UL 507 Figure 8.1 PA160B Probe for Portable Appliance Impellers

This UL 507 Figure 8.1 Probe is a specialized safety tool for impellers of portable appliances. It ensures that the portion of an impeller posing a risk of injury is guarded, preventing the probe from touching the part when inserted with a force of 4.45 N (1 pound) for up to 5 seconds through any guard opening.

Specifications:

• Probe Type: UL 507 Figure 8.1 Probe (for impeller accessibility testing in portable appliances)
• Probe Material: Stainless steel (thin, rigid, corrosion-resistant; maintains shape in tight impeller gaps)
• Handle Material: Nylon (insulating, heat-resistant up to 100°C; compact grip for portable appliance testing)
• Key Dimensions:
  • Total Length: 88.9 mm (3-1/2 inch)
  • Head Length: 25.4 mm (1 inch)
  • Head Radius: 3.175 mm R (1/8 inch)
  • Former Head Diameter: 12.7 mm (1/2 inch)
  • Tail Diameter: 25.4 mm (1 inch)

Test Procedures:

1. Inspect the probe for damage (e.g., bent tip, cracked handle) to ensure structural integrity.
2. Power on the portable appliance (e.g., small fan) and activate its impeller (normal speed).
3. Hold the insulating handle and align the probe tip with impeller guard gaps (e.g., around the grille).
4. Apply steady 10N thrust to the probe—stop if resistance from the guard is felt.
5. Check if the probe touches rotating impeller blades or adjacent live components.
6. Record whether the appliance meets safety requirements (pass/fail) and power off.

Applications:

• Safety testing of portable table fans (small 6–8 inch models) to block impeller access (UL 507:2023 Figure 8.1).
• Verification of compact air purifiers (small impeller-based models) for U.S. retail markets.
• Quality control for desktop USB-powered fans during manufacturing to meet UL standards.
• Post-production audits of portable evaporative coolers (small impeller units) to ensure impeller safety.