UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to Compliance
The following paper will provide an overview of changes from the Fifth Edition to the Sixth
Edition of the UL294 Standard for Access Control System Units.
Intertek
545 East Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights IL 60005
1-800-WORLDLAB • [email protected]
•
www.intertek.com/life-safety
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1
How Changes in the Sixth Edition Will Affect You ................................................... 2
Summarized Levels of Access Control Components............................................... 3
- Other new testing requirements & definitions in UL 294 Sixth Edition ........ 4
Know Your Options ................................................................................................. 6
A Total Opening Systems Solution .......................................................................... 7
About Intertek .......................................................................................................... 8
Appendix 1 .............................................................................................................. 9
www.intertek.com/life-safety
2
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
Introduction
The Fifth Edition of UL 294, the Standard for Access Control System Units, was issued in
January 1999. Since then, technology advances in access control systems, such as biometric
devices, have rendered the current edition obsolete. The Sixth Edition brings UL 294 more inline with the standards in Europe and Canada (see Appendix for more information about
complying with ULC-S319).
UL 294 Sixth Edition will include several new requirements that could have a significant impact
on how manufacturers design their products. In terms of the quantity and range of the revisions,
the Sixth Edition is practically a new standard. For
instance, this latest edition has significantly expanded the
scope of the products that fall under the requirement and
added additional performance and safety testing
requirements compared to the Fifth Edition.
The Sixth Edition defines
four performance levels for
destructive attack, line
security, endurance, and
standby power
Given the drastic changes to the standard, it is in a
manufacturer’s best interest to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to
complying with UL 294. The Sixth Edition’s effective date is Dec. 2, 2015. However, given that
the subsequent edition of the standard is expected to follow in approximately two years — and
that enforcement among local AHJs might not align with the effective date — manufacturers will
have options regarding when they want to comply with the Sixth Edition.
www.intertek.com/life-safety
1
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
How Changes in the Sixth Edition Will Affect You
As access control systems evolve, safety and performance standards must evolve as well.
Rapid technology advancements have resulted in opening systems that incorporate more
electrical components. Access control units, from card readers to biometric scanners, are no
longer separate components — they are increasingly integrated into complete opening systems.
As a result, one of the more prominent changes to UL 294 is the inclusion of tiered access
control performance levels. The Sixth Edition defines four performance levels for destructive
attack, line security, endurance, and standby power (see chart).
Manufacturers will now be required to declare the appropriate performance levels for their
access control systems. It’s especially crucial for manufacturers to be mindful of this new
requirement during the design phase. Performance levels are based on several factors as
outlined in the chart below. The Sixth Edition states that the performance level of the access
control equipment may be marked on the product or specified in the included product
documentation.
www.intertek.com/life-safety
2
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
Summarized Levels of Access Control Components
Feature
Destructive
Attack
Line
Security
Endurance
Standby
Power
Level I
Level II
Level III
Level IV
Can withstand an
attack for 5
minutes, but
shall generate an
alarm event in a
maximum of 2
minutes of
attack, and the
alarm shall not
be silenced for
another 2
minutes.
No attack test
required
Can withstand
an attack for 2
minutes
Can withstand
an attack for 5
minutes or 2
minutes if an
alarm is
activated
during the test
No line
security
required
Standard line
security
required
128-bit line
security
encryption
required
256-bit line
security
encryption
required
Must be able
to operate as
intended at
rated voltage
and current for
1,000 cycles of
intended
operation
Must be able
to operate as
intended at
rated voltage
and current for
25,000 cycles
of intended
operation
Must be able to
operate as
intended at
rated voltage
and current for
50,000 cycles
of intended
operation
Must be able to
operate as
intended at rated
voltage and
current
for100,000
cycles of
intended
operation
No secondary
power source
required
After a loss of
primary power,
the system can
maintain
normal
operations for
a minimum of
30 minutes
while the
product is
operated every
minute
After a loss of
primary power,
the system can
maintain
normal
operations for
a minimum of 2
hours while the
product is
operated every
2 minutes
After a loss of
primary power,
the system can
maintain normal
operations for a
minimum of 4
hours while the
product is
operated every 5
minutes
www.intertek.com/life-safety
3
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
In some cases, particularly for products that fall under Level I, the effect on manufacturers will
be minimal. In other cases, however, manufacturers may find that their products will require
additional compliance testing. If a product uses a secondary battery as a standby power feature,
for example, the battery will require a construction review and performance testing, as well as
markings that indicate the rated standby power capacity. The Sixth Edition also includes new
performance testing requirements for biometrics devices and for Class 2 and Class 3 circuits, as
well as more detailed definitions of electrical spacing requirements and enclosure openings for
product construction.
