UL 583 – The Standard for Electric Battery-Powered Industrial Trucks

UL 583 is the globally recognized safety standard for electric battery-powered industrial trucks and is both an ANSI and SCC approved standard. This standard establishes the electrical and fire safety requirements for industrial trucks operating in a wide range of environments, including warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and hazardous locations.

UL 583 applies to a range of electric-powered industrial trucks, including:

• Forklifts: Essential for material handling and logistics.
• Pallet Trucks: Designed for efficient movement of heavy loads in distribution centers.
• Tow Tractors: Built to tow and maneuver heavy loads.
• Personnel Carriers: Used for safely transporting workers across large facilities.
• Stock Pickers: Optimized for effective inventory management.

These vehicles are engineered for diverse operational environments, including areas that may have potential exposure to flammable substances.

Adhering to UL 583 is crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of electric industrial trucks. Key reasons include:

• Prevention of Electrical Hazards – Protection against short circuits, electrical shocks, and overheating.
• Fire Safety – Mitigates risks of electrical faults, battery malfunctions, and fire hazards.
• Regulatory Compliance – Helps manufacturers meet OSHA, ANSI, and NFPA safety requirements.
• Market Access – Certification to UL 583 is often required for selling into the in North America.
• Operational Assurance: Ensures industrial trucks are built to perform safely and reliably under demanding conditions.

Partner with Intertek

Intertek delivers comprehensive testing and certification services to help manufacturers navigate UL 583 requirements. Our offerings include:

• Compliance Testing: Rigorous evaluation of electrical systems and fire safety measures.
• Hazardous Location Certification: Ensuring trucks are safe for use in challenging environments.
• Performance Testing: Verifying the durability and operational longevity of your equipment.
• Expert Regulatory Guidance: Assisting you with navigating complex compliance and market entry challenges.