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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIELD EVALUATION REPORT - 21-00525 - Grease Monkey - 585 N 2nd E - Sign (2) UL.com/Solutions UL LLC © 2022. All rights reserved. February 27, 2023 If Signs 1255 E 17th St Idaho Falls, ID 83404-6126 Attention: Dave Stratten UL Order Number: 14464049 Subject: Field Evaluation of (1) Electronic Message Center Dear Mr. Stratten: On 02/21/2023, UL completed a preliminary evaluation of the above subject equipment. It was determined that one or more products evaluated do not comply with the applicable requirements and Field Evaluated Product Mark(s) were not applied to the equipment. Please find attached a copy of the Preliminary Findings Report(s). All reports should be reviewed to verify that the information is complete and correct. Each report details our evaluation findings and lists the non-conforming items. To be eligible for a Field Evaluated Product Mark, all items listed in the reports require corrective actions that render the product compliant. A UL representative must verify all corrective actions before a mark may be applied to the equipment. Please contact our field evaluation coordinators when the corrective action s have been completed to schedule a return visit. Our coordinators may be reached at 877-UL-HELPS (877- 854-3577), Ext. 4 or email: Field@ul.com Please include our references above to the subject line of email correspondence. If you should have questions regarding this report, please contact me as noted below. Kind regards, Cathy Sledjeski Project Handler I Field Engineering Services Direct Line: 919-316-5038 Email: Cathy.Sledjeski@ul.com CC: Alex Owens - Electrical Inspector, City of Rexburg UL.com/Solutions Report Date: February 25, 2023 UL LLC © 2022. All rights reserved. Field Evaluation Services Preliminary Findings Report For Electronic Message Center Requested by: iF Signs 1255 E 17th St Idaho Falls, ID 83404-6126 UL Order Number - 14464049 Installation Site and Authority Having Jurisdiction: Grease Monkey 582 N 2nd E, Rexburg, ID City of Rexburg Rexburg, ID 83440 Report by: Tyson Long Tyson D Long Senior Staff Engineer 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 2 of 16 Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... 3 2 Conditions of Acceptability ................................................................................................. 3 3 Referenced Standards........................................................................................................ 4 4 Product Description ............................................................................................................ 4 4.1 Nameplate Data .................................................................................................................. 4 5 Evaluation Discrepancies ................................................................................................... 5 5.1 Non-Certified or Improperly Certified Components ............................................................. 5 5.2 Double Lugging on Terminals ............................................................................................. 6 5.3 Internal Conductor Securement .......................................................................................... 6 5.4 Sign Closures Not Locked .................................................................................................. 6 5.5 No Main Earthing Terminal ................................................................................................. 7 5.6 Exclusion of Water Test Compliance .................................................................................. 7 5.7 Nameplate Required ........................................................................................................... 8 6 Evaluation Details ............................................................................................................... 9 6.1 Critical Components ............................................................................................................ 9 6.2 Electrical Spacings (Creepage/Clearance) ......................................................................... 9 6.3 Environmental Rating .......................................................................................................... 9 6.4 Grounding and Bonding .................................................................................................... 10 6.5 Guarding of Live Parts ...................................................................................................... 10 6.6 Markings ............................................................................................................................ 10 6.7 Means of Disconnect......................................................................................................... 10 6.8 Mounting of Components .................................................................................................. 11 6.9 Overcurrent Protection ...................................................................................................... 