UL 859 Compliance for Curling Irons and Hair Straighteners in the U.S.

Applicable Standards for Curling Irons and Hair Straighteners:

Curling Irons:

Curling irons can be categorized into two types based on styling preferences:

- Straight-barrel curling irons have a consistent diameter from top to bottom, producing uniform curls along the hair length.

- Conical-barrel curling irons create curls of varying sizes, allowing for more diverse styling. The curls can transition from small to large or vice versa, offering flexibility in hairstyling.

Hair Straighteners:

Hair straighteners are designed to straighten hair by heating it, softening it, and then allowing it to cool in a straightened form.

Modern hair straighteners function both as straighteners and curling devices. While originally used mainly in professional salons, straighteners became popular in Western households in the 1970s, enabling users to style their hair at home.

Overview of the UL 859 Standard:

UL 859 is a U.S. safety standard for personal care electrical appliances, including but not limited to:

1.Hair dryers

2.Hot air brushes

3.Facial cleansing devices

4.acial steamers

5.Nail lamps

6.Electric nail files

7.Electric shavers

8.Curling irons

9.Hair straighteners

10.Electric nose trimmers

The purpose of UL 859 is to ensure that these electrical appliances do not pose risks of injury or fire hazards under normal conditions. Products that meet the UL 859 standard receive a safety certification mark, proving their compliance with safety regulations.

UL 859 Testing Items:

1.Enclosure Strength Test – Evaluates the durability of the product’s casing.

2.Leakage Current Test – Measures potential leakage current under specified conditions.

3.Leakage Current Test After Humidity Exposure – Assesses electrical safety in humid conditions.

4.Input Test – Verifies that the product operates correctly at its rated voltage and frequency.

5.Dielectric Strength Test – Checks insulation performance to prevent electric shocks or breakdowns.

6.Drop Cloth Test – Tests the product’s mechanical durability and reliability.

7.Locked Motor Test – Ensures mechanical reliability under high stress.

8.Normal Temperature Test – Ensures the appliance does not overheat under normal usage.

9.Motor Voltage Drop Temperature Test – Prevents overheating due to voltage fluctuations.

Compliance Requirements for UL 859:

For personal care electrical appliances sold on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, compliance with UL 859 is mandatory.

If a product does not have a valid test report proving compliance, it may be forcibly removed from the platform.

This requirement ensures that electronic products sold online meet safety standards, reducing the risks of fire, explosions, and other hazards that could endanger consumer safety and property.