UL 879, UL 8750 and UL 1310: Safety Standards Explained

UL safety standards help manufacturers, product designers, buyers and installers understand whether electrical products and components meet recognised safety requirements for their intended application. For lighting, signage and low-voltage power applications, standards such as UL 879, UL 8750 and UL 1310 are often relevant when selecting power supplies, LED drivers or related electrical components.

This guide explains what each standard covers, how they differ, and why certification should be considered early when specifying a power supply for a product, installation or application.

Common Safety Standards Relating to the Lighting Industry 

Safety standards play an important role in reducing risk and supporting compliance. They help ensure that electrical products are tested against recognised requirements for performance, protection and safe operation. For power supplies, the relevant standard depends on the final application, the operating environment, the output rating and the wider equipment or system being powered.

Choosing a power supply with the correct approvals can reduce compliance risk, support smoother product development and help ensure the final product is suitable for its intended market. However, requirements vary by product type and region, so it is important to confirm the relevant standards before committing to a specification.

What Is UL 8750?

UL 8750 is a safety standard covering light-emitting diode (LED) equipment for use in lighting products, including LED drivers and related components. It addresses safety considerations such as electrical insulation, temperature management, fault protection and suitability for use within LED lighting applications. Products certified to this standard can also obtain type HL designation, which indicates that the product is intended to operate in hazardous locations such as oil refineries and chemical plants.

For applications involving LED lighting, selecting a suitable power supply or LED driver can help support safety, reliability and compliance. Some lighting products may also require additional approvals depending on where and how they are installed, particularly in more demanding or hazardous environments.

What Is UL 879?

UL 879 is a safety standard used for electric sign components, including components used in neon signs, illuminated signage, outline lighting and electrical advertising displays. This may include electrical components, enclosures and assemblies used within sign systems.

For power supply selection, UL 879 may be relevant where the power supply forms part of an electric sign or illuminated display application. In these cases, it is important to consider not only the power supply rating, but also the wider sign assembly, installation environment and any applicable certification requirements for the final product.

What Is UL 1310?

UL 1310 is a safety standard covering Class 2 power supplies and battery chargers. Class 2 power units are designed with limited output energy, helping reduce the risk of electric shock or fire under normal and fault conditions. This makes the standard relevant to low-voltage applications where output power must remain within defined Class 2 limits.

When specifying a Class 2 power supply, it is important to check that the output rating, application and final equipment requirements all align with the intended use.

What is UL 60079?

UL 60079 forms part of a wider standards series covering electrical equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. These environments may include areas where flammable gases, vapours or dusts could be present, such as certain chemical, oil, gas or industrial facilities.

Hazardous-location requirements are highly application-specific. If a power supply, LED driver or electrical component is intended for use in this type of environment, it is important to confirm the correct hazardous-location classification and applicable certification requirements before selecting a product.

How These Standards Relate to Power Supplies

These standards matter because the power supply is often only one part of the final certified system. A power supply may be suitable for one application but inappropriate for another if the installation environment, output rating, enclosure, wiring, or final product standard differs.

For example, an LED driver may need to align with lighting-related requirements, while a Class 2 power supply may need to remain within defined low-voltage output limits. In signage applications, the wider sign assembly and its electrical components may also need to meet relevant requirements.

Reviewing certification needs early helps avoid delays, redesign work and unsuitable product selection. This is particularly important for OEMs, lighting manufacturers, signage suppliers, product designers and companies working across multiple territories.

Why Choose Ideal Power?

Ideal Power supplies a wide range of certified power supply solutions for lighting, signage, industrial, medical and low-voltage applications. Our team can help identify products with the appropriate approvals and advise on key factors such as output rating, installation environment, efficiency, protection features and certification requirements.

Selecting the correct power supply early can help reduce compliance risk, support product development and ensure the chosen solution is suitable for the final application. Whether you require an LED driver, Class 2 power supply, battery charger or another certified product, Ideal Power can help you review the available options.

For more information, visit our certification and standards page, or contact our team for support with selecting a suitable power supply.