RFQ ( 
New “Type” Designators Simplified
With the publication of UL 62275, Cable ties for electrical installations, a set of new “Type” designations for cable ties and fixing devices used with cable ties was introduced. UL 62275 is the adoption of IEC 62275 in the United States. IEC 62275 includes classifications: Type 1 and Type 2 while UL 62275 contains additional type designators including Type 11, Type 2S, Type 21 and Type 21S.
UL 62275 is harmonized with CSA C22.2 No. 62275 (Canada) and NMX-J-623-ANCE (Mexico). Types 11, 2S, 21 and 21S are not recognized outside Canada and the United States.
This paper summarizes the distinctions between the different Type designators. For a comprehensive review of cable tie types and performance criteria included in UL 62275 you are invited to view or download “New Cable Tie Type Designations” from the NEMA website.
UL 62275/IEC 62275 Type 1 and Type 2
Nonmetallic or composite cable ties and their fixing devices classified as Type 1 or Type 2 may be molded from any nonmetallic material. Cable ties and fixing devices made completely of metallic material are only permitted to be designated as Type 2.
Performance ratings for Type 1 and Type 2 products are declared by the manufacturer and confirmed solely by the results of the appropriate tests in the standard.
Third-party testing laboratories, when used for product certification of these product Types, will typically perform specific material identification tests and record reference identity for each nonmetallic material for comparison during future audits. This is an important control since the material composition can affect product performance as much as the product’s design.
The mechanical performance characteristic of a cable tie is its loop tensile strength. The mechanical performance characteristic of a fixing device is its mechanical strength (static load rating). The most important distinction between Type 1 products and those designated as Type 2 is the demonstrated ability of the product to retain its respective declared loop tensile strength or mechanical strength value during tests according to the following:
A cable tie or fixing device classified as Type 1 maintains 100% of its declared loop tensile strength, or mechanical strength for a fixing device, when tested in its original (as-received) condition, but needs only to retain 50% after heat aging and temperature cycling and after UV light exposure if appropriate.
A cable tie or fixing device classified as Type 2 maintains 100% of its declared loop tensile strength, or mechanical strength in the case of a fixing device, when tested in its original (as-received) condition, and retains 100% after heat aging, temperature cycling, and UV light exposure if appropriate. In the case of cable ties of all-metallic construction, additional vibration conditioning testing is required. In addition, for Type 2 products the test load is maintained for one minute without excessive slippage as defined in the standard.
UL 62275 Type 11 and Type 21
Type 11 cable ties and fixing devices correspond directly with Type 1, and Type 21 products correspond directly with Type 2 products, in every way except with respect to the selection of polymeric materials. Type 11 and Type 21 products are required to be molded from polymeric materials that have been separately evaluated according to UL 746A, Polymeric MaterialsShort Term Property Evaluations, and UL 746B, Polymeric Materials- Long Term Property Evaluations, or CSA C22.2 No. 0.17, Evaluation of Properties of Polymeric Materials.
The maximum operating temperature for the products declared by the manufacturer is limited to that determined for the material during a separate, long-term investigation by a third-party certifier (RTI-Strength).
Flammability/flame propagation characteristics of the product are determined by separate investigation of the polymer material and identified using the very familiar designations typically ranging from “HB” to “V-0” according to UL 94, Standard for Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances, or CSA C22.2 No. 0.17, Evaluation of Properties of Polymeric Materials, or NMX-J-565/3-ANCE, Safety Requirements – Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances – Test Method.
These additional Types, Type 11 and Type 21, preserve a longstanding standard practice in both United States and Canadian markets. UL 62275 replaces the legacy requirements for cable ties in UL 1565, Positioning Devices.
While the full range of Type designations now available in UL 62275 offers broader options for both manufacturers and specifiers of the products, North American markets in particular continue to highly value products molded from polymeric materials that have been separately evaluated.
The declared maximum operating temperature for products designated and marked as “Type 2” is based solely on:
The performance criteria in UL 62275; and
That the product is not molded from a polymeric material that has been UL Recognized according to UL 94 or investigated for long-term thermal properties according to UL 746B
The declared maximum operating temperature for polymeric and composite products designated and marked as “Type 21” is based on:
The performance criteria in UL 62275
The Relative Thermal Index – Strength (RTI – Strength) at 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) thickness for the polymeric material that the product is molded from. The RTI – Strength for the material is determined by separate investigation for long-term thermal properties according to UL 746B, and
The raw materials having their own UL Recognition under Category QMFZ2.
Type 2S and Type 21S Intended for “Support” of Flexible Conduit, Tubing and Cables
Type 2S cable ties and fixing devices correspond directly with Type 2, and Type 21S products correspond directly with Type 21, in every way except for the following:
Cable tie loop tensile strength – minimum declaration 220 N (50 lbs)
Fixing device or integral device mechanical strength – minimum declaration 220 N (50 lbs)
Test load is maintained for five minutes without excessive slippage as defined in the standard
These classifications are intended to evaluate products for their suitability in providing primary support for flexible conduits, tubing and cables in accordance with the maximum spacing intervals when specified in the relevant national installation codes.
The following table summarizes in concise form, the UL Type classifications for cable ties and fixing devices:
Glossary:
Fixing device:
component (such as a block or bracket) specifically designed to secure the cable tie to a mounting surface
NOTE: A cable tie and the fixing device may be manufactured as an integrated component.
Loop tensile strength:
reference mechanical characteristic of a cable tie with its locking mechanism engaged.
DISCLAIMER
The standards or guidelines presented in a NEMA standards publication are considered technically sound at the time they are approved for publication. They are not a substitute for a product seller’s or user’s own judgment with respect to the particular product referenced in the standard or guideline, and NEMA does not undertake to guarantee the performance of any individual manufacturer’s products by virtue of this standard or guide. Thus, NEMA expressly disclaims any responsibility for damages arising from the use, application, or reliance by others on the information contained in these standards or guidelines