Appliance Design - May 2008 - (Page 30)

QUALITY & STANDARDS Modern Motors Novel cooling fan motor designed by Quadrant Systems, Bourne, Mass. Revised standards increase design flexibility. W by frank ladonne Frank Ladonne is principal engineer for rotating machinery, Underwriters Laboratories, Northbrook, Ill. 30 applianceDESIGN May 2008 hy is UL changing its motor standards? This is generally the first reaction when people hear that UL is changing its venerable UL 1004 and UL 2111 standards for electric motors. Part of this reaction is due to the perception in some quarters that UL serves as the “Safety Police.” Another part of the reaction may be due to the comfort level that engineers have with the previous set of requirements that were first printed in 1972 and are well recognized by manufacturers. The answer begins with the fact that UL envisions its role as symbiotic with the motor and appliance industries. UL serves as a catalyst for bringing safer products to market by keeping our nationally accredited requirements current and responsive to emerging technology. The standards represent one of our tools in being able to do that. Like any tool, to be most effec- tive, it needs to be maintained and kept current with prevailing and emerging technology. So, the new standards weren’t written with the intent of making requirements restrictive. UL’s ANSI-accredited role requires UL to be responsible for coordinating and assuring consensus in product safety concerns. As part of the standards development process, UL has the ability to propose new requirements, but if the other 38 members don’t agree with the recommendation, the proposal would be voted down. In addition, everyone recognizes that safety in any product is not an absolute. It often involves trade-offs in order to bring the safer products to market and still best address the end-user’s practical needs. Unfortunately, certain products involve an inherent level of risk if they are to be functional – such as autos, for example. www.applianceDESIGN.com http://www.appliancedesign.com

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Appliance Design - May 2008 Contents Editorial Shipments/Forecasts News Watch New and Notable Displays & Indicators Elastomers Quality & Standards Indoor Air Quality IHHS Highlights New Products Classifieds Design Marts Advertiser’s Index Association Report: PSMA

Appliance Design - May 2008

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