The Standard for Microwave Cooking Appliances, UL 923, states that a microwave door design “requires two distinct actions to open the door during any heating cycle” to prevent accidental opening by children and reduce the risk of burns. An engineer designing microwave doors should ensure that its design includes a door-opening mechanism that meets this function specification to help keep kids safe.

Storing electrical energy allows commercial properties and residences to use electricity continuously during intervals of low generation or high demand. Proper spacing and design of Battery Energy Storage Systems are essential for safety by limiting potential thermal runaway or fire hazards. UL 9540, the Standard for Energy Storage Systems, includes spacing guidelines to minimize risks associated with overheating or fire propagation.

Designers want to make products that are in demand, but when designing a new product with an eye for sustainability, they should also consider how it is made and how it will be disposed. For mobile phones in particular, UL 110, the Standard for Sustainability for Mobile Phones, can help engineers focus on designing sustainable phones by selecting materials that are easier to recycle, minimizing the use of hazardous substances, and designing for durability and repairability to extend the product's lifespan. By incorporating these principles, engineers contribute to a more sustainable future and position their products as attractive options for environmentally conscious consumers and organizations with corporate environmental impact goals.