Which type of electric cooking appliances must comply with UL 197?

The requirement for electric cooking appliances to comply with UL 197 is specifically aimed at commercial cooking equipment. This standard covers safety and performance for a variety of appliances used in commercial kitchens, ensuring that they operate safely and effectively in a high-demand environment.

Commercial electric cooking appliances must adhere to stringent safety criteria, which include aspects such as electrical construction, operational functionality, and thermal performance. Compliance with UL 197 indicates that the appliance has been thoroughly tested for safety and reliability under conditions typical for commercial use, which often differs significantly from household use.

Household appliances, while also important, follow different standards more suited to their usage context, thereby making UL 197 specific to commercial applications. Microwave ovens are also subject to other standards that address specific performance metrics, and solid-fuel-fired cooking appliances are regulated under different criteria as they involve combustion rather than electric heating. This clear distinction in standards ensures that all types of cooking appliances are safe for their intended usage scenarios.