UL 60335-1 Figure 13DV Articulated Probe with Web Stop

The UL 60335-1 Figure 13DV Articulated Probe with Web Stop is a specialized safety tool engineered for household and similar electrical appliances—such as washing machines, refrigerators, and electric ovens. It mimics human finger movement via a flexible articulated design (with restricted joint motion) and features a web stop to prevent over-insertion. Crafted from stainless steel (conductive finger for live-part detection) and nylon (insulated handle for operator safety), it verifies if dangerous live parts, hot components, or mechanical parts are accessible, while blocking solid foreign objects from entering equipment. Strictly compliant with UL and CSA standards, it’s critical for manufacturers to validate anti-shock safety and meet global appliance regulations.

Standards:

Specifications:
Tool Type: UL 60335-1 Figure 13DV Articulated Probe (with Web Stop; for household appliance anti-shock/foreign body testing)
Finger Material: Stainless steel (resistance ≤ 0.1Ω; corrosion-resistant; rigid yet flexible at joints for natural movement)
Handle Material: Nylon (fully insulated, resistance ≥ 100MΩ; heat-resistant up to 110°C; ergonomic grip for precision)
Key Dimensions:
– Test Finger Diameter: 25.4mm (1 inch) ± 0.1mm
– Test Finger Length: 101.6mm (4 inches) ± 0.2mm
– Head Radius: R12.7mm (1/2 inch) ± 0.05mm
– Tail Diameter: 31.75mm (1-1/4 inches) ± 0.2mm
– Web Stop Size: Compatible with finger movement (blocks over-insertion into appliance gaps)
Joint Characteristics: Articulated design; restricted motion to simulate human finger flexibility; max bending angle: 90° ± 10°
Applied Thrust: 10N ± 0.5N (simulates accidental human contact with appliances; aligns with UL/CSA requirements)
Core Function: Tests access to hazardous parts in household appliances; blocks solid foreign objects; prevents over-insertion via web stop; ensures UL/CSA compliance

Test Procedures:
1. Inspect the probe for loose joints, bent fingers, cracked insulation, or damaged web stops; confirm conductivity with a test tool.
2. Power on the appliance under test (EUT, e.g., a washing machine) and set it to normal operating mode.
3. Hold the nylon handle, use the articulated joint to guide the 25.4mm finger into EUT gaps (door seams, control panels).
4. Apply steady 10N thrust—stop if the web stop touches the EUT or resistance blocks insertion.
5. Check the connected live-part detector for signals (indicating contact with hazardous parts).
6. Record results: Pass if no contact; Fail if the probe reaches dangerous components.

Applications:
1. Testing access to live wiring in washing machine drum seams (per UL 60335-1:2023 Figure 13DV) to prevent electric shock.
2. Verifying hot component protection in electric oven door gaps (compliant with CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60335-1:2023) to avoid burns.
3. Safety checks for refrigerator control panel slots (per UL 60335-2-7:2023) to block solid foreign objects and live-part contact.
4. Quality control for electric coffee makers during manufacturing, ensuring UL 60335-1 compliance for hazardous part protection.
5. Post-production testing of microwave oven side vents to meet global household appliance safety standards.

UL 60335-1 Figure 13DV Articulated Probe with Web Stop