New Standards for Gas Nozzles to Handle Ethanol Blends

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has set a rigid safety standard to take into account the chemical effects of ethanol on the construction, material, and performance on fuel nozzle valves. The new standards take effect April 30, 2015. Anticipated use of ethanol blends above 10 percent contributed to the decision to review and revise UL safety standards.

From UL 842 to UL 2586

Previously UL 842 covered fuel nozzle valves, but that will no longer be the case. UL 2586 is written for fuel nozzle valves that dispense gasoline with up to 10 percent ethanol (E10). And now UL 2586A will be in place for nozzles dispensing up to E85. These UL standards will affect all nozzle valves manufactured starting April 30, 2015.

The Push for New Standards

It is widely agreed upon by scientists that higher ethanol concentrations have increased corrosive impact on rubber and soft materials that are commonly used in fuel nozzle valves. With the rising ethanol content in gasoline, the protocol for testing UL 2586A has become more stringent when compared to other previous standards.

Extensive Testing

The materials required to meet the new UL standards are in most cases more expensive than previous components, which will bring a commensurate price increase. In order to pass UL test requirements and meet the new standards, several materials have been tested to determine the long-term effects of ethanol exposure. Only those that have passed the initial tests will be used in the manufacturing of new nozzle valves. These valves will also be subjected to maximum rated pressure during the UL 100,000 cycle endurance test for automatic shut-off nozzles.

The Husky Standard

Husky Corporation continues to provide clients with high-quality fueling products that will meet UL standards. The conventional nozzles that are currently available on the market will meet every customer’s expectations or go beyond them. Rest assured that all materials used in creating the nozzles go through rigorous testing to ensure that they are safe to use.