UL 61496-1 PDF

1 Scope

This part of IEC 61496 specifies general requirements for the design, construction and testing of non-contact electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) designed specifically to detect persons as part of a safety related system. Special attention is directed to functional and design requirements that ensure an appropriate safety-related performance is achieved. An ESPE may include optional safety-related functions, the requirements for which are given in Annex A.

The particular requirements for specific types of sensing function are given in other parts of this standard.

This standard does not specify the dimensions or configuration of the detection zone and its disposition in relation to hazards in any particular application, nor what constitutes a hazardous state of any machine. It is restricted to the functioning of the ESPE and how it interfaces with the machine.

While a data interface can be used to control optional safety-related ESPE functions (Annex A), this standard does not provide specific requirements. Requirements for these safety-related functions can be determined by consulting other standards (for example, IEC 61508, IEC/TS 62046, IEC 62061, and ISO13849-1).

This standard may be relevant to applications other than those for the protection of persons, for example for the protection of machinery or products from mechanical damage. In those applications, different requirements can be necessary, for example when the materials that have to be recognized by the sensing function have different properties from those of persons.

This standard does not deal with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emission requirements.

Summary of Topics

This reaffirmation of ANSI/UL 61496-1 dated July 16, 2025 is being issued to update the title page to reflect the most recent designation as a Reaffirmed American National Standard (ANS). No technical changes have been made.

UL 61496-1 is an adoption of IEC 61496-1, third edition issued by the IEC April 2012, as an IEC-based UL standard, with US National Differences.