UL 291 2021-05 PDF

Full title and description

St UL 291 2021-05 — UL 291, Automated Teller Systems: Sixth Edition with revisions through May 7, 2021. This document specifies safety, construction and basic security requirements for automated teller machines (ATMs), cash dispensers and related equipment intended to dispense or accept currency and to provide limited protection against unauthorized removal of currency or manipulation of transaction records.

Abstract

UL 291 establishes requirements for the physical construction, electrical safety, record-keeping and basic security of automated teller systems. The 2021-05 entry is a published revision (redline) to the Sixth Edition that clarifies or updates specific requirements and editorial items without changing the fundamental scope: ensuring that ATM equipment is designed and constructed to limit risk of fire, electric shock, unauthorized access to cash, and loss or tampering of transaction records.

General information

• Status: Active (Sixth Edition with revisions).
• Publication date: Revision dated May 7, 2021 (Sixth Edition originally published February 15, 2012; subsequent revisions and redlines available).
• Publisher: UL LLC (UL/UL Solutions).
• ICS / categories: Banking & financial IT applications; security and protection against crime — ICS (examples): 35.240.40 (IT applications in banking); related categories: physical security, electrical safety for equipment.
• Edition / version: 6th Edition; redline/revision through May 7, 2021 (commonly cited as "2021-05").
• Number of pages: Approximately 70–80 pages for the base Sixth Edition (page totals can vary by publisher/reprint and whether redline pages are included).

Scope

These requirements cover design, construction, electrical connections, and a basic level of physical security for equipment intended to automatically dispense currency when operated by an authorized customer. The scope includes devices that receive deposits (where equivalent protection for deposits is required), requirements for record-keeping to support proper debiting of customers, and limitations on the voltage levels and types of branch circuits appropriate for covered products. The standard is intended for ATMs and related teller cash dispensers that are permanently connected to branch circuits up to 600 V or cord-connected equipment up to 300 V, and it directs use of referenced electrical and materials standards as applicable.

Key topics and requirements

• Construction and mechanical integrity of cash safes, doors and boltwork to limit unauthorized removal of currency.
• Requirements for locks, lock mounting, relocking devices and key/security mechanisms.
• Protection and retention of transaction records to prevent tampering that would impede customer debiting.
• Electrical safety requirements for equipment intended for connection to branch circuits (clearance, grounding, wiring and overcurrent protection consistent with the National Electrical Code).
• Material and component requirements (flammability, insulating materials, connectors) referenced to applicable UL tests and material standards.
• Interface and compatibility requirements for alarm/monitoring connections and for integration with access-control/remote-monitoring systems.
• Environmental and performance considerations relevant to intended installation (e.g., indoor/outdoor enclosures, ventilation and thermal management where applicable).
• Testing and documentation expectations for conformity, plus redline/revision control to track later changes to requirements.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and designers of ATMs, cash-dispensing and deposit equipment; security engineers and consultants specifying physical protection for banking equipment; procurement and compliance teams at banks and financial institutions; testing laboratories and certification bodies that evaluate equipment to UL requirements; integrators of ATM safes and mounting bases.

Related standards

UL 291 references and is used in conjunction with multiple component and safety standards. Related standards commonly considered alongside UL 291 include UL 437 (Key Locks), UL 294 (Access Control System Units), UL 94 (Flammability of Plastics), UL electrical and wiring standards (for connectors, cords and outlet boxes), EN/ISO standards for secure storage and ATM safes (for example EN 1143-1 series), and industry standards covering PIN and payment security (ISO 9564, EMV and PCI PIN/security requirements). Component-level UL standards referenced by UL 291 include standards for plugs/receptacles, circuit protection, polymer materials and other electrical/electromechanical parts.

Keywords

UL 291, Automated Teller Systems, ATM, cash dispenser, ATM safe, physical security, locks, relocking device, electrical safety, transaction records, redline revision 2021-05.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: UL 291 is the Underwriters Laboratories standard that sets safety, construction and basic security requirements for automated teller systems (ATMs) and related cash-dispensing equipment. The title is commonly given as "Automated Teller Systems."

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers mechanical and electrical construction, basic physical security for cash and deposits, record-keeping protection, requirements for locks and safes, wiring and grounding limits, and related component and material requirements needed to reduce risks of fire, electric shock and unauthorized removal of currency.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: ATM and cash-equipment manufacturers, banks and financial institutions, integrators and installers, security consultants, test laboratories and certification/inspection bodies use UL 291 to design, evaluate and procure compliant equipment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The Sixth Edition is the active edition; the May 7, 2021 entry is a published revision (redline) to that edition. Users should consult the latest UL publications or UL Solutions listings to confirm if there have been subsequent revisions or reaffirmations after 2021 before asserting compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — UL 291 is part of UL's library of product and component safety standards. It references and is cross-linked with many component- and material-level UL standards (locks, wiring, plastics, connectors) and sits alongside other physical-security and banking-focused standards (e.g., EN/ISO standards for safes and ISO/EMV/PCI documents for PIN/payment security).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: ATM, automated teller systems, cash dispenser, UL 291, security, safe, lock, relocking device, electrical safety, transaction records, redline 2021-05.