logo
About Us
China SHENZHEN KINGWE-STAR OPTO-ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY  CO, LTD.
SHENZHEN KINGWE-STAR OPTO-ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO, LTD.
Shenzhen Kingwe-Star Opto-Electronics Technology Co., is a company specializing in the production of advertising crystal light boxes.
view more
request a quote
01
HIGH QUALITY
Trust Seal, Credit Check, RoSH and Supplier Capability Assessment. company has strictly quality control system and professional test lab.
02
DEVELOPMENT
Internal professional design team and advanced machinery workshop. We can cooperate to develop the products you need.
03
MANUFACTURING
Advanced automatic machines, strictly process control system. We can manufacture all the Electrical terminals beyond your demand.
04
100% SERVICE
Bulk and customized small packaging, FOB, CIF, DDU and DDP. Let us help you find the best solution for all your concerns.
company.img.alt
news_bg

latest news

Latest company news about Double-Sided Circular Light Boxes: UL Certification Updates for North American Commercial Use
2025-12-12

Double-Sided Circular Light Boxes: UL Certification Updates for North American Commercial Use

.gtr-container-7f3d9e { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, "Times New Roman", Arial, sans-serif; color: #333; line-height: 1.6; padding: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; overflow-x: hidden; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e p { font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left !important; word-break: normal; overflow-wrap: normal; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-heading-2 { font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em; color: #222; text-align: left; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-heading-3 { font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.8em; color: #333; text-align: left; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-ul { list-style: none !important; padding-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-ul li { position: relative; padding-left: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; list-style: none !important; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-ul li::before { content: "•" !important; color: #007bff; font-size: 1.2em; position: absolute !important; left: 0 !important; top: 0; line-height: inherit; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-ol { list-style: none !important; padding-left: 25px; margin-bottom: 1em; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-ol li { position: relative; padding-left: 25px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; list-style: none !important; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-ol li::before { content: counter(list-item) "." !important; counter-increment: none; color: #007bff; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; position: absolute !important; left: 0 !important; top: 0; width: 20px; text-align: right; line-height: inherit; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-table-wrapper { overflow-x: auto; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; border: 1px solid #ddd !important; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-spacing: 0 !important; min-width: 600px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e th, .gtr-container-7f3d9e td { border: 1px solid #ddd !important; padding: 10px 12px !important; text-align: left !important; vertical-align: top !important; word-break: normal; overflow-wrap: normal; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e th { background-color: #f0f0f0; font-weight: bold !important; color: #333; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e tbody tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #f9f9f9; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .gtr-container-7f3d9e { padding: 24px 32px; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-heading-2 { font-size: 20px; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e .gtr-heading-3 { font-size: 18px; } .gtr-container-7f3d9e table { min-width: auto; } } For overseas buyers targeting North America’s $54 billion light box market, the UL certification of double-sided circular light boxes is no longer just a "market access pass"—it has become a core competitive advantage in commercial scenarios such as retail storefronts, gas stations, and urban advertising. In 2024, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) launched key updates to standards including UL 48 (Electric Signs) and UL 1598 (Lighting Equipment), which directly affect the compliance of circular light boxes in North American commercial applications. This article deciphers the updated requirements and provides practical compliance guidance for global buyers. Why UL Certification Is Non-Negotiable for North American Commercial Light Boxes UL certification is recognized by U.S. federal regulations and Canadian provincial standards, covering electrical safety, mechanical stability, and environmental adaptability—three pain points for commercial light box applications. For double-sided circular light boxes, which feature a curved structure, dual-sided lighting design, and frequent outdoor use, UL certification solves three core concerns of North American buyers: Safety Compliance: Avoid customs detention and fines (up to $10,000 per shipment) for non-compliant products, and prevent lawsuits caused by electrical failures such as short circuits. Market Trust: Retailers like Walmart and CVS require suppliers to provide UL certification documents, and certified products have a 30% higher consumer acceptance rate in commercial bidding. Durability Guarantee: UL’s strict environmental tests ensure light boxes can withstand North America’s extreme climates, from Alaska’s -40℃ cold to Florida’s hurricane rains. A 2025 survey by the American Signage Foundation shows that 82% of commercial light box procurement projects in North America list UL certification as a mandatory requirement, an increase of 15 percentage points from 2023. 