UL 773 2020-07 PDF

Full title and description

STANDARD for Plug-In Locking-Type Photocontrols for Use with Area Lighting — requirements, tests and construction details for plug-in, locking-type photo-controls used to switch area lighting circuits in response to ambient light levels; edition published under the designation UL 773 (Ed. 5, originally prepared in 2016 and published electronically July 29, 2020).

Abstract

This standard specifies safety and performance requirements, construction, electrical ratings, environmental and mechanical tests, and marking/labeling for plug-in, locking-type photocontrol devices used with outdoor area lighting. It sets test procedures and acceptance criteria to verify that units operate reliably under expected voltage, temperature and moisture conditions and that locking-type mechanical features prevent accidental removal.

General information

• Status: Edition published / active standard (Ed. 5 - 2016 released by UL and made available July 29, 2020).
• Publication date: July 29, 2020 (electronic publication of UL 773 Ed. 5-2016).
• Publisher: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) / available via ANSI webstore and UL standards catalog.
• ICS / categories: 97.100 (Domestic, commercial and industrial heating, lighting and related equipment); electrical safety standards / lighting control devices.
• Edition / version: Edition 5 (technical body designation: Ed. 5-2016; published 2020).
• Number of pages: Publication is an electronic UL/ANSI PDF available for purchase — page count not publicly listed in the summary listing. (ANSI/UL copy must be purchased to view full pagination.)

Scope

Applies to plug-in, locking-type photocontrols intended for use with area lighting circuits: defining construction, insulation, enclosure, electrical ratings, switching performance, mechanical locking means, environmental exposure (temperature, moisture, dust), and required tests (electrical endurance, dielectric, humidity/temperature cycling, mechanical retention). The standard is used to determine whether photocontrols meet accepted safety and performance criteria for outdoor lighting applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and device classification for plug-in locking-type photocontrols (device types, intended voltages and lamp loads).
• Construction and materials requirements (enclosure integrity, surge protection where applicable, locking-mechanism durability).
• Electrical tests: dielectric strength, insulation resistance, endurance under rated load, and switching reliability.
• Environmental and mechanical tests: temperature/humidity cycling, ingress protection considerations, vibration and mechanical retention (twist-lock compatibility).
• Marking, instructions and labeling requirements (voltage, current rating, wiring, installation guidance and restricted use notes).
• Acceptance criteria and sampling/testing procedures for certification/listing.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of photocontrols and outdoor lighting components (streetlights, parking-lot luminaires), testing and certification bodies, electrical specifiers, lighting designers, municipal procurement and maintenance teams, and code authorities who verify product compliance for public area lighting installations. Contractors and product designers use the standard to ensure safe, reliable photocontrol operation in outdoor lighting systems.

Related standards

Commonly referenced documents and related standards include ANSI C136.10 (twist-lock receptacle configurations for lighting), UL 773A (nonindustrial photoelectric switches and related control devices), and other UL/ANSI lighting and luminaire standards that address wiring, surge protection and performance of luminaires and control gear. Users should consult UL and ANSI catalogs for harmonized or superseding documents.

Keywords

photocontrol, photocell, photoelectric switch, plug-in, locking-type, area lighting, outdoor lighting control, UL 773, twist-lock, ANSI C136.10, device listing, electrical safety.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: UL 773 is the Underwriters Laboratories Standard that sets safety and performance requirements for plug-in, locking-type photocontrols used to switch area lighting circuits based on ambient light. The currently published edition is referenced as Ed. 5 (2016) and was made available in July 2020.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers construction, electrical ratings, performance tests (switching, endurance, dielectric), environmental testing (temperature and humidity cycling), mechanical retention/locking means, labeling, and acceptance criteria for plug-in locking-type photocontrol devices intended for outdoor area lighting.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Product manufacturers, test laboratories, certifying bodies, lighting specifiers, electrical contractors, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) for outdoor lighting installations use UL 773 to design, test, evaluate, and specify compliant photocontrols.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The Ed. 5 (2016) version was published electronically July 29, 2020 and supersedes the earlier Ed. 4 (1995) text. Users should confirm with UL/ANSI for any amendments or later revisions after July 29, 2020 before relying on it for certification work.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: UL 773 is part of UL's family of lighting- and control-related standards. Related documents include UL 773A (nonindustrial photoelectric switches) and other UL/ANSI standards addressing luminaires, receptacles and control-device configurations (for example ANSI C136.10 compatibility for twist-lock connections).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Photocontrol, photocell, photoelectric switch, plug-in locking, area lighting, twist-lock, UL 773, outdoor lighting controls, device listing.