UL 1838 PDF

1 Scope

1.1 The requirements in this standard apply to a low-voltage landscape lighting system and components that consist of an isolating type power unit, low voltage cable or flexible cord, and luminaires. The equipment is intended to be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, Article 411.

1.2 Landscape lighting power units covered by this standard have a maximum output circuit voltage as specified in .

1.3 This standard covers power units where each output circuit is rated maximum 25 A and 300 VA.

1.4 This standard covers landscape lighting system luminaires and other system components that are intended for use on circuits rated maximum 25 A 300 VA, and the voltage specified in .

1.5 The luminaires and low voltage system components covered by this standard are intended for garden, walkway, patio areas, or similar outdoor locations and for certain indoor locations such as atriums and shopping malls. The power units are to be installed indoors or outdoors in accordance with the marking on the product.

1.6 This standard covers luminaires and low voltage system components intended for use submersed in or floating on:

1. a) portable self-contained fountains; and

2. b) ponds and other natural and artificially made body of water within the scope of Article 682 “Natural and Artificially Made Bodies of Water” of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

1.7 Throughout this standard, all requirements identified as applicable to luminaires and low voltage system components used submerged in or floating on ponds also apply to luminaires and low voltage system components intended for use in other bodies of water covered by Article 682 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. Further, markings, instructions, and other product specific information shall be permitted to refer to one or more bodies of water covered by Article 682 in addition to ponds or instead of ponds.

1.8 The luminaires and low voltage system components covered by this standard are not suitable for use in swimming pools, spas, other bodies of water intended to contain immersed persons, or permanent fountains covered by Part V of Article 680 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. Luminaires intended for use in these locations are covered by the Standard for Underwater Luminaires and Junction Boxes, UL 676. Fountains covered by Part V of Article 680 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 are permanent, not self-contained, not portable, or exceed 5 feet (1.5 m) in any dimension.

1.9 Fluorescent and high intensity discharge lighting systems will be investigated in accordance with the applicable requirements in this standard and with the applicable requirements in the Standard for Luminaires, UL 1598, as intended.

1.10 Light emitting diode (LED) components and subassemblies, such as drivers, control gear, and LED arrays, shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Standard for Lighting Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products, UL 8750.

Summary of Topics

The revisions of ANSI/UL 1838 dated July 11, 2023 include the following changes in requirements:

• Removed the output circuit VA power limitation; 1.3, 1.4, and 56.6

• Definition Removals; 2.5, 2.13, 2.14, 2.14.1, 2.19.1, 7.1, and 10.1

• Clarified the requirements applicable to class 2 circuits within a power unit; 15.1.1 and 15.1.2

• Protective Devices; 20.1 and 20.4

• Elimination of multiple branch circuit supply connections; 24.1.2 and 50.9

• Power supply cords with integral attachment plugs; 24.3.3

• Maximum Output Test; 28.2.2

• Overload Test; 29.2 and Figure 29.1

• Short Circuit Test revision and elimination of Limited Short Circuit Test; 44.1 and Section 45

• Shifted the Manufacturing and Production Tests to an informative Annex; Section 46, Section 47, Section 48 and Appendix B

• Rating and marking adjustments; 49.1, 56.2 and 56.4

• Use of websites and QR Codes for required product instructions; Table 50.1

• Insulation Piercing Terminal Temperature Test; 53.4.4, 55.3, 55.5 and Figure 55.1

• Dielectric Withstand Test; 32.1 and Appendix A

• Editorial; Section 13 title