Key Takeaways
- Impulse has achieved UL 858 certification for its battery-integrated induction cooktop, meeting crucial safety standards.
- The certification process involved extensive development of power electronics and ensuring safety under various conditions.
- This milestone enables retailers to market battery-powered appliances, potentially boosting consumer awareness and adoption.
Growing Acceptance of Battery-Powered Appliances
The acceptance of battery-powered vehicles has increased over the years, but battery-integrated household appliances still remain relatively unfamiliar to many consumers. However, startups are increasingly introducing such products to mainstream markets, enhancing the visibility of battery technology in everyday use.
A notable advancement is Impulse’s recent achievement in obtaining certification from Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for its battery-powered induction cooktop. The company announced that its device has met the UL 858 certification standard, which is essential for ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Impulse’s CEO, Sam D’Amico, shared that reaching this certification required significant resources, with thousands of hours dedicated to hardware and software development, as well as manufacturing processes. D’Amico emphasized the complexity of launching a new product, particularly in the current regulatory landscape. He noted, “It’s already insane to bring a new product to market, and doubly so if the compliance and regulatory environment didn’t exist at the start.” The company developed a new power electronics stack specifically for battery-integrated appliances, creating what they describe as the “highest performance induction drive system ever built for a consumer device.”
The UL certification is critical because it is a requirement for installation by contractors and home builders. D’Amico believes that by overcoming this regulatory hurdle, Impulse enhances its appeal to remodelers, home buyers, and contractors who are evaluating innovative appliances for future projects. Despite the current lack of consumer familiarity with battery-powered products, this achievement marks a step toward acknowledging their potential benefits.
The future remains uncertain regarding consumer purchase trends for these new appliances. However, with this certification, retail channels may be more motivated to promote battery-powered cooking options, ushering in a new era of consumer awareness and acceptance. As retailers begin to highlight these innovative appliances, there is optimism that the market will embrace the convenience and resilience that battery technology can offer in kitchen environments.
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