UL 1278 Figure 9.1 Hazardous Moving Parts Probe PA160

Product No: SMT-PA160

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Description

The PA160 UL Hazardous Moving Parts Probe (UL 1278 compliant) is a specialized safety tool designed for portable electric tools—such as drills, grinders, and sanders. It’s engineered to verify if hazardous moving components (e.g., gear trains, blade shafts, or motor rotors) remain inaccessible through tool guards or enclosure gaps. Featuring a rigid stainless steel probe tip (narrow enough for tight tool crevices) and an insulating nylon handle (for tester safety), it applies a precise 10N thrust to mimic accidental user contact. Strictly aligned with UL 1278 requirements, it’s durable, dimensionally precise, and essential for manufacturers to prevent tool-related injuries and meet U.S. safety standards.

Standards:

Standards No.	Clause/Figure	Standards Name
UL 1278:2023	Clause 8.3, Figure 8.3	Standard for Safety for Electric Tools – Part 1: General Requirements
UL 60745-1:2023	Clause 10.4 (References UL 1278 PA160 for moving part accessibility)	Standard for Safety for Hand-Held Motor-Operated Electric Tools – Part 1: General Requirements
UL 60745-2-3:2023	Clause 10.4 (Adopts PA160 probe for angle grinder-specific moving part checks)	Standard for Safety for Hand-Held Motor-Operated Electric Tools – Part 2-3: Specific Requirements for Grinders

Specifications:
Probe Type: PA160 UL Hazardous Moving Parts Probe (for portable electric tools)
Probe Material: Stainless steel (rigid, corrosion-resistant; withstands minor contact with moving parts; maintains shape under 10N thrust)
Handle Material: Nylon (fully insulating, heat-resistant up to 100°C; non-slip grip for controlled operation in tight tool spaces)
Key Dimensions:
– Probe Tip Diameter: 3.0 mm ± 0.05 mm (narrow to fit tool guard gaps)
– Effective Probe Length: 40 mm ± 0.2 mm (short to avoid entanglement with rotating parts)
– Handle Length: 110 mm ± 0.5 mm
– Total Length: 150 mm ± 0.5 mm (compact for testing inside tool housings)
Applied Thrust: 10N ± 0.5N (simulates moderate accidental pressure on tool guards)
Core Function: Verifies inaccessibility of hazardous moving parts (gears, blades, shafts) in portable electric tools per UL standards

Test Procedures:
1. Inspect the probe for damage (e.g., bent tip, cracked handle) to ensure structural integrity.
2. Power on the portable electric tool and activate its moving components (e.g., drill chuck, grinder wheel).
3. Hold the insulating handle and align the probe tip with gaps in tool guards or enclosures.
4. Apply steady 10N thrust to the probe—stop immediately if resistance from moving parts is felt.
5. Check if the probe touches rotating components or bypasses safety guards.
6. Record whether the tool meets safety requirements (pass/fail) and power off.

Applications:
1. Safety testing of hand-held electric drills (chuck gears and motor shafts) per UL 1278:2023 Figure 8.3.
2. Compliance checks for angle grinders (wheel hubs and drive gears) per UL 60745-2-3:2023 Clause 10.4.
3. Verification of orbital sanders (pad drive mechanisms) to block access to moving parts for U.S. markets.
4. Quality control for electric screwdrivers (gear trains) during manufacturing.
5. Post-production audits of jigsaws (blade shafts and linkage parts) to meet UL 1278 safety standards.