Though there are no mandatory safety standards that need to be followed for consumer electronics in the U. When you have the UL stamp on a product, this is essentially an insurance policy for the manufacturer and the retailer. Most companies choose UL listed products to avoid liability issues. You may also want to do further research into your market or niche to determine if UL is expected. When importing products, compliance with UL standards is typically not mandated by law.
However, importers are responsible for ensuring a product is safe, and the best way to ensure product safety is by following the standards set by UL. Though UL certification is not legally required, to sell to many retailers, imported products need to be UL certified. Some retailers will not consider products that are not UL listed. Although you can choose alternate testing labs for safety certification, the standards set by UL are the benchmark all other testing labs adhere to.
However, UL certification may be more challenging to obtain, as the process is more comprehensive and rigorous. Getting UL listed is important, as it offers the following benefits:. Standards set by UL encompass the extensive scientific expertise and research in safety conducted by UL.
The organization is an accredited developer of standards in both the U. To extend its mission for global public safety, UL partners with standards bodies in other countries internationally to create a more sustainable, safe world.
UL is accredited in the U. UL develops standards under a process that allows for comment and participation from the industry and the affected public. Many in the industry provide UL with input, including manufacturers, government officials, inspection authorities, consumers and industrial and commercial users. UL standards are used in assessing products by testing components, systems, materials and performance.
The standards also evaluate:. More than just products are covered by UL standards development. The testing of services and systems is also included. While UL is widely known for its work with safety standards, it also develops a variety of standards for measuring and validating sustainability, performance and environmental health.
To determine which of the standards applies to your product, refer to the Catalog of Standards. In some cases, products have also been evaluated by UL for compliance with additional requirements , such as those that cover:. Marketing references should address when a product meets additional requirements. Posted by Bill Dull November 2, 0 Comments. Underwriters Laboratories UL is a globally recognized standards company that works to establish safety guidelines and industry standards for the design, production, and marketing of a wide variety of products and components worldwide, with a particular focus on products manufactured and disseminated in North America.
UL is dedicated to the development of more secure and sustainable products through the creation of reliable, repeatable testing processes. UL testing is particularly valuable for the standardization and safe operation of electrical components. Many industries require UL testing for the electrical equipment incorporated into power and data systems. Some of the most common industries that benefit from UL-certified products include aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, oil and gas, and power generation.
When determining the right product and UL specifications for your industry or application, it is important to understand the difference between products that are "UL Listed" and those that are "UL Recognized". Fundamentally, UL Listed products are fully-functional, stand-alone products or equipment that fit within a specific category or function as defined by Underwriters Laboratories.
Visit our sister company Mechanical Products, America's leading manufacturer of thermal circuit protection devices. Phone: What Is UL Listed? Mitigate Compliance Risks and Bridge Compliance Gaps A UL listing certification illustrates your due diligence and commitment to meeting and exceeding industry standards. This benefits both the consumer and the business that manufactures the product. For example, CE is a similar organization in the EU that sets standards for common electronics.
CE is similar to UL, the main difference being the country in which it is manufactured and sold. Much like UL, CE gives companies an advantage by being able to sell anywhere within the EU, while also being able to market the CE logo in much the same way. For these reasons, many companies opt to get CE certified to expand their marketing capacities. Why is UL certification and recognition attractive for businesses?
UL has spent over a century building up a reputation and instilling a sense of trust. When a consumer sees the UL stamp of approval on a product, they will likely feel better about purchasing it. For example, if someone is shopping for a new circuit breaker or contactor, UL certification might sway their decision. The UL logo gives the consumer peace of mind, and the business a public seal of approval. Taking steps to protect this investment and the people that use it is essential to the long-term success of a company.
UL Certification allows a company to innovate its safety standards and align themselves with industry-wide best practices. Another important caveat of UL certification is for insurance purposes and customer security.
While he was there, he presented his idea to insurance underwriters to form an electrical testing laboratory. Why is this important? If, say, an inspector determines a fire was caused by a circuit breaker that was not UL certified, an insurance company can choose to deny the claim. For this reason alone, many consumers opt for certified products, not just for large appliances but for small ones as well as laptop and cell phone chargers.
UL certification adds a layer of protection and accountability for accidents, as well. Lastly, because UL is a third-party service, consumers of your products can be confident that the UL seal is not a superficial sales ploy. UL certification is something that affects us in our everyday lives, often to a great degree, without most of us really knowing it.
UL has been around for years ensuring the safety and accountability of electrical products in everyday American life. Even if it might cost a bit more for your business or take extra testing time, UL gives a consumer the peace of mind and a brand a big marketing boost.
In the long run, third-party certifications from a trusted source will only help your business. When manufacturers are UL certified is shows their continued commitment to safety and quality.
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