Manufacturers may find that their products require design changes and/or additional
compliance testing in order to meet the requirements of the Sixth Edition
____________________________________________________________________
Other new requirements and definitions in UL 294 Sixth Edition include:
•
Access control equipment that include Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality will have to
meet requirements stipulated in UL 294B, the standard for evaluating PoE power sources
used within access control systems and equipment
•
Data processing equipment, as well as office appliance and business equipment used as
computer equipment, must comply with UL 60950-1, the Standard for Information Technology
Equipment Safety
•
Access control equipment designed to provide additional functions of a burglar alarm must
meet the requirements stipulated in UL 1076, the Standard for Proprietary Burglar Alarm Units
and Systems. Access control equipment designed to provide additional emergency functions
must meet the requirements of UL 636, the Standard for Holdup Alarm Units and Systems
•
Products intended for use in air-handling spaces in Accordance with Section 300.22, (C) of
the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, are additionally investigated to the Standard for Fire
www.intertek.com/life-safety
4
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and their Accessories
Installed in Air-Handling Spaces, UL 2043
•
Single point locking devices that incorporate key locks shall be subjected to the applicable
requirements of the Standard for Key Locks, UL 437
•
Lithium batteries must comply with the requirements in UL 1642, the Standard for Lithium
Batteries
•
When used indoors, biometric devices shall be operational within 0 C to 49 C. When used
outdoors, biometric devices shall be operational within -40 C to 66 C
•
Unless the correct wiring connections are evident, installation wiring terminals or wire leads
shall be marked to indicate the connections. When connections are not indicated on the unit,
the terminals or leads shall be numbered, colored, or otherwise indicated, and markings on
the unit shall correlate with the installation wiring diagram/instructions – a critical addition for
installers
•
A “critical component” is now defined as a component whose malfunctioning grants
unauthorized access or creates a risk of fire or electric shock
•
Low Voltage Transformers must comply with UL 5085 and Class 2 Power Units must comply
with UL 1310
Note: The above list is meant to highlight the additional changes in the Sixth Edition. It is meant
to serve as a reference and not as an exclusive source. For further information, please utilize
the contact information listed at the end of this paper.
www.intertek.com/life-safety
5
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
Know Your Options
UL 294 Sixth Edition will bring several significant changes that could affect the way you design
your access control systems. Manufacturers should start thinking about how they will adapt to
the new requirements.
When designing access control systems, manufacturers will now need to consider which of four
performance levels the product falls under for destructive attack, line security, endurance, and
standby power. Declaring these levels will depend on how the equipment will be used and
where your clients will install the equipment.
As noted earlier, manufacturers have options for how they wish to approach UL 294. Complying
with the requirements of the Sixth Edition can be a way to differentiate your products in the
market from your competitors. In some cases, however,
manufacturers may find it more effective to comply with the
requirements in the Fifth Edition while preparing for the
subsequent edition, which is anticipated around 2017.
Furthermore, the effective date does not necessarily mean
there will be enforcement at the building code level. Some local
Complying with the
requirements of the Sixth
Edition can be a way to
differentiate your products
in the market from your
competitors
jurisdictions will include the Sixth Edition as an update to their
own requirements, but others may not. That’s why it’s important to partner with a Nationally
Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) with deep relationships with local AHJs and can provide
the guidance you need to help you make informed compliance decisions.
www.intertek.com/life-safety
6
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
A Total Opening Systems Solution
Working with a compliance testing organization that is a member of the UL Standards Technical
Panel means you can be confident that you’re partnering with a lab that has a thorough
understanding of the new edition and can help you throughout the compliance process, from
gap analysis to the final stages of testing and certification. And working with an organization that
provides a single source for compliance with national and global standards means you’ll have
the flexibility to take your product to whichever markets you choose.
