1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover portable luminaires and subassemblies whose primary function is task or ambient illumination. These products are intended for use in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.

1.2 These requirements cover portable luminaires intended for connection to a nominal 120-volt, 15- or 20-ampere branch circuit, by means of an attachment plug, a mating connector assembly, or a non-integral power supply.

1.2.1 These requirements also cover portable luminaires intended to receive power through a USB connection, or power over ethernet (POE) using category 5 (CAT5) or similar cables and 8P8C (RJ45) connectors. These portable luminaires do not include and need not be marked to specify their power source.

1.2.2 The requirements in Supplement SA also cover battery-operated portable luminaire intended to be used while disconnected from any external power source.

1.3 Light emitting diode (LED) components and subassemblies integral to a portable luminaire covered by this standard shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Standard for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products, UL 8750.

1.4 These requirements do not cover portable luminaires within the scope of the following standards:

1. Standard for Electric Signs, UL 48

2. Standard for Portable Sun/Heat Lamps, UL 482

3. Standard for Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Products, UL 588

4. Standard for Luminaires for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations, UL 844

5. Standard for Household and Commercial Furnishings, UL 962

6. Standard for Electric Aquarium Equipment, UL 1018

7. Standard for Temporary Lighting Strings, UL 1088

8. Standard for Flashlights, UL 1576

9. Standard for Direct Plug-In Nightlights, UL 1786

10. Standard for Rope Lights, UL 2388

11. Standard for Horticultural Luminaire Systems, UL 8800

12. Outline of Investigation for Portable UV Germicidal Equipment With Uncontained UV Sources, UL 8803

UL 588 applies to lighting strings whose primary function is to illuminate and draw attention to the string itself, rather than to provide ambient lighting to the area surrounding the string.and UL 153 can be used for string lights for all-year use that use 18 AWG and larger cord sizes. UL 588 is the only applicable Standard for String lights for all-year use and lighting strings employing cords smaller than 18 AWG. All other seasonal and holiday decorative products, regardless of the size of the cord, are only covered under the scope of UL 588.

UL 962 applies where furnishings have integral illumination intended for aesthetic purposes and with only a modest contribution to ambient illumination levels.

1.5 Work lights and portable hand lights that include primary or secondary battery packs are within the scope of the Standard for Flashlights and Lanterns, UL 1576.

Summary of Topics

These revisions to ANSI/UL 153 dated April 3, 2024 includes the following changes in requirements:

– Clarification on power supply for portable luminaires with USB/POE connections; 8.2, 8.2.1, 199.1

– Removal of maximum number of convenience receptacle used in portable luminaires; 1.4, 26.4, 44.2

– Portable luminaires use with LED light source only; 48.1, 144.6.4, 144.11A, 204.3

– Clarification of power supply cord size, maximum receptacle load and marking for portable work lights and portable hand lights; 127.1.5, 127.3.2, 138.5.3, 138.5.4, 138.9.3

– Editorial revisions; 25.2, Battery Tests being put into its own section, 197.2, Appendix A