UL 153 PDF

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 Relocatable Power Taps, UL 1363

9. Standard for Flashlights, UL 1576

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

11. Standard for Rope Lights, UL 2388

12. Standard for Horticultural Luminaire Systems, UL 8800

13. Standard for Portable UV Germicidal Equipment With Uncontained UV Sources, UL 8803

UL 588 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.

UL 1363 applies for relocatable power taps where illumination is a secondary function of the device.

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 February 24, 2025 includes the following changes in requirements:

– QR code as an Alternative to Website Address (URL); 198.1.3

– Marking Adjusted to Remove the Word “max”; 199.1

– LED Portable Luminaires with Smaller than 18 AWG Power Supply Cord; 17.3, 17.4, 27.1.1, Table 27.1, 30.3, Table 31.1, 31.2, 31.5, 31.5A, 31.7, Table 35.1, Sections 69A – 69C, and Table 75.1

– Photobiological Safety Assessment for battery-operated portable luminaires with visible light spectrum light source – Supplement SA, SA5.6.1

– Button Batteries or Coin Cell Batteries; 47.4.1 and Appendix A