The UL listing (Underwriters Laboratories) confirms that the material used and the components made from it meet strict, internationally recognised safety standards. For electronic safety components in high-voltage systems - such as pyrotechnic battery disconnect switches - UL certification is practically indispensable for market authorisation and exportability, particularly to North America.

• UL-approved plastics and components minimise risks such as fire, electric shock or mechanical failure under load.

• The certification is based on comprehensive testing of flame retardancy, electrical behaviour, heat and ageing resistance, mechanical integrity and chemical resistance.

• For manufacturers, an existing UL listing means a seamless certification process for the entire product, as all relevant components and materials already demonstrate compliance with UL standards.

Plastic compounds with a UL listing offer maximum planning security and accelerate project processing for OEMs and system suppliers.

The Thermal ageing resistance is a key factor for components that have to reliably fulfil their function over many years in environments with elevated temperatures. The G2 classification (typically 50,000 h at an elevated test temperature) certifies that the material largely retains its mechanical properties even after long-term thermal stress.

Heat ageing testing is carried out in standardised hot air ovens under defined temperature and time conditions:

• Material samples are exposed to an elevated temperature for defined periods of time (e.g. 5,000, 20,000 or 50,000 hours).

• Type tests - such as tensile strength, elongation at break and notched impact strength - are carried out at regular intervals.

• The values obtained are compared with the initial properties. A successful classification (such as G2, 50,000 h) confirms that the material does not exhibit any critical ageing degradation in the intended period of use.

Especially in safety-critical applications with a service life of at least ten years, this material verification is mandatory. This significantly reduces the risk of component failure, scorching or fire.