska 44C, 01-797 Warsaw Language: Polish |
Stefano Muraro of Rockwell Automation explores specific evolutions of UL508A standards and the impact on industrial control panels, highlighting innovative, sustainable solutions.
In 2025, UK businesses are poised to undergo significant transformations driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and a heightened focus on sustainability.
In this guest contribution to the ongoing Sustainability in UL Standards campaign, Phil Murby, UK Commercial Manager at Lutze explores a different approach to the construction of a control panel.
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As the manufacturing community increasingly leans towards sustainable practices, machine builders and OEMs find themselves at the centre of impact and progress. But there are several caveats to ‘doing the right thing’, that will almost certainly emerge. The implications for standards and certifications like UL508A for one, could be significant.
Malcolm Condon, HR People Partner is a firm believer that, in order for UK manufacturers to remain competitive, they will need to rethink strategies for bridging the talent gap and transforming leadership.
PP Control & Automation is excited to announce its recent membership with Upcell, a network that bridges public institutions, industrials, and universities on a singular platform to transform the future of electric battery technology.
