UL 20

General-Use Snap Switches

UL 20

1 Scope

1.1 The requirements of this Standard apply to manually operated, general-use snap switches for connection to copper (Cu) or copper-clad conductors used in accordance with the National Electrical Code(NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70, or the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), Part I, and intended for connection to wiring systems recognized by the NEC or the CEC, Part I. In Canada, requirements for switches for connection to aluminum (Al) conductors used in accordance with the CEC, Part I, and intended for connection to wiring systems recognized by the CEC, Part I, are covered in Annex B.

1.2 This Standard applies to ac/dc rated switches for which the load ratings do not exceed 60 A at 250 V or less, 30 A at 251 V – 600 V, and 2 hp at 125 V – 600 V or less. This Standard also covers ac-only rated switches for which the load ratings do not exceed 30 A at 347 Vac or less.

1.3 This Standard applies to switches constructed to be installed readily in a flush device box or on an outlet-box cover and intended for connection to branch-circuit wiring.

1.4 This Standard applies to pendant and through-cord switches intended for field installation on flexible cord and provided with one “on” and one “off” position.

1.5 This Standard applies to switches intended for surface mounting and provided with a separable base and cover for connection to exposed wiring consisting of nonmetallic sheathed cable or open wiring on insulators (knob and tube).

1.6 This Standard applies to self-contained switches intended for flush mounting without a separate outlet box and for connection to branch-circuit wiring consisting of one or more non-metallic sheathed cables containing copper conductors.

1.7 This Standard applies to ac/dc fixture switches intended to be installed in fixtures to control incandescent lighting or fans for connection to branch-circuit wiring.

1.8 This Standard also applies to single-pole, momentary-contact door switches constructed to be installed readily in a special-purpose device box or on an outlet-box cover for connection to branch-circuit wiring.

1.9 This Standard does not apply to:

a) Clock operated switches specified in the Standard for Clock-Operated Switches, UL 917, and CSA Standard C22.2 No. 177;

b) Dimmer switches specified in the Standard for Solid-State Dimming Controls, UL 1472, and CSA Standard C22.2 No. 184.1;

c) Industrial control equipment specified in the Standard for Industrial Control Equipment, UL 508, and CSA Standard C22.2 No. 14;

d) Solid-state, single-phase motor speed controls specified in the Standard for Solid-State Fan Speed Controls, UL 1917, and CSA Standard C22.2 No. 156;

e) Special-use and ac-only fixture switches specified in the Standard for Special-Use Switches, UL 1054, and CSA Standard C22.2 No. 55; and

f) Switches for use in hazardous locations specified in the Standard for Switches for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations, UL 894, and CSA Standard C22.2 No. 159.

1.10 For switches intended for connection to branch-circuit wiring containing aluminum conductors, refer to the Standard for Receptacles and Switches Intended for Use with Aluminum Wire, UL 1567, or to Annex B.