UL 8139 Recognized as Industry Standard for Safer Electronic Cigarettes in North America


June 19, 2018 | News Brief | UL has released the publication of the ANSI/CAN/UL 8139, Standard for Electrical Systems of Electronic Cigarettes, which is recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). UL aims to help manufacturers address lithium battery hazards for electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, also known as ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems) through evaluation, testing, and certification.

According to the Electronic Cigarette Fires and Explosions in the United States (2009 – 2016) report by the US Fire Administration, there has been an increase in e-cigarette fires and explosions resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. Poor quality and misused lithium batteries are the primary causes of e-cigarette fires and explosions.

“UL strives to help manufacturers develop and bring safer products to market and empowering consumer trust,” said Ghislain Devouge, vice president and general manager for UL’s Consumer Technology division, “UL 8139 is a collaborative effort with government agencies and standards bodies to further enhance consumer safety.”

UL 8139 covers the electrical system including batteries, chargers, as well as protection circuits and controls for battery safety, electric shock, and fire hazards.

UL 8139 does not apply to the e-cigarette consumables such as e-liquids, other aerosol substances, wicks, and other particulate matter, and also do not consider the physiological and psychological effects of any consumables used as part of the product. UL does not test e-cigarettes with removable batteries.

Retailers and manufacturers interested in submitting e-cigarettes for product testing and/or UL certification are welcome to submit their request via the form at http://contact.ul.com/contact-ul-consumer-technology.