M A G N E T I C S

Understanding UL Class 2
Power Transformers
 FPO

Transformer classifications describe the performance levels and capabilities of a transformer. When
selecting a transformer, it’s necessary to understand the requirements of your application to ensure
you choose a class that can meet the demands of the intended use. Class 2 transformers have distinct
characteristics that make them ideal for a broad range of industrial applications.

A brief overview of UL Class 2 power transformers is a good place to begin building a better
understanding. Class 2 power transformers must accompany Class 2 circuits, which feature limitations
of power for shock and fire prevention. Class 2 transformers include three defining features:

\\ Maximum rating of 100 VA (most are 10-40 VA)

\\ Voltage maximum is 600 Vrms on the primary, but may include multi-tap primary voltages

\\ Limited by transformer design (inherently limited) or the circuit safety device (non-inherently
limited)

The primary purpose behind Class 2 and Class 3 transformers relates to safety—achieved by limiting
output current, output voltage, and output power to prevent fire and shocking hazards.
Class 2 transformers are more common than their Class 3 counterparts because they are used for low
voltage circuit control. Low voltage circuits are found in a majority of appliances, electronics, HVAC
systems, garage door openers, and more.

In contrast, Class 3 transformers are more common in applications such as public address systems,
alarm and security systems, and other equipment requiring mid-voltage control.

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Characteristics of Class 2 Transformers
Class 2 transformers include design features that prevent electrical shock hazards. This is typically
achieved using double insulation or reinforced insulation.

Double insulation combines common insulation with a supplemental insulation, whereas reinforced
insulation applies a single insulation system to hazardous live parts. Additional characteristics of Class 2
transformers include:

\\ 30Vrms maximum with a 42.4V peak

\\ 100VA maximum power

\\ Output current < 8.0A when measured for 60 seconds under any load conditions, including short
circuit loads

\\ In applications that use PTC components, the maximum overcurrent protection is 5 Amps
measured after five seconds of operation

Voltage limitations help to improve safety, but environmental factors may also affect transformer
performance. This is another distinction of Class 2/3 transformers. UL 5085-3 standards define these
distinctions as follows: “When the open circuit secondary voltage of a transformer exceeds 15 Vrms or
21.2 V per peak but does not exceed 30 V rms or 42.4 V peak, the transformer shall be marked ‘Class 2
not wet, Class 3 wet’ or the equivalent to indicate that Class 3 wiring methods are required to be used
in accordance with Article 725 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 (if the wiring extends into
areas where wet contact is likely).”

Class 2 Transformers in Commercial Food Processing Equipment

The characteristics of Class 2 transformers
make them an ideal choice for commercial
food processing equipment, as this
equipment poses potential fire and shock
risks. Consequently, electric cooking
appliances, refrigeration units, exhaust
hoods, commercial food preparation
machines, icemakers, and incinerators
require Class 2 regulatory compliance.

Equipment may only be exempt from these

rules if the manufacturer can demonstrate
compliance with isolation characteristics
and voltage and current restrictions through
additional testing.

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Typically, however, Class 2 devices must meet the following standards:

Fire and Shock Mitigation

In commercial food processing, Class 2 devices must demonstrate that their construction will mitigate
both fire risk and shock risk. The necessary elements of fire mitigation will include:

\\ Insulating material able to withstand predicted operating temperatures

\\ Shall not exceed 121º C during normal operating temperature test (NOTT)

\\ Include necessary dielectric withstanding voltages

\\ Demonstrate fail safety in either an externally induced or other induced short circuit event

In relation to shock mitigation, a Class 2 device must demonstrate the following:

\\ Inclusion of appropriate insulating material isolating live circuits from user accessible ground
or conductor

\\ Creepage and clearance distances must be sufficient between any conductors of opposite
polarity

\\ The secondary current must be limited to 100/V when voltage is between 20.1 and 30

\\ Secondary open circuit voltage must be limited to 30Vrms

\\ When voltage is 20Vrms or less, the secondary current limit will be 5A

460 Harley Knox Blvd | Perris, CA 92571 | Tel: 951.277.0757 | www.triadmagnetics.com 4

UL Standards
Some UL standards specifically
relate to equipment used within
the food and beverage industry.
These standards define building and
health standard codes and must be
understood to operate a compliant
facility in this industry classification.
The following list of standards
relates to various equipment and
appliances used in food and beverage
preparation:

\\ 197 - Standard for Commercial Electric Cooking Appliances

\\ 244 - Standard for Solid-State Controls for Appliances

\\ 295 - Standard for Commercial-Industrial Gas Burners

\\ 399 - Standard for Drinking-Water Coolers

\\ 427 - Standard for Refrigerating Units

\\ 471 - Standard for Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers

\\ 508 - Standard for Industrial Control Equipment

\\ 541 - Standard for Refrigerated Vending Machines

\\ 563 - Standard for Ice Makers

\\ 646 – Standard for Exhaust Hoods and Related Controls for Commercial and Institutional Cooking
Equipment

