Articulate Probe of UL 1278 Figure 8.4

Product No: SMT-PA120

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Description

The Articulate Probe of UL 1278 Figure 8.4 is a specialized safety tool engineered exclusively for electric heating equipment—such as portable space heaters, oil-filled radiators, and bathroom fan heaters. Its 3-joint flexible design mimics the natural bending of a human finger, allowing it to navigate complex paths (e.g., through heater grilles, around control knobs, or between heating elements) that rigid probes can’t reach. Crafted from conductive stainless steel (to detect live parts) and paired with a heat-resistant insulated handle, it applies a controlled 10N thrust to simulate accidental contact. Strictly compliant with UL 1278, it verifies if hazardous components (e.g., exposed heating coils, live terminals) are accessible, making it critical for manufacturers to prevent burns or electric shock and meet U.S. heating equipment safety regulations.

Standards:

Standards No.	Clause/Figure	Standards Name
UL 1278:2023	Clause 8.4, Figure 8.4	Standard for Safety for Electric Space Heaters
IEC 60335-2-30:2021	Clause 11.3, Figure 11.3	Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-30: Particular requirements for electric space heaters
UL 60335-1:2023	Clause 22.6, Figure 22.6	Standard for Safety for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Part 1: General Requirements

Specifications:
Tool Type: Articulate Probe (UL 1278 Figure 8.4 compliant; for electric heating equipment hazardous part testing)
Probe Material: Conductive stainless steel (resistance ≤ 0.1Ω; corrosion-resistant; heat-tolerant up to 150°C; maintains shape under 10N force)
Handle Material: Silicone-coated ABS plastic (fully insulated, resistance ≥ 100MΩ; heat-resistant up to 120°C; ergonomic grip for precision)
Joint Characteristics: 3 pivot joints; max bending angle per joint: 90°; flexible enough to navigate heater grilles (≥5mm gaps); no deformation under test force
Key Dimensions:
– Total Probe Length (joints included): 160mm ± 0.2mm
– Probe Tip Diameter: 8mm ± 0.05mm (matches human finger profile)
– Handle Length: 130mm ± 0.5mm
– Total Length (Probe + Handle): 290mm ± 0.5mm
Applied Thrust: 10N ± 0.5N (standard for UL 1278 testing; simulates light accidental finger contact with heaters)
Core Function: Navigates heating equipment gaps via flexible joints; detects accessible hazardous live parts/heating elements; ensures UL 1278 compliance

Test Procedures:
1. Inspect the probe for damage (loose joints, bent tip, cracked insulation) and confirm conductivity with a test tool.
2. Power on the electric heater under test (EUT) and set it to a standard operating mode (e.g., “medium heat”).
3. Hold the insulated handle, use the 3-joint design to guide the probe into EUT gaps (e.g., front grille, control panel seams).
4. Apply a steady 10N thrust to advance the probe—stop when resistance from the heater’s guard or enclosure is felt.
5. Check the connected live-part detection instrument for signals (indicating contact with live parts/heating elements).
6. Record results: Pass if no hazardous contact; Fail if the probe reaches dangerous components.

Applications:
1. Testing access to heating coils through the front grille of portable space heaters (per UL 1278:2023 Figure 8.4) to prevent burns.
2. Verifying live terminal accessibility around the control knobs of oil-filled radiators (compliant with IEC 60335-2-30:2021).
3. Safety checks for bathroom fan heater vent gaps (per UL 60335-1:2023) to block contact with live wiring.
4. Quality control for industrial small electric heaters (e.g., workshop space heaters) during manufacturing, ensuring UL 1278 compliance.
5. Post-production testing of desktop personal heaters (grille and power button gaps) to meet U.S. consumer safety standards.