1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover attachment plugs, receptacles, cord connectors, inlets, current taps provided with wiring terminals for flexible cord, and flatiron and appliance plugs – all intended for connection to a branch circuit for use in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.

1.2 These requirements do not cover devices rated at more than 200 A or for more than 600 V. See 1.

1.3 This Standard does not directly apply to, but supplements the following standards:

1. a)  Devices produced integrally with flexible cord or cable, covered by the Standard for Cord Sets and Power-Supply Cords, UL 817;

2. b)  Current taps and adapters not provided with wiring terminals for flexible cord covered by the Standard for Current Taps and Adapters, UL 498A;

3. c)  Devices employing male or female screwshells, covered by the Standard for Lampholders, UL 496;

4. d)  Devices solely intended for direct connection to the branch circuit in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, that are provided with contacts of the pin and sleeve type, covered by the Standard for Plugs, Receptacles and Cable Connectors of the Pin-and-Sleeve Type, UL 1682;

5. e)  Single and multipole connectors intended for factory assembly to copper or copper alloy conductors or printed wiring boards for use in data, signal, control and power applications within and between electrical equipment, covered by the Standard for Component Connectors for Use in Data, Signal, Control and Power Applications, UL 1977;

6. f)  Devices intended for installation and use in hazardous (classified) locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, covered by the Standard for Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations, UL 1203;

7. g)  Devices intended for use with telecommunications networks, covered by the Standard for Information Technology Equipment – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements, UL 60950-1, or the Standard for Communications Circuit Accessories, UL 1863;

8. h)  Devices incorporating ground-fault circuit interruption circuitry, covered by the Standard for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters, UL 943;

9. i)  Single- or two-outlet direct plug-in devices incorporating transient voltage surge suppression circuitry, covered by the Standard for Surge Protective Devices, UL 1449;

10. j)  Single- or two-outlet direct plug-in devices incorporating electromagnetic interference filter circuitry, covered by the Standard for Electromagnetic Interference Filters, UL 1283;

11. k)  Cord-connected, relocatable power taps intended only for indoor use as a temporary extension of a grounding alternating-current branch circuit for general use, covered by the Standard for Relocatable Power Taps, UL 1363; or

12. l) Single pole locking-type separable connectors, covered by the Standard for Single Pole Locking-Type Separable Connectors, UL 1691.

SUMMARY OF TOPICS

This revision of ANSI/UL 498 dated August 11, 2020 includes the following:

– Changes in requirements for connectors with latching mechanisms; 92.2, 93.1, 93.2, 94.1.2, 95.2, 96.1.1, 96.1.2, 98.1.1, Section 98.2

– New requirements for high ambient temperature for 15 & 20 A straight blade receptacles; Section 26A