11 6.10 Suitability for Installation ................................................................................................... 11 6.11 Wiring and Wiring Methods ............................................................................................... 11 7 Test Results ..................................................................................................................... 12 8 Test Equipment ................................................................................................................ 12 9 Photographs ..................................................................................................................... 13 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 3 of 16 1 Executive Summary Federal OSHA requirements mandate that all electrical equipment in the workplace be “certified” or subjected to a complete and thorough evaluation before use (29 CFR 1910.303 and 1910.399). Many state, county and city electrical jurisdictions have similar requirements. A UL Field Evaluation is an accepted approach to meet this requirement; UL conducts an unbiased, independent assessment of products at a specific location to essential requirements of applicable product safety standard(s). UL’s engineering assessment informs regulating authorities who make product and related installation approval decisions. Please note that the regulating authority for the final installation site provides final approval of this equipment and the installation. This project’s purpose was to evaluate a product that was not Listed or otherwise certified by a testing laboratory recognized by the authority having jurisdiction. Products undergoing this evaluation process do not acquire a UL Listing, UL Recognition, or UL Classification. UL has not established factory Follow -Up Services to determine the conformance of any subsequently produced, relocated, or otherwise altered product(s) or system(s). Installation model codes are referenced in this document where necessary to ensure the product can be properly installed according to the code (e.g. National Electrical Code, NFPA 70). At the request of Dave Stratten of iF Signs, a Field Evaluation project was initiated. A Preliminary Evaluation was completed at: • Grease Monkey, 582 N 2nd E, Rexburg, ID The results of the preliminary evaluation identified items that do not comply with applicable standard(s) and require corrective action as detailed in this report. When these discrepancies are corrected, a final inspection is required to verify that changes have rendered the equipment compliant and complete the Field Evaluation. 2 Conditions of Acceptability Except where otherwise stated in the product description and evaluation sections of this report, this evaluation and the application of the Field Evaluated Product Mark is subject to the following Conditions of Acceptability. 2.1 Except for like-for-like component replacement in the event of component failure, no change or addition to the product or system shall be made that would alter its construction, operation, function, layout, source of supply, physical location or operating environment. If such changes or additions to the product occur, the Field Evaluat ed Product Mark shall be considered invalid, and a separate evaluation shall be required to determine compliance with applicable product safety standards under the changed conditions. 2.2 The completed evaluation and application of the UL Field Evaluated Product Mark by UL does not assume liability on the part of UL and does not relieve the manufacturer, installer, user, or other relevant parties of their responsibilities. The product evaluation is based on adherence to sound engineering practices, and compliance with the applicable product safety standards and installation code. 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 4 of 16 2.3 This evaluation considered the risks associated with electric shock, fire, and casualty hazards as specified in the evaluation section of the report only. No other hazards were evaluated during this evaluation. 2.4 Unless otherwise stated in the product description, this product was evaluated for installation in an indoor, dry, normal environment only. The product was not evaluated for installation in any hazardous classified location as defined in the latest edition National Electrical Code as adopted by the National Fire Protection Association. The product was not evaluated for installation in an environment subject to rainfall, water spray, steam, or exposure to any corrosive chemicals that deteriorate the enclosure or components. 2.5 The UL Field Evaluated Product Mark shall not be considered as equivalent to the UL Listing Mark, UL Recognized Component Mark, or UL Classified Product Mark. The UL Field Evaluated Product Mark indicates compliance with the applicable parts of the Standards referenced in Section 3 at the time the Mark was applied considering the final installation site. The applicable parts included in the evaluation are the construction review, markings, and those testing protocols that are non- destructive. 