2024 UL Certification Core Updates: What Overseas Buyers Must Know The 2024 revisions to UL 48 and UL 1598 (Rev. January 31, 2024) have added targeted requirements for double-sided circular light boxes, focusing on three key areas: 1. Electrical Safety: Stricter LED Drive and Grounding Standards The updated UL 48 standard emphasizes two mandatory requirements for LED double-sided light boxes: LED Driver Harmonic Current Limit: New limits on harmonic currents generated by LED drivers have been added, requiring compliance with IEEE Std 1789-2015 to avoid interfering with the North American power grid. This means that low-quality non-certified drivers previously used by some manufacturers will no longer pass testing. Secondary Circuit Grounding: UL 1598 now mandates independent grounding for the secondary circuits of double-sided light boxes (the circuit part directly connected to the LED panel), which reduces the risk of electric shock caused by insulation failure by 60% compared to the old standard. For example, a 120V commercial circular light box must now pass a 1500V withstand voltage test for its secondary circuit, with no breakdown allowed for 1 minute. 2. Structural and Material Requirements: Adapt to Circular Design Characteristics Aiming at the curved structure of circular light boxes, the updated standard has refined mechanical safety and material flame retardancy requirements: Curved Panel Impact Resistance: The acrylic or PC panel of the light box must pass a hail impact test—using a 25mm diameter ice ball to hit the panel at 20m/s without cracking or breaking, which is a key update for regions prone to hailstorms such as the U.S. Midwest. Flame Retardancy Upgrade: All plastic components (including frame and diffuser) must meet UL 94 V-0 flame retardant grade, an upgrade from the previous V-2 requirement. This prevents fire spread in commercial spaces such as shopping malls. 3. Labeling and Documentation: More Transparent Compliance Information The updated standard has standardized the labeling requirements for double-sided circular light boxes, which must include: UL certification mark and certification number (permanently affixed to the frame, not easy to wear); LED light source lifespan (not less than 50,000 hours) and compatible driver parameters; Warning labels for installation orientation (circular light boxes have strict front/back installation requirements to avoid light leakage); FTC Lighting Facts energy efficiency label (synchronized with North American energy consumption regulations). Buyers should note that missing any of the above labels may result in refusal of market access during retailer audits. Scenario-Based Compliance: Requirements for Typical North American Commercial Scenarios Different commercial application scenarios correspond to differentiated UL testing requirements. Kingwe-star summarizes three common scenarios and their core standards: Commercial Scenario Core UL Standard Key Test Items Special Requirements Gas Station Advertising (Hazardous Area) UL 48 + UL 844 Explosion-proof test, leakage current test IP66 protection level, anti-static shell Mall Entrance (Indoor Wet Area) UL 1598 (2024 Rev.) Humidity cycle test, corrosion resistance Resistant to cleaning agent erosion (simulated daily cleaning) Outdoor Street Sign (Cold Region) UL 48 + UL 8800 Low-temperature cycle test (-40℃ to +50℃) No structural deformation after 100 temperature cycles Case Study: How a Canadian Buyer Avoided Compliance Risks A Toronto-based advertising company planned to import 300 double-sided circular light boxes for a fast-food chain’s outdoor promotion in early 2024. Initially, the supplier provided products certified to the old UL 48 standard, which lacked secondary circuit grounding and new labeling. During the pre-shipment inspection, Kingwe-star’s compliance team identified the issue and proposed two solutions: Upgrade the LED driver to a UL-certified model with harmonic current control, adding independent grounding wires; Supplement the standardized labels and provide a third-party test report from a UL-accredited laboratory (TÜV SÜD). After the rectification, the products passed Canadian customs clearance smoothly, and the fast-food chain’s promotion was launched on schedule. The buyer’s procurement manager stated: "The updated UL certification not only avoids fines but also makes our products more competitive in the local bidding." Practical Guide: 3 Steps to Ensure UL Certification Compliance Based on serving 87+ North American light box buyers, Kingwe-star summarizes a three-step compliance method: Clarify Requirements in Advance: Provide the supplier with detailed application scenarios (e.g., "outdoor in Chicago" or "gas station in Texas") to confirm the applicable UL standards and test items. Verify Core Components: Check whether key parts (LED driver, power cord, plastic shell) have independent UL certification. Using certified components can shorten the overall certification cycle by 40%. Pre-Test to Avoid Risks: Conduct pre-testing of key items (such as withstand voltage and flame retardancy) before formal certification, which can reduce the rework cost caused by test failure by 50%. Free Compliance Support: Customized UL Certification Solutions To help overseas buyers quickly adapt to the 2024 UL certification updates, Kingwe-star provides free one-stop services: including UL standard interpretation, component selection guidance, and third-party test report review. Our team of engineers with 10+ years of experience in lighting certification can simulate North American commercial scenarios to conduct targeted pre-testing, ensuring that each batch of double-sided circular light boxes meets market requirements. For a personalized UL certification compliance checklist for your commercial light box project, please contact Kingwe-star or visit Kingwe-star to submit your needs.