\\ 710 - Standard for Exhaust Hoods for Commercial Cooking Equipment

\\ 751 - Standard for Vending Machines

\\ 763 - Standard for Motor-Operated Commercial Food Preparing Machines

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 \\ 921 - Commercial Dishwashers

\\ 923 - Standard for Microwave Cooking Appliances

\\ 1738 - Standard for Venting Systems for Gas-Burning Appliances, Categories II, III, and IV

\\ 2162 - Standard for Commercial Wood-Fired Baking Ovens - Refractory Type

\\ 2790 - Standard for Commercial Incinerators

\\ 60730-2-9 Standard for Automatic Electrical Controls - Part 2-9: Particular Requirements for
Temperature Sensing Controls

\\ 61800-5-2 Standard for Adjustable Speed Electrical Power Drive Systems - Part 5-1: Safety
Requirements - Electrical, Thermal, and Energy

Class 2 Transformer Applications

A broad range of equipment uses Class 2 power transformers. These include, but are not limited to:

\\ Residential and commercial appliances \\ Commercial and industrial air handling

equipment

\\ Commercial ovens
\\ Residential furnaces and HVAC systems

\\ Espresso machines
\\ Low voltage lighting

\\ Ice cream and slushy machines

\\ Commercial laundry equipment

460 Harley Knox Blvd | Perris, CA 92571 | Tel: 951.277.0757 | www.triadmagnetics.com 6

 \\ Battery chargers \\ Door bells

\\ Vending Machines \\ Alarm systems

\\ Furnace controls \\ Home entertainment systems

\\ Garage door openers \\ Low voltage control circuits

\\ Lighting fixtures \\ All locations where Class 2 circuits are

present

Triad Magnetics’ PC Mount Split Pack™ Class 2/3 Power Transformers

Improvements to transformer technology are a major focus for the Triad Magnetics team. One notable
improvement we have made comes in the form of our Triad Split Pack™ transformers. Split Pack™
transformers provide the necessary versatility for a wide array of PC board applications. The Split Pack™
is a split bobbin, side-by-side transformer (in contrast to the standard secondary-on-top-primary PC
board transformer design). Though a small innovation, it produces benefits such as eliminating the
need for electrostatic shielding; allowing for usage in series, parallel, or separate circuits; and increasing
secondary-to-secondary dielectric strength.

Class 2 Solutions from Triad Magnetics

UL Class 2 power transformers are the best way to ensure fire and shock safety. When choosing a Class
2 transformer, consider:

\\ Voltage and current limitations

\\ Distinctions between Class 2 and Class 3 transformers

\\ The various applications of Class 2 transformers, especially in relation to the food and beverage
industry and other industrial applications

Triad Magnetics supplies a broad range of Class 2 power transformers for various applications and
industries. Contact us to learn more about our transformer technology innovations or for assistance
selecting the appropriate transformer solution for your application.

460 Harley Knox Blvd | Perris, CA 92571 | Tel: 951.277.0757 | www.triadmagnetics.com 7

ABOUT TRIAD MAGNETICS

EXPERIENCE
With more than 500 transformer manufacturers in the world, we realize you have a choice. Why choose Triad Magnetics?
Having served the needs of our industry for more than 75 years, we believe our experience makes the difference.
If there is one point our experience has taught us, it is that we must remain flexible and adaptable to the changing needs
of the market.

STANDARD OR CUSTOM
Over 1,000 part numbers mean you will probably find the component you need in our standard product line. If not,
the creative thinkers of Triad Magnetics can offer powerful custom solutions. Whether it’s Switchmode/High Frequency,
Wall Plug-In, Power Transformers, Inductors or Audio Transformers, each product is backed by the industry’s most
resourceful and organized magnetics manufacturer.

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Triad Magnetics’ pioneering design process promotes innovation. There are thousands of Triad Magnetics designs
providing application solutions throughout the world, from data processing to telecommunications to power conversion.
Our engineers are experienced in all packaging styles, from traditional paper-section stick winding to the latest
hi-frequency planar construction technology.

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Our cellular production techniques provide the flexibility of both high and low volume production, capable of handling one
piece to 10 million pieces, making us the perfect supplier for customers who have a “high-mix” of product requirements.
The industry’s most comprehensive array of production tools include automated fly winding and stick winding processes
for bobbin and paper type construction. State-of-the-art welding and impregnation facilities add speed and flexibility.

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