What are UL/CSA standards? HELUKABEL's UL/CSA-approved cables

1.1 What is the UL standard for electrical cables?

UL certification (short for Underwriters Laboratories) is an approval that confirms a product—such as an electrical cable—has met all safety and performance requirements established by UL. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a globally recognized safety certification organization known for its rigorous testing and standards system.

When you see the labels “UL Listed” or “UL Recognized” on a cable, it means the product has passed strict evaluation processes.

The main objective of UL certification for electrical cables is to ensure the product operates safely within its intended applications. Whether installed in residential homes, office buildings, or heavy industrial facilities, UL-certified cables provide users with peace of mind and help reduce risks associated with electrical hazards such as overloading, short circuits, or electrical leakage.

1.2 “UL Listed” vs. “UL Recognized” cables

UL Recognized certification applies to individual components, such as AWM (Appliance Wiring Material). Certification details for these products are displayed on the UL “Yellow Card.”

These types of wires are commonly used as internal components within larger products that are UL certified. Final approval depends on how the component is integrated and used within the complete system—such as machinery or factory equipment.

In contrast, UL Listed certification is a full product-level certification that applies to building wiring systems, industrial equipment, and field installations. Depending on flame resistance and intended use environment, UL-listed cables are categorized under designations such as: CM (Communications Cable), CMG (General Purpose), CMX (Residential or restricted use).

The biggest advantage of UL Listed certification is its broad recognition and high acceptance in field installations. Choosing UL Listed cables helps reduce additional costs related to redesign, reinstallation, or disputes during inspection processes.

1.4 AWM classification (AWM Style)

AWM (Appliance Wiring Material) refers to a broad category of wires and cables with various constructions and applications.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) classifies AWM as a “Recognized Component,” meaning it is typically used within devices or systems that are UL Listed or UL Classified. UL organizes AWM wires into five main groups based on the following criteria:

• Number of conductors: single-core or multi-core
• Insulation material: thermoplastic or thermoset
• Manufacturing method: extruded insulation, jacketed, or coated for protection

2.1 What is the CSA standard for electrical cables?

The CSA Standard is a technical standard from Canada, established by the Canadian Standards Association. Similar to the UL standard in the United States, CSA defines safety and performance requirements for electrical and electronic products, including wires and cables.

CSA certification is a key indicator of product quality in the Canadian market, confirming that the product has met strict safety testing and regulatory requirements set by CSA.

Cables that carry CSA certification are specifically designed to meet the highest safety standards, ensuring user protection and minimizing risks during operation.

2.3 Common types of CSA-certified cables

CSA-certified cable types are specifically designed to meet the needs of different environments and applications. Some notable categories include:

• CSA TEW (Machine Tool Wire): Used in industrial control systems and equipment wiring. These cables are highly flexible and resistant to oil and coolant, reducing mechanical damage in machine operating environments.
• CSA AC90 (Armored Cable): A flexible armored cable that provides additional mechanical protection, suitable for exposed or concealed wiring installations.
• CSA TC (Tray Cable): Designed for power and control circuits, this cable features flame-retardant thermoplastic jackets, ensuring safety in cable trays and industrial systems.
• CSA SOOW (Service Cord): Used with portable electrical equipment and tools. These cables offer excellent resistance to oil, chemicals, and abrasion, making them ideal for harsh working environments.

2.4 Common CSA standards for cables

Some of the most widely used CSA standards in electrical cables include:

• CSA FT1: A small-scale vertical flame test applied to finished cable samples. It evaluates the cable's self-extinguishing capability—how quickly it stops burning after the flame source is removed.
• CSA C22.2 No. 127: Specifies safety and performance requirements for Appliance Wiring Material (AWM), ensuring suitability for a wide range of applications, including household and industrial equipment.
• CSA C22.2 No. 210: Outlines technical requirements for power and control cables, including conductor and insulation materials, as well as testing methods to ensure reliability and safety in electrical systems.

4.1 UL758 cables

• Ethernet cables: 11023769, 800068, 803295, 11007522 (Ethercat), 11018068 (SPE), 11019818 (SPE)
• Control cablesMEGAFLEX® 500, JZ-600 / OZ-600 UL/CSA, JZ-604 TC TRAY CABLE / OZ-604 TC TRAY CABLE (69661)
• Drag chain cables: MULTISPEED® 500-PVC UL/CSA, MULTISPEED® 500-PUR UL/CSA, MULTISPEED® 500-TPE UL/CSA
• Single core cables: HELUKABEL® SINGLE CORE UL Style 1015, HELUKABEL® SINGLE CORE UL Style 1007, FIVENORM, Single 600-J/-O
• Robot cables: HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX® PUR UL/CSA, HELUCONTROL® ROBOFLEX® PUR UL/CSA, HELUPOWER® ROBOFLEX® PUR UL/CSA

4.4 UL4703 cables

HELUPOWER® SOLARFLEX®-X RPVU90-CU is used for wiring solar modules. The cable is suitable for direct burial; however, installation in conduits is recommended to enhance durability and safety. The minimum temperature during installation and handling is -25°C.

This is a specialized DC cable for solar power systems, designed with insulation and sheathing materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as UV radiation, ozone, humidity, and large temperature fluctuations. With a flexible copper conductor (CU), the cable ensures excellent conductivity and minimizes energy loss during power transmission from solar panels to the inverter.

4.5 Other types of UL cables

• UL1277: Control cable TRAYCONTROL® 500, TRAYCONTROL® 530, MULTIFLEX 600, TOPFLEX® 600 VFD
• UL1581: SUPERTRONIC®-310-PVC, SUPERTRONIC®-330 PURö, SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC 340-C-PUR
• UL83: TOPFLEX® 1000 VFD
• UL AWM Style 21223: TOPSERV® 109 PUR – Siemens, TOPSERV® 121 PUR
• UL AWM Style 20233: TOPGEBER 512 PUR
• UL62: HELUPOWER® SOOW, HELUPOWER® SJOOW