Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/585738
14 Oil Prophets In 1930, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) published UL 842, which became the standard for fuel-dispensing nozzles. Now, 85 years later, UL 842 has been replaced by tougher contemporary guidelines: UL 2586, 2586A, and 2586B. These new standards promise to improve fuel-nozzle durability and safety, but the changes have left many fuel retailers with questions. Why now? What does it mean to be UL 2586- approved? What's changing? What happens to existing nozzles? We'll tackle these issues to give retailers the information they need to assure their customers the safest and best fueling experience possible. Why Now? Simply put, UL 842 is no longer the standard for hose nozzle valves because it is out-of-date for today's fuel blends. Twenty years ago, transportation fuel contained little to no renewable biofuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel). Now, federal programs such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) require fuel stations to sell transportation fuels that contain a minimum volume of renewable biofuels. Since the introduction of RFS in 2005, the amount of renewable biofuel used has increased and will only continue to do so. Fuels containing biofuels, such as gasoline with ethanol, have been proven to degrade the construction, material, and performance of some fuel nozzles. To ensure the safety of consumers and proper function of fuel nozzles, Underwriters Laboratories has instituted UL 2586, 2586A, and 2586B. What Does It Mean to be UL 2586- Approved? To be approved under UL 2586, hose nozzle valves manufactured after April 30, 2015, must pass tougher endurance testing, must contain internal components that are already tested and approved by UL, must include marks identifying fuel-type compatibility, and must pass nozzle-specific tests for fuel blend concentrations. Specifically, under the previous standard, any automatic shut-off nozzle that passed a 100,000- cycle endurance test at 30 pounds per square inch (psi) qualified as compliant. UL 2586 now requires each nozzle to pass 100,000 cycles at its maximum rated pressure (50 psi). Testing at the maximum rated UL 2586 Brings Additional Safety, Changes to Nozzles and Components By Matt Lauber