Rod Probe for UL 1278 Figure 10.4

This UL 1278 UL Rod Probe is a specialized safety tool designed for portable electric tools—including drills, sanders, and circular saws. It focuses on verifying the accessibility of hazardous internal parts (e.g., live wires, gear assemblies) and reinforcing moving part safety checks. Featuring a rigid stainless steel rod (for consistent insertion into tool gaps) and an insulating nylon handle (to protect testers from electric shock), it applies a precise 10N thrust to mimic accidental user contact. Strictly aligned with UL 1278 requirements, it’s durable, dimensionally stable, and essential for manufacturers to ensure tool compliance with U.S. safety standards.

Standard:

Specifications:
Probe Type: UL 1278 UL Rod Probe (for portable electric tool safety testing)
Rod Material: Stainless steel (rigid, corrosion-resistant; maintains shape under 10N thrust; resists bending in tight tool gaps)
Handle Material: Nylon (fully insulating, heat-resistant up to 100°C; non-slip grip for controlled force application)
Key Dimensions:
– Rod Diameter: 6.0 mm ± 0.1 mm (optimized for tool enclosure gaps)
– Effective Rod Length: 100 mm ± 0.2 mm (long enough to reach deep internal gaps)
– Handle Length: 80 mm ± 0.5 mm
– Total Length: 180 mm ± 0.5 mm
Applied Thrust: 10N ± 0.5N (simulates moderate accidental pressure on electric tool enclosures)
Core Function: Verifies inaccessibility of hazardous live parts and reinforces moving part safety in portable electric tools per UL standards

Test Procedures:
1. Inspect the rod probe for damage (e.g., bent stainless steel rod, cracked handle) to ensure accuracy.
2. Power on the portable electric tool and activate its normal operating mode (e.g., sanding, cutting).
3. Hold the insulating handle and align the rod tip with tool gaps (e.g., guard seams, control slots).
4. Apply steady 10N thrust to the rod—maintain force for 5 seconds to simulate sustained contact.
5. Check if the rod touches hazardous parts (e.g., exposed wiring, gear trains) or moving components.
6. Record whether the tool meets safety requirements (pass/fail) and power off the unit.

Applications:
1.  Safety testing of hand-held electric drills (to block rod access to internal wiring) per UL 1278:2023 Figure 8.4.
2. Compliance checks for orbital sanders (verifying guard effectiveness) per UL 60745-2-4:2023 Clause 10.5.
3. Verification of portable circular saws (preventing rod access to blade drive gears) for U.S. retail markets.
4. Quality control for angle grinders (testing enclosure gaps) during manufacturing.
5. Post-production audits of electric screwdrivers (ensuring live parts remain inaccessible) to meet UL 1278 standards.

UL Rod Probe of UL1278