3 Referenced Standards • UL 48, Standard For Electric Signs, 15th Edition, Revised 12/07/2018 • UL 879, Standard For Electric Sign Components, 9th Edition, Revised 07/17/2019 4 Product Description Equipment Name: Electronic Message Center Description: This Field Evaluation covers two stationary electronic message center signs mounted to two columns in the parking lot of an auto repair shop. The neon sign and backlit sign above this electronic message sign are not included in the scope of this field evaluation. Manufacturer: Matrix Model Number: not yet provided Serial Number: not yet provided 4.1 Nameplate Data Electrical Ratings Volts 120 Vac Amps 6.5 A Phase 1 Wire 2 Frequency 60 Hz 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 5 of 16 5 Evaluation Discrepancies This section details the non-compliant findings of the preliminary evaluation. Unless corrective actions are described, a final evaluation is necessary to complete all remaining tests and verify that changes have rendered the equipment compliant. 5.1 Non-Certified or Improperly Certified Components Reference: UL 48, 15th Edition, Section 3.1.1, 4.4.1.3, 4.4.1.4 3.1.1 Except as indicated in 3.1.2, a component of a product covered by this standard shall comply with the requirements for that component. See Appendix A for a list of standards covering components generally used in the products covered by this standard. 4.4.1.3 The power supply cord for a trailer-mounted sign shall be of the following type: SW, SW-A, SOW, SOW-A, STW, STW-A, STOW, STOOW, or STOW-A. 4.4.1.4 The power supply cord for a sign, other than a trailer mounted sign, intended for use in a wet location shall be of the type in 4.4.1.3 or the following: SJW, SJW-A, SJTW, SJTW-A, SJOW, SJOW-A, SJTOW, or SJTOW-A. Discrepancy: 1. Unidentified LED panels, printed wiring boards, internal wiring, and front plastic LED diffusers are installed inside as a part of the overall enclosure. 2. Power terminals without NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) certification have been used in two separate locations of each sign. 3. The main power cord used on these signs is a UL Recognized cable style 2464. This cable style is not rated for exposure to direct sunlight or moisture. Action Required: 1. All these components shall be proven to be UL Listed or UL Recognized Components; OR the power sources may be replaced with multiple NRTL Certified power sources rated with Class 2 outputs; OR the output of the existing power supplies may be provided with individual overcurrent protection to make all circuits under 100 VA. Any UL Listed, branch-circuit rated overcurrent protective devices may be utilized. All Listed overcurrent protective devices on the 5 Vdc circuits shall be 20 A or less. 2. Replace the power terminals with terminal NRTL or UL Listed and rated appropriately for this application. 3. Replace the main power cables on the exterior of the unit with cables rated for outdoor wet locations (see clauses above) and exposure to sunlight. These shall be connected to an outdoor rated receptacle (complying with the National Electrical Code) or may be permanently wired at the AHJs discretion. Corrective Action: Not Verified 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 6 of 16 5.2 Double Lugging on Terminals Reference: UL 48, 15th Edition, Section 3.1.3 A component shall be used in accordance with its rating established for the intended conditions of use. Discrepancy: The are several locations where terminals rated for single conductor terminations are securing 2 or 3 conductors. Action Required: All terminals shall terminate one conductor only unless evidence is provided the terminal is rated to terminate two conductors. Even if a terminal is rated to secure two conductors, they must be of the same wire size and type, and must be within the wire gauge rating of the terminal. NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) certified power distribution blocks may be utilized if needed. Corrective Action: Not Verified 5.3 Internal Conductor Securement Reference: UL 48, 15th Edition, Section 4.1.1.3 All parts, subassemblies, and components shall be secured to prevent loosening, unintended rotation, or turning, etc. Discrepancy: - Inside the North-facing sign a low voltage, hazardous energy set of conductors had been secured too high on the inside of the sign face resulting in pulling one of the conductors out of the crimp terminal on the power supply. - Inside the South-facing sign a set of low voltage power conductors was not properly supported allowing the weight of the wire loom to place strain on the power supply terminals. Action Required: In the final construction the wiring shall be secured to the back side of each enclosure and to the inside of the sign face such that no strain is placed on the fuses or power supply terminals when the sign enclos ures are opened. Corrective Action: Not Verified 5.4 Sign Closures Not Locked Reference: UL 48, 15th Edition, Section 4.2.2.2.1 Except as noted in 4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2.2, all uninsulated live parts shall be inaccessible during normal use and user servicing, including lamp replacement. Accessibility is determined by use of the articulate probes in Figures 4.3 and 4.4. Discrepancy: The hasps on the sign securing the enclosure were not locked at the time of the Preliminary Evaluation. 