View More 
Latest company news about Outdoor Light Box Compliance: IP Rating Requirements for EU and Australian Market Entry
2025-12-12

Outdoor Light Box Compliance: IP Rating Requirements for EU and Australian Market Entry

.gtr-container-k8p3q1 { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, "Times New Roman", Arial, sans-serif; color: #333; line-height: 1.6; padding: 15px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 p, .gtr-container-k8p3q1 div:not([class^="gtr-heading-"]) { font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left !important; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 .gtr-heading-2-k8p3q1 { font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: left !important; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 .gtr-heading-3-k8p3q1 { font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.8em; color: #2a2a2a; text-align: left !important; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 ul { list-style: none !important; padding-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 ul li { list-style: none !important; position: relative; padding-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; font-size: 14px; text-align: left !important; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 ul li::before { content: "•" !important; position: absolute !important; left: 0 !important; color: #0056b3; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 ol { list-style: none !important; padding-left: 25px; margin-bottom: 1em; counter-reset: list-item; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 ol li { list-style: none !important; position: relative; padding-left: 25px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; font-size: 14px; text-align: left !important; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 ol li::before { content: counter(list-item) "." !important; position: absolute !important; left: 0 !important; color: #0056b3; font-weight: bold; width: 20px; text-align: right; line-height: 1; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 a { color: #0056b3; text-decoration: underline; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .gtr-container-k8p3q1 { padding: 30px; max-width: 960px; margin: 0 auto; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 .gtr-heading-2-k8p3q1 { font-size: 22px; } .gtr-container-k8p3q1 .gtr-heading-3-k8p3q1 { font-size: 18px; } } For overseas buyers looking to launch outdoor light boxes in the European Union (EU) and Australia, "IP rating" is far more than a technical jargon—it is a mandatory compliance threshold for market access. The EU’s strict environmental regulations and Australia’s harsh outdoor conditions (such as intense UV radiation and heavy rainfall) have established clear IP rating standards for outdoor lighting products. This article deciphers the core requirements of IP ratings for outdoor light boxes in these two key markets, helping buyers avoid costly compliance risks. What Is IP Rating, and Why Does It Matter for Outdoor Light Boxes? IP (Ingress Protection) rating, defined by the international standard IEC 60529, classifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against the intrusion of solid objects (e.g., dust) and liquids (e.g., rain, dew). The rating consists of two digits: the first digit (0-6) indicates solid protection, and the second digit (0-9K) indicates liquid protection—the higher the number, the stronger the protection. For outdoor light boxes, IP rating directly determines product durability and safety. A light box with an insufficient IP rating may suffer from water seepage, dust accumulation, or short circuits, leading to product failure, safety hazards, and even legal liabilities. In the EU and Australia, non-compliant products face customs detention, fines, or forced recalls—risks that can derail market entry plans entirely. EU Market: IP Ratings Tied to CE Certification and Regional Conditions To enter the EU market, outdoor light boxes must obtain CE certification, and IP rating compliance is a core requirement of the CE Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive. The specific IP rating demands vary based on the light box’s installation location and local climate: 1. Minimum IP Rating for General Outdoor Use The EU mandates a minimum IP54 rating for outdoor light boxes installed in sheltered areas (e.g., under building eaves). This means the product must be protected against dust ingress (first digit "5": limited dust entry that does not affect performance) and splashing water from any direction (second digit "4": no harmful effects from water splashes). For fully exposed outdoor locations (e.g., street signs, square advertising boxes), the minimum requirement rises to IP65. The "6" indicates complete dust tightness (no dust can enter), while "5" means protection against low-pressure water jets (e.g., heavy rain, sprinklers)—a critical standard for regions like the UK, Netherlands, and Belgium, which experience frequent rainfall. 