What is the UL 859 Test Report?

Currently, cross-border e-commerce platforms in the US, such as Amazon, TEMU, Shein, and TikTok, require UL reports for products with electrical components.

The UL report is an evaluation and certification report on product safety performance issued by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to testing for public safety. Established in 1894, UL's mission is to study and determine through scientific methods whether materials, devices, products, equipment, buildings, etc., pose any harm to life or property, and to provide products that meet an acceptable level of safety.

Overview of UL 859 Standard

UL 859 is a safety testing standard established in the United States for personal care electrical products. This standard aims to ensure that personal care appliances do not pose a safety risk to users, such as injury or fire hazards, under normal use and specific conditions. Only products that meet the UL 859 standard's requirements can receive the safety certification mark, proving their compliance with relevant safety regulations.

Which Products Require a UL 859 Report?

The UL 859 standard applies to many personal care electrical products, including but not limited to hair dryers, facial steamers, beauty masks, electric razors, facial massagers, electric shavers, hair curlers/straighteners, electric nose trimmers, and electric nail grinders. These products must undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure their safety during use.

What Are the UL 859 Test Items?

- Shell Strength Test: Evaluates the strength of the product's shell to ensure it can withstand external impacts.

- Leakage Current Test: Detects current leakage during normal operation to protect user safety.

- Humidity Leakage Current Test: Repeats the leakage current test under high humidity conditions to confirm product safety.

- IDCI Action Test: Verifies the response of internal safety devices (such as thermal breakers) under specific conditions.

- Condition Sample Test: Compares products from different batches or types to ensure consistency.

- Dew Humidity Test: Simulates usage under dew-like humidity conditions to evaluate safety performance.

- Input Test: Tests the power input characteristics of the product to ensure compliance with safety standards.

- Worst-Case Condition Test: Tests the product under the most unfavorable operating conditions to assess safety.

- Normal Temperature Test (Full-Speed Motor): Monitors temperature changes when the motor is running at full speed to prevent overheating.

- Motor Voltage Drop Temperature Test: Assesses the motor's thermal protection under voltage drop conditions.

- Insulation Voltage Test: Tests the insulation performance of the product to prevent electric shocks.

- Covering Cloth Test: Simulates the product's use under a covering to evaluate safety.

- Locking Motor Test: Tests the motor's lock feature to prevent accidental activation.

- Cork Board Surface Temperature Test: Ensures the surface temperature of cork boards will not burn users.

- Short-Circuit Thermostat Abnormal Test: Simulates a short-circuit scenario in the thermostat to test product safety.

- Restricted Airflow Abnormal Test: Tests the product's performance under restricted airflow conditions.

- Drop Test: Simulates a fall scenario to assess the product's impact resistance and safety.

- Heater Element Cut-Off Test: Tests the response and safety when the heating element is cut off.

- Abnormal Dual Voltage Test: Tests the product’s performance and safety under abnormal dual-voltage conditions.

- Abnormal Dual Voltage Switch Test: Evaluates the operation of the dual-voltage switch under abnormal conditions.

- Motor Short-Circuit Test: Detects the motor’s response and the effectiveness of its protection in a short-circuit scenario.

- Component Open-Circuit Test: Simulates an open-circuit situation in components to evaluate safety and circuit reliability.

- Component Failure Test: Tests the product's response and safety when a component fails.

- Moisture Resistance Test: Tests the product’s safety performance and usage in humid environments.

- Wire Tension Test: Evaluates the wire's tensile strength and durability.

- Wire Bending Test: Simulates wire bending conditions to assess durability and abrasion resistance.

- Handle Durability Test: Tests the handle's durability and safety over long periods.

- Handle Static Load Test: Tests the handle’s ability to support static loads and its stability.

- Motor Overload Test: Assesses the motor's overload protection and safety.

- Ground Continuity Test: Tests the ground continuity of the product to prevent electric shocks.

- Wire Label Test: Checks the clarity and accuracy of the wire label.

- Extended Operation Test: Simulates prolonged use to evaluate the product's performance and safety.

- Sticker Adhesion Test: Tests the adhesive strength of stickers on the product.

- Post-Baking Wire Bending Test: Tests wire bending performance after simulating baking conditions.

- Model Stress Test: Performs stress analysis on the product using model stress analysis software.

UL 859 is a safety testing standard formulated by UL for personal care electrical products. It specifies the safety performance requirements and testing methods for such products. Once a product passes testing according to the UL 859 standard, the laboratory will issue a UL report that certifies the product meets the relevant safety standards and platform qualification requirements.