SUN - ULC S531, Standard for Smoke Alarms
Effective January 1, 2018
Effective Date (see Schedule below): January 1, 2018
Impact Statement: A review of all Listing Reports is necessary to determine which products comply with new/revised requirements and which products will require re-evaluation. NOTE: Effective immediately, this revised standard will be exclusively used for evaluation of new products unless the Applicant requests in writing that current requirements be used along with their understanding that their listings will be withdrawn on Effective Date noted above, unless the product is found to comply with new/revised requirements.
Overview of Changes: ULC S531 3rd edition provides for improved Smoke Alarms by way of updated Testing requirements including requirements specific to Multi-Criteria Smoke Alarms which include supplemental functions such as CO gas detection and unique alerting capabilities. Further changes in this Edition include requirements specific to the gas sensor, Sensitivity & Velocity-sensitivity tests and In-Service Reliability testing.
This edition of the Standard introduces new areas such as Automatic Drift Compensation for Smoke Sensing comprising compensation parameters & requirements, alerting methods and sensitivity requirements. Also, there are provisions for Smoke Alarms to indicate end of life with unique signaling requirement and Reliability Prediction requirements for compliance of Wireless Alarms. Along with these changes, the Standard, where applicable, also covers all remote accessories that are to be connected. General changes (not specific itemized gap analysis) of new/revised requirements are found in table below.
Fees: So that production of products bearing the Listing Mark will not be interrupted, a proposal/quote is being prepared and will be sent to your attention. You are urged to promptly review, sign and return this proposal/quote which is to review your certification reports against these new/revised requirements.
Action Required (NOTE – This is a major update to the Certification Standard and production will be affected!):
Submit Information/Samples – Once the project is initiated, the Intertek Engineer will identify what specific information and samples are needed to assist with the evaluation to the 3rd edition of ULC S531
Information – To assist our Engineer with review of your Listing Reports, please submit technical information in response to the new/revised paragraphs noted in the attached or explain why these new/revised requirements do not apply to your product (s).
Current Listings Not Active? – Please immediately identify any current Listing Reports or products that are no longer active and should be removed from our records. We will do this at no charge as long as Intertek is notified in writing prior to the review of your reports.
| Clause | Verdict | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 3.22 | Glossary – Many items in the glossary have been revised or expanded, such as the following: 3.22 SPECIFIED LIFETIME – For purposes of this standard, specified lifetime will be referred to as “lifetime.” A continuous period of time specified by the manufacturer, during which the alarm meets the requirements of this standard. The manufacturer will specify the start date of the period as either the date of manufacturer or the fully assembled unit in its final enclosure, or the date the unit is placed into service. | |
| 6 | 6.1 - 6.4 - Automatic Drift Compensation For Smoke Sensing If this is a feature within the Smoke Alarm additional testing is needed. | |
| 8 | Smoke Sensitivity Indicating Means (Optional)- This requirement applies to end product installation smoke alarms that are provided with a means for measuring or indicating the nominal sensitivity or a sensitivity range If the device is included then must be evaluated under test. | |
| 9 | Maintenance (Field Cleaning) If a smoke alarm is capable of being cleaned it must be evaluated under test | |
| 10 | Alarm Silencing Feature Smoke alarms powered by a non-replaceable battery shall be provided with a temporary alarm silencing means. | |
| 35 | Automatic Drift Compensation If this is a feature within the Smoke Alarm additional testing is needed. | |
| 37.7 | Smoke Chamber Monitoring 37.7.1 The clean-air condition of a smoke chamber shall be monitored for contamination. A trouble signal shall be indicated at the smoke alarm before the clean-air reference value changes by more than 50 % of the shift required to place the smoke alarm into the alarm condition. 37.7.2 Two smoke alarms, one set at maximum and one set at minimum sensitivity, shall be used for the test. Each smoke alarm is to have the clean-air reference value in the smoke chamber gradually adjusted over a 48-h period in increments not exceeding 1/14 of the value required to reach 50 % of the shift that places the smoke alarm into the alarm condition. The reference value is to be adjusted not more than once each h. | |
| 37.8 | End-of-Life Signal The smoke alarm shall indicate end-of-life, based on the manufacturer’s specified lifetime (not to exceed 10 years), with an end-of-life signal | |
| 37.9 | Multi-Criteria Smoke Alarm With Gas Sensor If applicable then must be evaluated under test. | |
| 48 | Selectivity Test – Multi-criteria Smoke Alarms Incorporating Gas Sensor If device has this feature then must be evaluated under test. | |
| 58 | Alternate Corrosion Test (21 Day) The 21 day corrosion test outlined in 58.2 – 58.4 may be conducted in lieu of the Corrosion Test outlined in Section 57 | |
| 59.4 | Surge Immunity Test (Combination Wave New test required for AC powered smoke alarms | |
| 59.5 | Surge Current Test New test required for AC powered smoke alarms | |
| 59.6 | Supply Line (Ring Wave Surge Voltage) Transients New test required for AC powered smoke alarms | |
| 59.7 | Supply Line (Extra-Low-Voltage Circuit) Transients New test required for AC powered smoke alarms | |
| 76.4 | Low Frequency Alarm Signal Format If the alarm provides a Low-frequency 520Hz format then it must comply with this new test requirement – test needed. | |
| 77 | Field Service Tests (If Recommended By The Manufacturer) If this method is recommended by the manufacturer then new test procedure is required. Includes Maintenance cleaning procedure Clause 77.2 | |
| 80 | Smoke Alarms For Use In Recreational Vehicles (RV) New addition to this Edition. If the alarm is for use in a recreational vehicle, then test method is required. | |
| 81 | Smoke Alarms For Use On Recreational Boats New addition to this Edition. If the alarm is for use in a recreational boat, then test method is required | |
| 91 | Markings New marking requirements added. | |
| 92 | Instructions New instructions requirements added. | |
| 93 | Installation Instructions - Wiring Diagram New installation instructions requirements added. |
CUSTOMERS PLEASE NOTE: This Table and column "Verdict" can be used in determining how your current or future production is or will be in compliance with new/revised requirements.