Articulate Probe of UL 1278 Figure 8.4

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.

Specifications:
Tool Type: Articulate Probe (UL 1278 Figure 8.4 compliant; for electric heating equipment hazardous part testing)
Key Dimensions:
– Knurled Finger Diameter: 12 mm
– Knurled Finger Length: 80 mm
– Baffle Plate Diameter: 50 mm
– Baffle Plate Length: 100 mm
– Baffle thickness: 20 mm
Core Function: Navigates heating equipment gaps via flexible joints; detects accessible hazardous live parts/heating elements; ensures UL 1278 compliance

Test Procedures:
1. The probe illustrated in Figure shall be applied to any depth that the opening will permit; and shall be rotated or angled before, during, and after insertion through the opening to any position that is necessary to examine the product.
2. The probe shall be applied in any possible configuration; and, if necessary, the configuration shall be changed after insertion through the opening.
3. The probe is to be used as a measuring instrument to judge the accessibility provided by an opening, and not as an instrument to judge the strength of a material; as such, it is to be applied with the minimum force necessary to accurately determine accessibility.

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. Quality control for industrial small electric heaters (e.g., workshop space heaters) during manufacturing, ensuring UL 1278 compliance.
3. Post-production testing of desktop personal heaters (grille and power button gaps) to meet U.S. consumer safety standards.

Articulate Probe of UL 1278 Figure 8.4