UL Has New Certification Path for Ethanol Fuel Dispensers

The new midlevel certification path was proactively developed and presented at a July 16 meeting of dispenser and component manufacturers, the company said. The meeting addressed the fuel dispensing market and potential market developments.

As of August 2009, UL is providing three certification paths for dispensers of pre-blended fuels. The first is a UL 87 for gasoline and ethanol fuel blends up to E10. The second path establishes requirements for Subject 87A-E85, which address gasoline and ethanol fuel blends up to E85. Finally, the new certification path is for Subject 87A-E25, which addresses gasoline and mid-level ethanol fuel blends up to E25

"We set the new requirements for fuel dispensers based on research of multiple blend concentrations and their effects on components," said Jeff Smidt, global manager of Underwriters Laboratories Global Energy Business. "There is increased potential for different types of damage to materials and components at blends above E25 and, as a result, there are more stringent requirements for dispensers for use with these higher blend levels. This new mid-level option, up to E25, provides another certification path and can help facilitate the distribution of ethanol blends in the market."