(Commonwealth of Virginia)
Underwriters Laboratories, a safety testing and certification company, has developed a new set of requirements for indoor/outdoor cord sets for plug-in hybrids and pure-electric vehicles. The safety standard is one of a growing number UL is developing for electric vehicle product categories, including electric cords, charging stations, connectors, and motors. Most recently, UL has announced its intent to release a new set of requirements for electric vehicle large batteries. Cord set product safety testing will address stationary and portable types, including the attached plug, flexible power cord, personnel protection circuitry, electric vehicle cable, and vehicle connector. Electric vehicle components that bear the UL mark are tested for overload protection, shock, and flammability. The future cord set standard, UL Subject 2594, will comply with National Electric Code Article 625.