UL 1581 2023-11 PDF
Name in English:
St UL 1581 2023-11
Name in Russian:
Ст UL 1581 2023-11
Original standard UL 1581 2023-11 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
UL 1581: Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords — a UL reference standard that specifies test methods, specimen preparation, measurement and calculation details used by wire, cable and flexible cord product standards.
Abstract
UL 1581 provides the detailed test procedures and reference methods (mechanical, electrical, thermal and flammability tests), specimen selection and conditioning, and measurement and calculation conventions that finished wire, cable and flexible-cord standards reference. The document is maintained by Underwriters Laboratories and is periodically updated; the most recent redline/revision activity was published in late 2023.
General information
- Status: Active (reference standard in current use).
- Publication date: Original 4th edition published Oct 31, 2001; latest revision / ANSI approval and redline published November 29, 2023.
- Publisher: Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- ICS / categories: Electrical engineering / cables and conductors; falls within general safety and electrical wiring product classifications (reference standard for wire and cable product standards).
- Edition / version: 4th edition (2001) with multiple interim revisions and a 2023 redline update.
- Number of pages: Varies by published package (complete 4th-edition compilations and vendor packages list between ~156 and ~218 pages depending on included interim changes/redline content).
Scope
Contains the specific details for conductors, insulation, jackets and other coverings and the methods of sample preparation, specimen selection and conditioning, plus measurement and calculation procedures that wire, cable and flexible-cord standards reference. Requirements for finished products (materials, construction, marking) are specified in the individual finished-type standards and are not part of this reference document.
Key topics and requirements
- Standardized test methods for electrical, mechanical and thermal properties (conductor resistance, dielectric/insulation tests, temperature and current-related tests).
- Flammability and vertical/horizontal flame propagation test methods used by wire and cable product standards.
- Specimen preparation, conditioning (humidity, temperature), selection and sampling protocols for repeatable testing.
- Measurement and calculation conventions (dimensional tolerances, conductor DC resistance, tensile/elongation test methods).
- Referenced outside standards and tables that the reference standard updates periodically (redline changes are published as revisions).
Typical use and users
Used by cable and wire manufacturers, product design and compliance engineers, test laboratories, certification bodies (including UL) and standards developers as the common set of test methods and specimen requirements that finished-type standards reference. It supports type-specific UL standards and regulatory/inspection activities.
Related standards
UL 1581 is a reference for many UL product standards (for example UL 758 Appliance Wiring Material and various UL wire/cable product standards) and is frequently cited alongside ASTM, IEC and other industry test-method documents. Individual finished-type standards (UL 62, UL 83, UL 758, etc.) reference the relevant parts of UL 1581 for test procedures such as flame tests (VW-1) and other methods.
Keywords
UL 1581, reference standard, wires, cables, flexible cords, test methods, specimen conditioning, insulation, jackets, conductor, flammability, VW-1, Underwriters Laboratories.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: UL 1581 is a reference standard published by Underwriters Laboratories that defines the test methods, specimen preparation and measurement procedures used by finished wire, cable and flexible-cord product standards.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers test methods and technical details for conductors, insulation, jackets and other coverings plus sample preparation, conditioning and measurement/calculation methods that product standards for wires, cables and cords reference. It does not replace finished-product requirements, which appear in the applicable product standard.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Manufacturers, testing laboratories, compliance and certification engineers, UL reviewers and standards committees use UL 1581 to ensure consistent testing and comparability between product standards.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The 4th edition (originally published Oct 31, 2001) remains the base edition; it has received multiple interim revisions and a redline update/ANSI approval published November 29, 2023. Users should obtain the latest redline/compiled edition to ensure they have current referenced methods.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: UL 1581 functions as a reference standard that is cited by many UL product standards (for example UL 62, UL 83, UL 758 and others) rather than a numbered series; it forms the common test-method backbone for wire and cable product standards.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Test methods, specimen conditioning, conductor, insulation, jacket, flammability, VW-1, wire, cable, flexible cord, reference standard, Underwriters Laboratories.