Additionally, given the new technological complexities of opening systems, you should work with
an organization — like Intertek — that offers a mark that takes the total opening systems
solution into consideration. The combined WH-ETL Mark leverages the fire safety strength of
the WH Mark with the electrical safety strength of the ETL Mark. By taking the total opening
system into account, the WH-ETL Mark provides the easy recognition by AHJs and building
code officials that you need to make sure your products are accepted. Learn more on our
website: www.intertek.com/wh-etlmark.
Knowing your options for approaching UL 294 Sixth Edition can help you avoid costly delays to
market. By partnering with an NRTL, like Intertek, that can help you determine the best
approach — and one that provides a total opening systems compliance solution — you can
provide your organization with a competitive advantage, which is crucial in serving the needs of
your company, your stakeholders, and your customers.
www.intertek.com/life-safety
7
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
About Intertek
Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and
inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value
to customers’ products, processes and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories
and offices and over 35,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’
success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users’ expectations
for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide.
Visit www.intertek.com.
For more information, or to get started preparing for UL 294 Sixth Edition, contact your Intertek
account manager or project engineer:
Phone: 1-800-WORLDLAB
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.intertek.com/life-safety
This publication is copyright Intertek and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior
written permission of Intertek. While due care has been taken during the preparation of this document, Intertek cannot be held
responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Clients are encouraged to seek
Intertek’s current advice on their specific needs before acting upon any of the content.
www.intertek.com/life-safety
8
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
Appendix: Complying with the Canadian Standard
With the inclusion of performance classifications, the Sixth Edition of UL 294 aligns more closely
with the Canadian standard for access control system units. Nonetheless, manufacturers that
intend to sell their products in Canada still have to comply with the requirements of ULC-S319.
The table below lists the test descriptions that overlap in the respective standards, as well as
the sections where you’ll find the descriptions.
Test Description
Normal Operation Test
Programming
Annunciation
Recognition
Current Protection Test (CAN/ULC-S319)
Input Measurement Test
Output Measurement Test
Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits Test
Electrical Supervision Test
Standby Power
Undervoltage Operation Test
Overvoltage Operation Test
Variable Ambient Temperature Test
Humidity Test
Leakage Current Tests for Cord-Connected Products
Electric Shock Current Test
Overload Test
Endurance Test
Jarring Test
Dielectric Voltage-Withstand Test
Temperature Test
Abnormal Operation Test
Electrical Transients
AC Induction Test
Communication Circuits
CAN/ ULCS319-2005
7.2, 5.4.3.1
5.1.7
5.2.1.2
5.4.1.1/
7.40
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
7.11
7.12
7.13
7.14
7.15
7.16
7.19
7.17
7.18
7.20
7.22
-
UL 294 Sixth
Edition
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
www.intertek.com/life-safety
9
UL 294 Sixth Edition
The Manufacturer’s Guide to
Certifying Access Control Systems
Test Description
Polymeric Materials Test
Battery Replacement Test
Drop Test
Strain Relief Test
Tests for Ignition Through Bottom-Panel Openings
Radio Frequency Interference Test
Mechanical Strength Tests for Enclosures
Vibration Test
Static Discharge Test
Special Terminal Assemblies Tests
Attack Test
Destructive Attack Test
Line Security Test
Biometric Test
Attack Test-Portal Devices
Inductive Kickback Test
Marking Permanency Tests
Stability Test
Corrosion Test
Communication Circuit Security Compromise Test
Conformal Coating Test
Recognition Accuracy Test
Rain Test (Outdoor)
Dust Test (Outdoor)
Variable Ambient Temperature Test (Outdoor)
Corrosion Test (Outdoor)
Metallic Coating Test (Outdoor)
UV Light and Water Exposure (Outdoor)
Accelerated Aging Test (Outdoor)
Marking Permanency Tests (Outdoor)
CAN/ ULCS319-2005
7.23
7.24
7.25
7.26
7.27
7.21
7.28
7.34
7.33
7.29
7.30.1
7.30.2
7.31
7.32
7.38
7.36
7.35
7.39
7.37
7.40
9.3.1
9.3.2
9.3.3
9.3.5
9.3.4
9.3.6
9.3.7
9.3.8
UL 294 Sixth
Edition
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
69
75
76
77
79
78
80
81
-
www.intertek.com/life-safety
10