Richard, I find it interesting, the possibility that to some degree UL (and others) cast doubt on the validity of their own markings and logos by requiring that we as users validate labeling on the wire spool. I understand the concern that wire insulation should not be damaged when re-spooled. But the intent of my original question was to learn how this exercise adds value or assurance that the wire is indeed approved material and undamaged, since we cannot trust the markings that occur along the entire length of the wire itself. An unscrupulous equipment manufacturer could simply keep recycling an already labeled spool, keep a designated spool on the shelf or even print their own labels. There's not much assurance in that. In this case, the requirement has actually reduced the confidence I may have already had that this wire actually provides a measure of safety.
There is another possibility, this is a bureaucratic requirement that filters down directly from OSHA. However, I am not familiar with the specific inspection rules for NRTLs. I also have to keep in mind that UL is a 'not for profit' and not a 'non-profit'. Ultimately an old adage may apply, "follow the money" to learn why anything happens in this world. Opinions are my own, -doug > -----Original Message----- > From: richard.pa...@exgate.tek.com > [mailto:richard.pa...@exgate.tek.com] > Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 7:27 AM > To: emc-p...@ieee.org > Subject: RE: Wire spool labeling requirements > > > > Hello Again Group: > > Please gentlemen, ... lets not leap to the assumption that > simply because I > offer an explanation that I have been given about wiring, > that I have some > inspection difficulties in the works, not the case at all. > > By coincidence was the local UL inspector here yesterday ? Yes he was. > > Variation Notice ? No ... No... nothing of the sort, we needn't get > excited. :-) > > I have simply offered an explanation I have been given, in response to > Doug's question. > > Was this an official UL explanation ? Of course not, else I > would have posed > it as such. > > Was it given to me by product safety professionals > experienced at working > with UL? Yes indeed. > > Had any of them (or I) ever worked for a company that produced AWM ? > Admittedly not. > > In reality, I doubt that there is enough rejected AWM that a > viable market > (or black market if you prefer) could exist. I would be > willing to accept > the surface printing as evidence of proper approval of the > AWM, if UL would > allow. > > However, I can say that in almost 20 years of submissions and > inspections > with UL, they have consistently been exceedingly reluctant to > accept the > surface markings on AWM without traceability back to a label > on a spool > somewhere. This to the degree that they cast doubt on the > validity of their > own approval markings. > > Oh my goodness, does this bring us back to Doug's original > question ? It > would seem so. > > Cheers, > > Richard > > Richard Payne > Tektronix, Inc. > Product Safety Engineering > Tel: 503 627-1820 > Fax: 503 627-3838 > email: richard.pa...@tektronix.com > > _________________________________________ This message, including any attachments, may contain information that is confidential and proprietary information of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. The dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message or any of its attachments is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: emc-p...@hypercom.com Dave Heald: davehe...@mediaone.net For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://ieeepstc.mindcruiser.com/ Click on "browse" and then "emc-pstc mailing list"
