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To understand how the latest edition of ANSI/UL 48 came into effect, it's important to look at its history.
As I begin to review the new UL 48 (the standard for electric signs), which shall be know as ANSI/UL 48 (Date), fifteenth addition, it is important to look at some of the reasons for the changes. It was determined more then a decade ago by the industry (the sign community) and UL (the standards creator) that the standard was becoming antiquated, non-user friendly, and hard to interpret and administer.
There have also been many changes in the National Electric Code (NEC), since the 1993 code cycle. This would be-but not limited to-the complete re-write in 1996 of the entire NEC Article 600 (Electric Signs and Outline Lighting). This massive re-write would require that all of the changes in the NEC be incorporated in the old UL 48 structure.
In 1994, a committee was formed with the intention of harmonizing the U.S. and Canadian electric sign standards. Documents of cooperation were drawn between the National Electric Sign Association (currently ISA), the Sign Association of Canada (CSA), Underwriters Laboratories Inc.® (UL), and The Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The committee was comprised of sign industry members from both country's sign associations, manufacturers of sign components, and standards organizations. It was determined, at that time, UL would be the lead organization and provide clerical support (as well as maintain the committee work and documents).
Work began and meetings conducted numerous times per year just prior to an association event to try and control travel expenses. The UL and CSA electric sign documents were compared; a Bi-National table of contents was developed to...