What is UL 1958 ?

Title: What is UL 1958? A Technical Standard for Safety in Motion Control System Software

Introduction:

UL 1958, also known as the Standard for Safety for Motion Control System Software, is a crucial technical standard developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). It is specifically designed to address the requirements and criteria for evaluating the safety of software used in machinery motion control systems. This standard plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe operation of various automated systems. In this article, we will delve into the details of UL 1958 and highlight its significance in the industry.

What is UL 1958?

UL 1958 is a technical standard published by UL that pertains to the requirements and criteria for evaluating the safety of software used in machinery motion control systems. It is a comprehensive set of guidelines that outlines the testing procedures for assessing the safety and reliability of motion control software. The standard is divided into two parts: UL 1958A and UL 1958B.

Part A, which is more commonly used, outlines the requirements and procedures for testing software in machinery motion control systems. It includes guidelines for testing the software in various environments, such as high-speed and low-speed applications, as well as guidelines for measuring the software's performance and reliability.

Part B, which is less commonly used, outlines the requirements and procedures for testing the hardware components of machinery motion control systems, such as motors and drives.

Why is UL 1958 important?

UL 1958 is an essential technical standard that ensures the safety and reliability of software used in machinery motion control systems. It plays a critical role in ensuring that the software used in these systems is safe, reliable, and meets the necessary requirements for operation.

Without UL 1958 certification, many manufacturers and distributors of machinery motion control software would not be able to sell their products in the market. The standard is widely recognized by customers, manufacturers, and regulatory authorities, as it provides a recognized and accepted standard for the safety and reliability of motion control software.

Understanding UL 1958

To fully understand UL 1958, it is important to familiarize yourself with its requirements and criteria. The standard is divided into two parts, UL 1958A and UL 1958B, which cover the requirements and procedures for testing software and the hardware components of machinery motion control systems, respectively.

UL 1958A covers the requirements and procedures for testing software, including guidelines for testing the software in various environments, such as high-speed and low-speed applications. It also includes guidelines for measuring the software's performance and reliability.

UL 1958B covers the requirements and procedures for testing the hardware components of machinery motion control systems, such as motors and drives.

Conclusion:

UL 1958 is a technical standard developed by UL that pertains to the requirements and criteria for evaluating the safety of software used in machinery motion control systems. It is an essential standard that ensures the safety and reliability of software used in these systems. By being familiar with the requirements and criteria of UL 1958, manufacturers, distributors, and users of machinery motion control software can ensure that their products meet the necessary safety and reliability standards.