Cable Assemblies and Fittings for Industrial Control and Signal Distribution

UL 2238

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover devices intended for inter-connection of equipment, sensors, and actuators in remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits. Included are cable assemblies and fittings, feeder-tap cable systems, feed-through connectors, multi-outlet fittings, panel-mount fittings, and splitters. These devices are not intended for disconnect means. These devices are rated not more than 60 A and not more than 600 V.

Section 1 effective February 13, 2013

1.2 Unless otherwise noted, all devices are intended for indoor use.

1.3 These devices are for use on alternating current, direct current, or both.

1.4 The cable assembly fittings and panel-mount fittings are intended to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The cable assembly fittings are intended to be assembled or molded on flexible cord.

1.5 Each type of device covered by this standard is described in generic terms where practicable. Reference to use locations identified in the National Electrical Code or specific applications are omitted unless they are required for the identification of the device type. Such additional information is included in the applicable standards for the end-use product involved or in markings for the device.

1.6 This standard does not cover male-to-male cable assemblies.

1.7 This standard does not directly apply to the following but may supplement other applicable standards:

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

b) Devices intended for connection to the branch circuit, such as attachment plugs, cord connectors, receptacles, inlets, and outlets, that are covered by the Standard for Attachment Plugs and Receptacles, UL 498;

c) Devices solely intended for direct connection to the branch circuit in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, and 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;

d) Devices intended to interconnect industrial machinery and to be installed in accordance with the Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery, NFPA 79 that are covered by the Outline of Investigation for Multi-point Interconnection Power Cable Assemblies For Industrial Machinery, Subject 2237;

e) Connectors intended for use in Data, Signal, Control and Power Applications within and between electrical equipment and intended for factory assembly as covered by the Standard for Component Connectors for Use in Data, Signal, Control and Power Applications, UL 1977; and the Standard for Telephone Equipment, UL 1459, or the Standard for Communications Circuit Accessories, UL 1863;

1.8 Fittings and devices that employ surge protective devices and/or circuitry to provide surge protection of internal functionality, in addition to complying with the requirements of this standard, shall also comply with the construction and performance requirements for Type 4 component assemblies or for Type 5 components, as appropriate, in accordance with the Standard for Surge Protective Devices, UL 1449.

1.9 Fittings and devices that are intended to provide surge protection of connected equipment and wiring, in addition to the requirements of this standard, shall also be evaluated to the requirements (including ratings and markings) for either Type 2 or Type 3 (surge protective devices) applications in accordance with the Standard for Surge Protective Devices, UL 1449.