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 7 of 16 Action Required: The keys will need to be located such that the sign can be locked closed to prevent untrained persons from accessing the hazardous voltages. Corrective Action: Not Verified 5.5 No Main Earthing Terminal Reference: UL 48, 15th Edition, Section 4.2.4.1.1, 4.2.4.1.2 4.2.4.1.1 Other than as specified in 4.2.4.1.3, all dead metal parts that are accessible to contact during normal use, during relamping, and servicing are required to be grounded. 4.2.4.1.2 To be considered grounded, a dead metal part is to be electrically connected or bonded to an equipment ground. This connection or bonding must be adequate such that the resistance to the grounding means to be no greater than 0.1 Ohm. Discrepancy: The main power cord has been installed to a terminal block where the grounding simply passes through the block and goes to the power supplies without grounding the overall enclosure. Action Required: - At the power cable's first point of connection inside each sign a threaded, bolted, welded or other means shall be provided to terminate the earthing conductor in the power cable to the sign conductive enclosure. If a threaded hole is utilized there shall be a minimum of two threads of engagement, and in no case shall two ring terminals be secured under one bolt. - A bonding jumper from the main enclosure to the front sing face frame shall be added. Corrective Action: Not Verified 5.6 Exclusion of Water Test Compliance Reference: UL 48, 15th Edition, Section 5.9.1 5.9.1 Except as noted in 5.9.2, the sign to be tested shall be positioned as intended in service and 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water is to be poured in a continuous stream on or over each part of the sign that permits the entrance of water, such as openings at the back of the sign for drainage, openings for ventilation, mounting straps, seams, or joints. At the conclusion of the test, the exterior of the sign is to be wiped dry and the interior examined for compliance with 5.9.5. ... 5.9.5 As a result of the test: a) Water shall not contact any electrical device unless that device is suitable for water contact, such as wet location, weatherproof, water-tight, or outdoor use, and 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 8 of 16 b) Water shall not enter: 1) A splice enclosure provided as part of a ballast, transformer, or power supply; 2) A separate enclosure housing a ballast, transformer, or power supply; 3) An enclosure housing appliance-wiring-material conductors; 4) An enclosure housing a snap switch, or similar device; or 5) A drain opening provided on the back surface of a sign. Discrepancy: An Exclusion of Water test was not conducted during the Preliminary Evaluation since no evidence of water intrusion was noted. The sign has been installed for approximately 11 months. Action Required: The final evaluation engineer will determine if water testing is necessary based on the sign construction changes resulting from this report. Corrective Action: Not Verified 5.7 Nameplate Required Reference: UL 48, 15th Edition, Section 7 7.1.1 Signs shall be provided with the applicable markings below. 7.1.2 All markings shall be in a font that is easily legible. 7.1.3 All markings shall be minimum 3.2-mm (0.125-in) tall unless indicated otherwise. 7.1.4 All markings shall be visible during installation and available after installation. ... 7.2.1 A sign shall be marked with the manufacturer's name, trade name, trademark, or identifier, and electrical ratings in volts and amps. 7.2.2 A sign shall be marked with the date or other dating period of manufacture not exceeding any three consecutive months. ... 7.2.4 A sign shall be marked with a unique identifier. Discrepancy: No manufacturer's nameplate was provided on these signs. Action Required: Provide the marking described above on a permanent type marking suitable for an outdoor environment, i.e., water and sunlight resistant, and installed where visible after installation. The marking shall include: - the manufacturer's name, - sign model number, - serial number for each sign, 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 9 of 16 - 120 Vac, 60 Hz, 6.5 A (6.5 A is the lowest marking possible. The overall current draw of the combination of these two signs shall be considered relative to the branch-circuit feeding these two signs. This is the AHJs jurisdiction, but if the supply circuit is clearly overloaded at the time of the final evaluation, Field Evaluation labels may be withheld.), - outdoor sign - manufacturing date may be estimated based on the installation date by month and year. In addition, the existing marking indicating UL shall be removed. Corrective Action: Not Verified 6 Evaluation Details The following specific areas were evaluated using the methods described. All items comply with the applicable parts of standard(s) referenced in Section 3.0, unless stated otherwise in Section 5.0 of this report. Additional characteristics and features unique to the product were further addressed as deemed necessary considering the final installation site, or as required by the applicable product safety standard(s). 