Axis Communications’ AXIS P13 and AXIS Q16 Series products are the company’s first network cameras to be UL listed under the 60950 standard for IT equipment, the company reported. All other IP cameras in the Axis portfolio will be UL listed in 2012, joining the company’s encoder, Power over Ethernet (PoE) midspan, PoE splitter and power source portfolios, which also hold UL certifications.
Like other IT equipment such as wireless access points and VoIP telephones, IP-based surveillance cameras fall under National Electrical Code (NEC) sections applicable for Limited Power Source (LPS) products because they are powered from a central source via PoE. LPS products typically do not require a UL fire and safety listing because they qualify based on the certification of these respective power sources (the splitter, midspan, switch, etc.). However, municipal and regional requirements in the United States often demand UL certification for cameras used in surveillance installations. If products are not UL listed, a separate inspection often is needed, according to Axis.
“While LPS devices like IP cameras typically do not require a UL listing, there were times when our integrator partners’ projects were delayed because local jurisdiction required non-UL listed product inspection,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications Inc. “To eliminate the cost and complexity of these inspections for our partners, we’ll continue to work very closely with UL’s fire and safety organization to ensure all our video products are UL listed.”
The indoor and outdoor-ready (-E) versions of AXIS P1343/P1344/P1346/P1347 and AXIS Q1602/Q1604 network cameras are officially UL listed, while all latest generation Axis network cameras are in the process of certification. Moving forward, all new IP camera products in the Axis portfolio will be UL listed. Axis’ encoder portfolio has been UL listed since 2011, including the blades and blade chassis products.
UL standard 60950 is applicable to mains-powered (AC outlet) or battery-powered IT equipment and references more than 70 other UL standards. It also works to meet IEC 60950, which is an international product safety standard that Axis products comply with today. Unlike the UL 2044 standard common in the security industry for analog CCTV equipment, UL standard 60950 is a more comprehensive and up-to-date standard for today’s intelligent network surveillance products because it is specifically written for IT equipment, Axis commented.
Products that meet the UL 60950 standard are designed to be installed in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, CSA C22.1; CSA C22.2 No. 0; and the NEC, NFPA 70. The standard is also applicable to equipment designed to be installed in accordance with Article 645 of the NEC, NFPA 70 and the Standard for the Protection of Electronic Computer Data-Processing Equipment, NFPA 75, unless otherwise identified by a marking or instructions.
