Underwriters Laboratories (UL) today announced an additional dispenser certification path for mid-level ethanol fuel blends up to 25 percent ethanol.

“The development of renewable energies continues to evolve at a rapid pace and we understand the need for future innovation, cost effectiveness and getting product to market quickly; however, public safety must remain paramount,” said Jeff Smidt, General Manager Global Energy Business for UL. “We now have multiple certification paths available for fuel dispensers that will provide not only for public safety, but also future blend flexibility for dispenser manufacturers. We feel with this additional certification path, we have addressed current and future industry needs.”

There are now three certification paths for pre-blended ethanol fuels:

1) UL 87 for gasoline and ethanol fuel blends up to E10
2) The established requirements of Subject 87A-E85, which address gasoline and ethanol fuel blends up to E85
3) The new certification path in Subject 87A-E25, which addresses gasoline and mid-level ethanol fuel blends up to E25

Prior to August 1, UL had two certification paths for gasoline and ethanol fuel dispensing units, UL87 for blends up to E10 and Subject 87A for blends up to E85. UL first announced Subject 87A covering E85 dispensers in October of 2007.

Although equipment manufacturers were consulted in a recent meeting regarding this issue, it is unclear if this will be positive or negative for the increased use of ethanol in retail equipment across the U.S.