UL 48:2021 PDF Download

The UL 48:2021 standard sets forth requirements for electric signs, art forms, and outline lighting that are intended to be used in compliance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. This standard applies to all electric signs, regardless of voltage, that are electrically operated and/or electrically illuminated.

The scope of electric signs covered by this standard includes various methods of illumination such as incandescent, fluorescent, HID, electric discharge tubing (including neon tubing), LED, skeleton neon tubing, cold-cathode lamps, and electroluminescence. The term "sign" includes not only signs themselves but also outline lighting, art forms, and skeleton neon tubing.

Furthermore, the standard encompasses a wide range of electric signs, including but not limited to awning signs, trailer-mounted signs, electrically or mechanically animated signs, signs powered by photovoltaic systems and other independent power sources, and changing message signs of different types, such as scrolling, flipper, tri-view, LCD, and LED.

However, it is important to note that the UL 48:2021 standard does not cover illuminated clocks operating at 600 V or lower (which are covered by UL 826 or UL 863), exit signs (which are covered by UL 924), the trailer of a trailer-mounted sign, luminaires mounted as outline lighting or within an awning sign (which are covered by UL 1598), signs that do not use electricity, luminaires intended for billboard illumination (which are covered by UL 1598), fiber optics or fiber optic illuminators, and signs for use in hazardous locations as defined in the National Electrical Code.