2. Special Requirements for Extreme Climates In EU regions with harsh weather, higher IP ratings are recommended. For example, in Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway) where snowfall and freezing rain are common, IP66 is preferred—the "6" liquid rating ensures protection against high-pressure water jets and temporary submersion. In the Mediterranean region (Spain, Italy), where dust storms may occur, IP65 remains sufficient but requires additional UV-resistant materials to complement the IP protection. 3. Compliance Documentation EU customs and market surveillance authorities require buyers to provide an IP rating test report issued by an accredited third-party laboratory (e.g., TÜV, SGS) along with the CE certificate. Products without valid documentation may be detained for up to 30 days, with fines ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 per shipment. Australian Market: Strict IP Standards for Harsh Environmental Conditions Australia’s unique climate—intense UV radiation, tropical cyclones in the north, and heavy rainfall in the southeast—has led to even stricter IP rating requirements for outdoor light boxes. All outdoor lighting products must comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 60529 and obtain SAA certification (Safety Australian Approval) before market entry. 1. Mandatory IP Ratings by Region The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) classifies the country into three climate zones, each with distinct IP demands: Tropical Zone (QLD, NT): Subject to cyclones and heavy downpours, outdoor light boxes require a minimum IP66 rating. This ensures protection against high-pressure water and dust, even during storm surges. Temperate Zone (NSW, VIC, SA): Frequent rainfall and occasional hailstorms mandate an IP65 rating. For light boxes installed in coastal areas (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne waterfront), IP66 is recommended to resist salt spray corrosion. Arid Zone (WA, SA Outback): Dust storms are prevalent, so an IP65 rating is required to prevent dust from damaging internal LED components. 2. Additional Compliance Notes Unlike the EU, Australia requires IP rating labels to be permanently affixed to the light box’s exterior (not just in documentation). The label must clearly display the IP rating (e.g., "IP65") and the SAA certification number. Failure to meet this requirement can result in product recall and a ban on future imports for the buyer. How to Ensure IP Rating Compliance? Practical Tips for Overseas Buyers Based on years of experience in serving EU and Australian markets, Kingwe-star offers three key recommendations for buyers: Clarify Installation Scenarios First: Inform suppliers of the exact installation location (e.g., "fully exposed in Copenhagen" or "coastal area in Brisbane") to ensure customized IP protection. Verify Third-Party Test Reports: Request suppliers to provide IP rating test reports from laboratories accredited by EU (ILAC-MRA) or Australian (NATA) authorities, avoiding uncertified "self-declared" ratings. Choose Materials That Complement IP Ratings: For Australia’s UV-intensive environment, select acrylic panels with UV-resistant coatings; for EU’s humid regions, use corrosion-resistant aluminum frames to enhance product longevity. Case Study: Avoiding Compliance Risks with Proper IP Rating A UK-based advertising agency once imported 200 outdoor light boxes with IP54 ratings for street installation. Due to non-compliance with the EU’s IP65 requirement for fully exposed areas, the shipment was detained by UK Customs, resulting in a €5,000 fine and a 2-week delay. After switching to Kingwe-star’s IP65-rated light boxes with TÜV test reports, the agency successfully cleared customs and avoided subsequent penalties. Free Compliance Consultation: Navigate IP Rating Requirements Easily To help overseas buyers smoothly enter EU and Australian markets, Kingwe-star provides free IP rating compliance consultation services. Our team of lighting compliance experts will analyze your target market, installation scenario, and budget, then recommend light box products with matching IP ratings and provide full documentation support (test reports, certification materials). For a personalized IP rating compliance guide for your outdoor light box project, contact 86-137-9834-3469 or visit https://www.kingwe-star.com/ to submit your inquiry.
View More