6.1 Critical Components Method: The following critical components were inspected for evidence of Listing or Recognition according to UL policies: - Circuit Breakers / Fuses - Enclosures - Power Disconnecting Devices - Switches and Controllers - Wire and Cables - Terminal Blocks - Transformers and Power Supplies - Polymeric Materials - Printed Wiring Boards Results: The critical components are Listed or Recognized by a testing laboratory acceptable to UL according to UL policies. 6.2 Electrical Spacings (Creepage/Clearance) Method: Spacings between uninsulated live parts of opposite polarity and between uninsulated live parts and dead metal parts are inspected according to the values specified in the referenced standard. Results: The through-air and over-surface distances meet or exceed the requirements based upon the voltage or volt-amperes of the load, as applicable. 6.3 Environmental Rating Method: The design, assembly, and installation of the equipment are examined for suitability with the environment, electrical supply, and operating conditions of the installation site. 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 10 of 16 Results: The general operating conditions are acceptable for the design and use of the equipment as required by the standards referenced in Section 3.0. 6.4 Grounding and Bonding Method: All accessible metal parts are verified (visually and/or by test) to be bonded together and to be connected to the supply equipment grounding conductor. Where applicable, a bonding continuity test is conducted and the results recorded. Results: The product is grounded and bonded according to the applicable standards referenced in Section 3.0 and Article 250 of the NEC. The product has an identified terminal to connect the supply equipment grounding conductor or a suitable cord with an integral equipment grounding conductor. 6.5 Guarding of Live Parts Method: The product is visually inspected to ensure that all components were housed in a suitable enclosure and made effectively inaccessible to unauthorized persons. An articulated finger probe is used to measure access where necessary. Vent openings are verified t o not align with potential discharge paths of gases expelled from circuit breakers when clearing fault conditions. Results: Enclosures prevent contact with moving parts, electrically energized parts, and hot parts. Enclosures provide an acceptable degree of protection for internal components (according to the product’s installation environment). All electrically live parts external to the enclosure are guarded as required by the applicable standards. No electrically hazardous energized parts are accessible from the exterior of the ultimate enclosure as required by Section 110.27 of the NEC. 6.6 Markings Method: The product nameplate is inspected for all required information. The content, placement, and format of hazard-warning labels, fuse replacement markings, environmental limitations, and installation type markings are also verified. Results: The product bears the required markings according to the applicable standards. Additional markings are identified for the installation site, as the working environment requires. 6.6.1 Unit Nameplate The product bears a permanent nameplate, suitable for the intended installation environment and with all the applicable information. The nameplate is visible or accessible after installation or located according to the provisions in the referenced standard. 6.6.2 Hazard Warning Labels Applicable hazard warning markings that identify known hazards are located on or within the product. 6.6.3 Fuse Replacement Fuse replacement markings are provided and installed at all fuse locations or on a permanent chart suitable for the intended environment. 6.7 Means of Disconnect Method: Disconnecting means shall be located within sight and readily accessible from the equipment. The disconnecting means shall be permitted to be installed on or within equipmen t but shall not be located on panels that are designed to allow access to the equipment or to obscure the equipment nameplate(s). The disconnecting means shall open all ungrounded supply conductors and shall be designed so that no pole can be operated independently. The device shall be designed so that it cannot be closed automatically. 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 11 of 16 Results: The disconnecting means is within sight, readily accessible, and is installed and operates as required. 6.8 Mounting of Components Method: Components that support live parts and uninsulated current carrying parts are secured to prevent them from turning or shifting in position if such motion may result in a reduction of spacings below the minimum acceptable values. Friction between surfaces is not acceptable as a means of preventing shifting or turning of a live part. Result: Components are mounted such that they are fixed in place and protected from a reduction in electrical spacings and strain on wiring terminations. 