About What Does UL Listed Mean? What’s your first thought when you grab an item and see product certifications on it? By checking them, you make sure the company meets relevant industry standards. Among them, the UL mark is often seen on your electrical products. Today, we will have a clear picture of it, and you’ll discover the meaning of UL certification and how to use correct references for it.
Table of Contents
- UL Certification – Definition and Importance
- The Meaning of “UL Recognized”
- What Does UL Listed Mean–The Meaning of “UL Listed”
- Is It Adequate to Say “Approved?”
- What Are the Differences Between CE and UL Certificates?
- Why Should You Buy UL Products or Get UL Certification?
- Conclusion
UL Certification – Definition and Importance
Caption: Safety first sign
UL is an abbreviation for a safety certification company, and its full name was Underwriter Laboratories. Today, they are a recognizable brand for product safety standards. You can find more than 14 billion UL-certified products on the market.
A significant advantage of Underwriters Laboratories is that they keep adjusting their standards for safety. Therefore, any electrical product they approve meets the latest regulations.
If you want to get this third party company certification, they will check:
- Can your custom cable assembly deal with the level of current expected to go through it?
- Are wire sizes optimal?
- Did the item go through product safety testing?
The UL process certification doesn’t involve testing each item. Instead, the company only does rigorous testing on sample products. Next, they allow the brand to use the stamp. The company needs to follow proper guidelines because UL will keep monitoring if they do that.
You’ll find three different marks on items:
- UL listing
- UL recognition
- Classification from the UL
Although you might think they are the same, there are essential differences between these categories.
The Meaning of “UL Recognized”
Caption: A circuit board illustration
This UL mark focus on individual components of a system. For example, the end product is machinery, and however, that machinery uses circuit boards. So, UL component recognition can exist only for those boards, and the mark still increases the level of safety for that gear.
UL recognized components serve primarily for the functional safety of those parts. Therefore, it’s easier to get this mark. Furthermore, businesses can save by choosing which pieces to certify. This option can also be an alternative if your product doesn’t meet UL certification requirements.
On the other hand, UL classification means the product has a certificate for a specific use, including a limited range of conditions and potential risks. Although the item is safe, you should only use it as the details mention.
What Does UL Listed Mean–The Meaning of “UL Listed”
Caption: Certified stamp
You can place a UL listing on a stand-alone product. It’s hard to get because testing labs will check how the item works to the smallest detail. They might look for electric shock hazards, assess fire risks, and do Hipot and other tests. Once you get this listing, it guarantees your item meets the latest applicable safety standards.
UL has a considerable reputation, which is because many consumers recognize and trust this mark. Regardless of the product categories, your items send a message by getting this certificate. Consumers are more likely to buy your products if they see the UL mark.
The company uses different logos for various countries. For example, “C” next to the UL mark means it meets Canadian safety standards. On the other hand, the US stands for the United States.
Is It Adequate to Say “Approved?”
Caption: A man’s hand with a stamp
For the Underwriters Laboratories, these aren’t correct references to their marks. They don’t use the word because they don’t test every product, and they can’t check millions of products to “approve” their use in various industries. However, they can check samples and recognize that a component should be safe to use across different applications. So, if you hear someone saying they have UL approval, you’ll be aware those are incorrect references.
What Are the Differences Between CE and UL Certificates?
Caption: CE Certificate for the European Union
You’ll usually find UL-listed devices in North America. However, certification services also exist in other countries. For example, the European Union uses CE marks, and they stand for European Conformity and are valid in the EU. If you plan on selling products in Europe, you’ll need to get this certification agency to issue their mark. It ensures you meet relevant laws and build trust with end-users.
Why Should You Buy UL Products or Get UL Certification?
Caption: Why enter the UL certification process?
Companies put a lot of effort into getting this certificate. So, why is the UL mark so prestigious?
- UL has a huge reputation, and the brand has been around for 125+ years. Therefore, users see it as trustworthy.
- You have better chances of selling the item. If a consumer sees this logo, they are more likely to buy the product. That’s because they’ll feel safe about using it and be sure of its quality.
- It’s a powerful marketing tool. You can use this mark for advertising your products and attracting users.
- The companies know they meet industry standards. Any owner will appreciate knowing they meet the safety requirements in their industry, and UL confirms that which ensures peace of mind.
Conclusion
UL has been a major US certification brand for decades. Getting UL recognition and listing is imperative for any manufacturer, and it almost automatically instills trust with the consumers, which helps sell more items. Optimal product construction is essential for getting this certificate.
We, Cloom, can provide you with cable assemblies with ul listing for any project!
