UL 879

Please note: All interim revisions for this edition available at time of your purchase will be included.

Electric Sign Components

UL 879

1.1 Scope

1.1.1 These requirements cover components for use in signs and outline lighting systems intended for installation in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. Components covered by this standard include the types specified in 1.1.2, including electromechanical components that convey a message or outline the structural features of a building by electronically directing or rechanneling available light from other sources and involving all forms of illumination such as:

a) Fluorescent lighting,

b) High intensity discharge (HID) lighting,

c) Neon lighting,

d) Cold cathode lighting,

e) Light emitting diodes (LED), and

f) Electroluminescent lighting.

1.1.2 Examples of components intended to be covered by this standard include:

a) Materials used in signs and outline lighting such as structural panels, sign face materials, switch enclosures, sign frames, electrical enclosures, accessibility barriers, trim caps, water shields, coatings and lubricants, components related to material installation and the like.

b) Electrical components relating to illumination circuits operating at 1000 V and above such as electrode receptacles, lampholders, neon electrode enclosures, GTO sleeving, integrally sleeved GTO cable, GTO cable splice enclosures and insulating devices.

c) Electromechanical and electronic equipment for use in signs such as LED units, LED power sources, sign flashers, animating equipment, scrolling units, and sign rotating equipment.

1.1.3 This standard does not cover components covered by another standard, unless there are additional considerations that need to be addressed when the component is for use in signs and outline lighting.

1.1.4 These requirements do not cover:

a) Christmas tree and other decorative lighting devices

b) Exit lighting and luminaires and low level path marking and lighting systems

c) Fluorescent ballasts

d) Fluorescent lampholders

e) Incandescent luminaires

f) GTO cable

g) High intensity discharge ballasts

h) HID lighting luminaires

i) Incandescent lampholders

j) Incandescent lighting

k) Luminaires of any kind

l) Low voltage landscape lighting systems

m) Low voltage lighting fixtures for use in recreational vehicles

n) Low voltage marine lighting

o) Marine navigational lights

p) Marine type fixtures

q) Neon transformers and power supplies

r) Portable electric displays

s) Portable handlamps

t) Portable lamps and cabinet lamps

u) Portable luminaires

v) Portable sun/heat lamps

w) Stage and studio luminaires

x) Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps

y) Temporary lighting strings

z) Track lighting fixtures