6.9 Overcurrent Protection Method: The product is inspected to ensure that proper overcurrent protection exists for internal conductors and components. Overcurrent devices are inspected for proper ratings, including voltage, ampere, and interrupting ratings, suitability as branch circuit protection (wher e required), and Listing. Results: Details as follows: 6.9.1 Conductors Factory and field installed internal conductors have proper overcurrent protection. 6.9.2 Supply The product has properly rated main overcurrent protection. Internal overcurrent protection is properly rated for the intended application. All devices designed to open under fault conditions have proper short circuit current interrupting ratings. 6.9.3 Components Components such as transformers, heater elements, and motors have overcurrent protection of the correct ratings and proper type. 6.10 Suitability for Installation Method: The product is inspected to ensure suitability for installation according to the NEC as specified in the referenced standards. This inspection determined whether correct working space and clearances existed, noted proper wire bending space for all field wiring, observed provisions for mounting, and assured that areas for conduit entries, as applicable, were in place. Results: Details as follows: 6.10.1 Clearance and Working Space The product is or can be installed with acceptable access, clearances, working spaces, and distances from combustibles. 6.10.2 Wire Bending & Gutter Space Wire bending space for all field wiring exists according to the NEC. 6.11 Wiring and Wiring Methods Method: All conductors were inspected for Listing or Recognition by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory according to UL policies. The conductors were examined for proper ratings (voltage, ampacity, temperature, flexibility, flame, and environmental ratings) as required for the application. The wiring methods were verified to comply with the applicable standards and provide proper physical protection, including strain relief, where applicable. The wiring 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 12 of 16 terminations were inspected for correct application, number of conductors according to their Listing, and correct ampacity based on temperature ratings. Results: Details as follows: 6.11.1 Wire Terminations All wire terminations are suitable for the number and size of conductors installed. 6.11.2 Conduit Connections All conduits, gutters, and wireways are properly supported and sized for the number and size of conductors. 6.11.3 Supply Connections The supply connection points have proper terminals and identification provided. 6.11.4 Strain Relief External conductors, cable assemblies entering enclosures, and internal conductors are secured to prevent strain from being transmitted to terminations. 6.11.5 Separation of Circuits Unless provided with insulation rated for the highest voltage involved, low voltage and line voltage circuit wires within enclosures are segregated or separated by barriers. The product wiring for low voltage and line voltage circuits outside enclosures is installed in separate raceways or wireways. 6.11.6 Wiring Methods Internal wiring methods are in compliance with the requirements of the applicable standard. All wiring is routed, secured, and protected from moving parts, external heat sources, and sharp edges. 7 Test Results The following tests verified that the product operates within normally expected parameters. Unless stated otherwise in Section 5.0, all the following items comply with the applicable part(s) of the referenced standard(s). Field evaluation test methods follow the applicable standards as closely as practical, considering the limits of a non-laboratory field setting and the need for the equipment to perform its function following the test. • Input Test, Single Phase • Leakage Current Test • Strain Relief Test 8 Test Equipment UL test instrumentation and calibration information records are maintained within UL’s internal systems. All test equipment used to evaluate product(s) covered by this report, which may have an effect on test results, are calibrated annually and traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or other national metrology institution and managed according to ISO/IEC 17025, General Requirements for the Competence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories. 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 13 of 16 9 Photographs Photo 1 – Overall View Photo 2 – Overall Internal View 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 14 of 16 Photo 3 – No Main Earthing Terminal Provided Photo 4 – Wiring Placing Strain on Power Supply Terminals 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 15 of 16 Photo 5 – Loose Low Voltage, Hazardous Energy Conductor Photo 6 – Components Without NRTL or UL Certifications 2022-10620-FE Field Evaluation Services Report Page 16 of 16 Photo 7 – Wiring and Splices Without UL or NRTL Certifications Photo 8 – Style 2464 Power Cable