UL 1017:2023 Figure 25 Accessibility Probe

The UL 1017:2023 Figure 25 Accessibility Probe is a specialized safety tool designed to test if hazardous parts (e.g., rotating brushes, live wires) in vacuum cleaners, blower cleaners, and household floor finishing machines are accessible through openings 1.375 in (34.9mm) or larger. It mimics human limbs dimensions (e.g., 5th/95th percentile arm, hand, and finger sizes for 13–18 month-olds) with a structured design—ensuring realistic simulation of accidental contact. Crafted from durable stainless steel (for rigidity) and insulated plastic (for operator safety), it adheres to strict UL 1017 tolerances, making it critical for manufacturers to validate device safety and meet global standards.

Specifications:
Tool Type: Accessibility Probe (UL 1017:2023 Figure 25; for testing hazardous part access in machines with openings ≥34.9mm)
Probe Material: Stainless steel (high rigidity; no deformation under test force; corrosion-resistant for workshop use)
Handle Material: Insulated plastic (nylon/PA; resistance ≥ 100MΩ; heat-resistant up to 110°C; non-slip grip)
Simulated Human Dimensions (13–18 Month Age Bracket):
– A (Upper Arm Circumference, Female 5th Percentile): 11.9cm (4.685in) ± 0.1cm
– B (Shoulder-to-Elbow Length, Male 95th Percentile): 16.8cm (6.61in) ± 0.1cm
– C (Forearm Circumference, Female 5th Percentile): 12.1cm (4.76in) ± 0.1cm
– D (Elbow-to-Fingertip Length, Male 95th Percentile): 22.7cm (8.94in) ± 0.1cm
– E (Minimum Hand Clearance Diameter, Female 5th Percentile): 3.49cm (1.374in) ± 0.05cm
– F (Hand Length, Male 95th Percentile): 10.2cm (4.016in) ± 0.1cm
– G1 (Middle Finger Length, Male 95th Percentile): 4.5cm (1.772in) ± 0.05cm
– G2 (Middle Finger Diameter, Female 5th Percentile): 0.79cm (0.311in) ± 0.02cm
Applied Opening Size: For openings ≥1.375in (34.9mm)
Core Function: Tests if hazardous parts in cleaning/floor machines are accessible via large openings; mimics human contact; ensures UL/CSA/IEC compliance

Test Procedures:
1. Inspect the probe for bent sections, cracked insulation, or dimensional damage; confirm simulated dimensions match UL 1017:2023.
2. Power on the machine under test (EUT, e.g., a vacuum cleaner) and set it to normal operating mode.
3. Hold the insulated handle, insert the probe fully into EUT openings ≥34.9mm (e.g., vacuum suction ports).
4. Manoeuvre the probe to mimic accidental contact—align with simulated arm/hand/finger dimensions.
5. Check if the probe touches hazardous parts (e.g., rotating brushes, live wires) using a detector.
6. Record results: Pass if no contact; Fail if the probe reaches dangerous components.

Applications:
1. Testing vacuum cleaner suction port openings (≥34.9mm) per UL 1017:2023 Figure 25 to block access to rotating brush rolls.
2. Verifying blower cleaner air outlet gaps (compliant with CSA C22.2 No.1017:2023) to prevent contact with internal fans.
3. Safety checks for household floor polisher base openings (per IEC 61032:2017) to avoid exposure to live wiring.
4. Quality control for vacuum cleaner manufacturers, ensuring large openings meet UL 1017 hazardous part isolation rules.
5. Post-production testing of wet/dry vacuum cleaner tank openings to validate compliance with global cleaning equipment safety standards.

UL 1017:2023 Figure 25