Introduction to UL 859 Standard

What is UL 859?

UL 859 is a testing standard established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for personal care products. This standard aims to ensure that electrical appliances used for personal grooming do not pose hazards such as injury or fire under normal usage conditions. Compliance with the UL 859 standard allows these electrical products to obtain a safety certification mark, proving that they meet relevant safety standards and requirements.

What Products Does UL 859 Apply To?

The UL 859 standard applies to various personal grooming and beauty devices, including:

- Hair dryers

- Facial steamers

- Beauty face masks

- Electric shavers

- Facial massagers

- Electric razors

- Curling irons & straighteners

- Electric nose trimmers

- Electric nail polishers

- Other personal beauty appliances

What Are the Test Items in UL 859?

The UL 859 standard includes a comprehensive set of tests to assess the safety and performance of personal care appliances. These tests include:

1. Enclosure strength test

2. Leakage current test

3. Post-humidity leakage current test

4. IDCI (Immersion Detection Circuit Interrupter) operation test

5. Conditional sample test

6. Dew humidity test

7. Input test

8. Adverse conditions test for normal use

9. Normal temperature test (motor at full speed)

10. Motor voltage drop temperature test

11. Insulation withstand voltage test

12. Cloth covering test

13. Motor locking test

14. Corkboard surface temperature test

15. Abnormal operation test for short-circuited thermostat

16. Abnormal operation test with restricted air intake

17. Abnormal operation test with restricted air exhaust

18. Drop test

19. Heating wire cut-off test

20. Dual voltage abnormal test

21. Abnormal dual voltage selector switch test

22. Motor short circuit test

23. Open circuit test for components

24. Component failure test

25. Moisture resistance test

26. Cord strain relief test

27. Cord flexing test

28. Handle durability test

29. Handle static load test

30. Motor overload test

31. Ground continuity test

32. Cord labeling test

33. Extended operation test

34. Adhesive label durability test

35. Post-baking cord flexing test

36. Model stress test