UL 879 PDF

1 Scope

1 1.1 These requirements cover components for use in signs and outline lighting systems intended for installation in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. Components covered by this standard include the types specified in 2, including electromechanical components that convey a message or outline the structural features of a building by electronically directing or rechanneling available light from other sources and involving all forms of illumination such as:

1. a) Fluorescent lighting,

2. b) High intensity discharge (HID) lighting,

3. c) Neon lighting,

4. d) Cold cathode lighting,

5. e) Light emitting diodes (LED), and

6. f) Electroluminescent lighting.

1 1.2 Examples of components intended to be covered by this standard include:

1. a) Materials used in signs and outline lighting such as structural panels, sign face materials, switch enclosures, sign frames, electrical enclosures, accessibility barriers, trim caps, water shields, coatings and lubricants, components related to material installation and the like.

2. b) Electrical components relating to illumination circuits operating at 1000 V and above such as electrode receptacles, lampholders, neon electrode enclosures, GTO sleeving, integrally sleeved GTO cable, GTO cable splice enclosures and insulating devices.

3. c) Electromechanical and electronic equipment for use in signs such as LED units, LED power sources, sign flashers, animating equipment, scrolling units, and sign rotating equipment.

1 1.3 This standard does not cover components covered by another standard, unless there are additional considerations that need to be addressed when the component is for use in signs and outline lighting.

1 1.4 These requirements do not cover:

1. a) Christmas tree and other decorative lighting devices

2. b) Exit lighting and luminaires and low level path marking and lighting systems

3. c) Fluorescent ballasts

4. d) Fluorescent lampholders

5. e) Incandescent luminaires

6. f) GTO cable

7. g) High intensity discharge ballasts

8. h) HID lighting luminaires

9. i) Incandescent lampholders

10. j) Incandescent lighting

11. k) Luminaires of any kind

12. l) Low voltage landscape lighting systems

13. m) Low voltage lighting fixtures for use in recreational vehicles

14. n) Low voltage marine lighting

15. o) Marine navigational lights

16. p) Marine type fixtures

17. q) Neon transformers and power supplies

18. r) Portable electric displays

19. s) Portable handlamps

20. t) Portable lamps and cabinet lamps

21. u) Portable luminaires

22. v) Portable sun/heat lamps

23. w) Stage and studio luminaires

24. x) Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps

25. y) Temporary lighting strings

26. z) Track lighting fixtures

Summary of Topics

This revision of ANSI/UL 879 dated December 18, 2023 includes the following changes in requirements:

– Terminology – “Permanent” wiring; 2.10.2.2, 2.10.5.1, 2.11.3.3.3, 2.15.4, 4.2.1.1, 4.3.1.1, 4.5.3.1, 4.18.5.9, 4.18.5.10, 4.18.5.13, 4.19.2.1, 4.19.5.2, 4.21.2.6, 5.8.7.1, 5.16.4.1

– Rain Test; 3.4.1.9.5

– Limited power circuit definitions; 1.3.10, 1.3.10.1, 1.3.11, 1.3.42

– Secondary Circuits; 1.3.11.1, 1.3.11.2, 2.1.1.1, 2.1.1.2, 2.3.1, 2.12.6.1, 2.12.6.1.1 and 2.12.6.1.5, 2.12.6.2, Table 2.12, Table 2.13, Figure 2.8, 3.4.2.13, Table 3.12, 4.19.2.2

– Dielectric Withstand Test; 3.4.2.5.1.1, 3.4.2.5.2.1, Table 3.9.1

– Polymeric enclosure requirements – replacement of Table 2.4 7; 2.1.4, 2.1.4.2, 2.16.8

– Relocation of component polymeric material requirements; Table 4.3 part 1, Table 4.3 part 2, 4.6.2, 4.6.2.2, 4.6.5.5, 4.9.2.1, 4.9.2.2, 4.9.5.4, 4.10.2.1, 4.10.2.2, 4.10.5.2 – 4.10.5.5, 4.11, 4.11.1.1, 4.11.2.1, 4.11.3.2, 4.11.3.3, 4.12, 4.12.1.1, 4.12.2.1, 4.12.3.1, 4.12.3.4, 4.14.2.1, 4.16.2, 4.16.2.1, 4.16.2.2, 4.20.2.1, 5.15.2.3, 5.15.4.1.2

– Installation Instructions; 4.1.4, Table 4.2

– Editorial Corrections throughout the Standard

– “W” rated flexible cord not required for damp locations; 2.10.5.9