UL 8801

Outline of Investigation for Photovoltaic-Powered Luminaire Systems

 

With energy savings at a premium, UL has developed an Outline of Investigation to address the safety concerns with Photovoltaic- Powered Luminaire Systems.

UL8801 addresses PV systems with the following components: photovoltaic modules, storage batteries, one or more connected luminaires and its controls. These systems can be portable or hard-wired and are typically for outdoor use only.

These systems are independent of the grid and should be installed following NFPA70, Article 690.

The start comes whenever you have the idea. Once you begin acting on that idea we hope you will come to us as early as possible. If you have identified your concept, and made a few preliminary drawings, that’s the best time to consult us. At that point we can review your drawings, identify the appropriate standards, then advise you about the best materials, and any necessary modifications you might need. We will also tell you what tests will be done on your product so you can finalize your design. We operate on the “measure twice, cut once” principle. This will enable you to build compliance directly into your design. 

So the steps in the development process go like this: 

  1. Concept
  2. Drawings
  3. Materials
  4. Test plan

When the product is ready, we help our clients achieve the most time- and cost-effective
path to compliance, from managing the submittal and project on their
behalf, to having the tests witnessed by the NRTL at our lab, to performing
evaluation and testing of equipment installed in the field. In many product categories,
we are rigorously audited by the NRTLs so that testing done at our facilities
is accepted for certification.