HIGH TECH
Expansion of Communication
Circuit Accessories (DUXR) Category
New certification category for Active Optical Cables
UL continues to expand our portfolio of certification services in response to customer needs and new
technological developments. Following a recent review of categories and related customer requests, the
Communications-circuit Accessories (DUXR) category – originally established for telecommunications
connectors – has been expanded to include additional devices such as A/V, USB, HDMI and PoE
connectors. At the same time, UL has created a new certification service for active optical cables (AOCs).
These new services enable manufacturers to obtain certification for the latest interconnection
technologies.
Overview of the Expanded DUXR Category
For several years, UL has been seeing increasing requests to certify data and signaling
connectors and patch cords. These arise from references to the DUXR category by other
standards; installers and inspectors seeking the UL Mark for devices – especially those
“built in” using various wall-plate configurations – not specifically covered by the NEC
or other installation codes; and manufacturers seeking independent third-party
certification to demonstrate their commitment to producing safe and consistent
products.
In response to these demands, the expanded category – renamed as Communications-,
Audio/Video-, Data- and Other Signaling-circuit Accessories – now covers connectors,
interconnecting cables, splitters and similar passive devices for metallic connections to
audio/video, data and other low voltage signaling circuits, as well as
communications-circuit accessories.
In addition to UL1863, "Communications-Circuit Accessories", for telecommunications
applications, the category now references UL 1977, “Standard for Component
Connectors for Use in Data, Signal, Control and Power Applications”, for these new
additions, intended for use on isolated loop circuits, audio video circuits,
IT data circuits and other low voltage signaling circuits. Where these accessories carry
power in addition to their signaling function, it is at low voltage.
For more information T: +1 (877) 854-3577 / E: ITEquote@ul.com
UL AND THE UL LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF UL LLC © 2013
What’s in Each Sub-Category?
Communications-circuit Accessories
Audio/Video-, Data-, and Other Signaling-circuit Accessories
RJ style modular connectors and 50 pin commercial connectors
commonly used in the telecommunications industry
Passive devices such as coaxial connectors and splitters
Quick-connect terminal assemblies
A/V connectors such as HDMI connectors
Telephone wall plates
Audio connectors
Telephone extension cords
Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors
Cross-connect terminal blocks
Ethernet connectors
MTU modules
Serial and parallel data connectors
Terminal enclosures
Cables (cord and connector assemblies) and cabling devices used
with related signaling circuits
Network interface devices (NIDs)
Wire-guide assemblies
Connector blocks
Active Optical Cables
UL has developed a new certification category to evaluate
factory-assembled “Active Optical Cable Assemblies” (QBDV).
AOC is a cabling technology that accepts the same electrical
interfaces as a traditional copper cable, but uses optical fiber
between the connectors. AOC uses electrical-to-optical
transceivers on the cable ends to benefit from the performance
capabilities of optical fiber while retaining compatibility with
standard electrical interfaces. As compared with traditional
copper cables, AOC offers longer reach, higher bandwidth,
greater reliability with fewer bit-errors, limited EMI/RFI
exposure, and reduced size and weight.
These assemblies, which utilize Class 1 low power lasers, are
connectorized optical fiber cable or hybrid copper/optical fiber
cable that may be used for facility wiring in accordance with the
NEC or for equipment interconnection (patch cables). The
electrical circuits are powered by a Class 2 power source or an
information technology (computer) equipment limited-power
circuit. Such assemblies are typically used in applications such as
mainframes and supercomputers, high definition video, personal
computers and consumer electronics, and they support a variety
of bus interfaces.
UL will evaluate active optical connectors according to the
standards ANSI/UL 60950-1, "Information Technology Equipment
- Safety - Part 1: General Requirements and UL 62368-1,
“Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology
Equipment - Part 1: Safety Requirements” for IT and
AV/Communications equipment respectively. Optical fiber cable
is evaluated using the appropriate standard for the assembly’s
intended use; relevant standards include UL 1651, “Optical Fiber
Cable.” The integrity of the assembly is evaluated using
TIA-455-6-B, "FOTP-6 - Cable Retention Test Procedure for Fiber
Optic Cable Interconnecting Devices."
For more information T: +1 (877) 854-3577 / E: ITEquote@ul.com
UL AND THE UL LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF UL LLC © 2013
APHT13/DUXR/1M