UL 746 – Evaluation of Polymer Materials in Electrical Applications

The UL 746 standard series sets the safety, reliability, and performance benchmarks for polymer materials used in electrical equipment and applications. These standards provide testing requirements and evaluation criteria for mechanical, electrical, thermal, flammability, safety related properties and performance of these materials. While UL 746A and UL 746B cover standard test methods for short term and long-term evaluation, the other UL 746 standards address specific types of applications. UL 746 is divided into several parts, each focusing on different aspects of material testing and evaluation:

• UL 746A: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations. This section provides methods for material identification and evaluation of mechanical, electrical, physical properties, chemical resistance, and flammability. For relevant ASTM/ISO standards, learn more at Intertek's Testlopedia The Plastics Testing Encyclopedia.
• UL 746B: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Long Term Property Evaluations. This includes the effects of thermal aging and relative thermal indices in assessing the material's aging, degradation, and endurance.
• UL 746C: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Use in Electrical Equipment Evaluations. This section is dedicated to the use of polymeric materials in specific applications of electrical equipment enclosures and insulations.
• UL 746D: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Fabricated Parts. This section addresses parts that have been molded or fabricated from polymeric material and describe the material-identity control system intended to provide traceability of the material used for the polymeric parts. Guidelines are also provided for acceptable use of recycled and regrind materials, the use of additives and colorants, and the blending of two or more materials.
• UL 746E: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Industrial Laminates, Filament Wound Tubing, Vulcanized Fiber, and Materials Used in Printed-Wiring Boards  
• UL 746F: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Flexible Dielectric Film Materials for Use in Printed-Wiring Boards and Flexible Materials Interconnect Constructions
• UL746R: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Outline of Investigation for Restricted Use Substances in Polymeric Materials
• UL 746S: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Evaluation of Sustainable Polymeric Materials for Use in Electrical Equipment This standard is intended to ensure acceptable material performance with respect to flammability, electrical, mechanical, and other related safety properties of mechanically recycled plastic in various proportions with the virgin material.

Intertek's Value Proposition in Polymer Testing:

At Intertek, we specialize in the comprehensive testing of polymer materials, including plastics, rubbers, adhesives, and fabrics. With expertise in aiding customers through the complexities of UL 746 compliance, we stand as your trusted partner in material testing. Our laboratories are equipped with most testing capabilities to cover the extensive range of test methods required by UL 746A, B, C, D, and E standards, and some for UL 746 F, R and S. Our services are designed to help you:

• Navigate the intricate requirements of UL 746 standards.
• Accelerate your product development and market launch timelines.
• Ensure your products meet the highest safety and performance benchmarks.

Our testing services encompass a wide array of standard tests called out by UL 746, including but not limited to:

• Mechanical property evaluations
• Electrical testing
• Flammability tests
• Environmental resistance assessments

Intertek is committed to providing unparalleled expertise and support in polymer testing for electrical applications. Our extensive experience, coupled with a comprehensive testing portfolio, positions us uniquely to assist you in achieving UL 746 compliance, enhancing product reliability, and securing a competitive edge in the marketplace.