UL Product Certification

What is UL Product certification

UL stands for Underwriter Laboratories Inc. UL Safety Testing Institute is the most authoritative in the United States and the largest civilian organization engaged in safety testing and identification in the world. It is an independent, for-profit professional organization that conducts experiments for public safety. It uses scientific testing methods to study and determine whether various materials, devices, products, equipment, buildings, etc. are harmful to life and property and the degree of harm; Determine, compile and distribute appropriate standards and information that can help to reduce and prevent loss of life and property, and conduct fact-finding operations. UL certification is a non-mandatory certification in the United States, mainly for the testing and certification of product safety performance, and its certification scope does not include the EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) characteristics of products.

In short, it is mainly engaged in product safety certification and operating safety certification business, its ultimate goal is to get a fairly safe level of goods for the market, for the personal health and property safety to be guaranteed to contribute. In terms of product safety certification as an effective means to eliminate technical barriers to international trade, UL also plays a positive role in promoting the development of international trade.

Service item

LISTED (LISTED)

In general, listing applies only to complete products and various components and devices that are replaced or installed by qualified personnel on site, and to various products that are part of UL's listing service, including household appliances, medical equipment, computers, business equipment, and various electrical products that function in buildings. Such as power distribution systems, fuses, wires, switches and other electrical components. Products listed by UL can usually be marked with the UL listing mark and the use of the name mark on each product.

Recognized (Recognized)

The certification service is an item of UL's service, and the products it identifies can only be used as components or raw materials on UL listed, graded or other approved products. Approved products are not structurally complete, or have certain limitations in their use to ensure the desired safety performance. In most cases, tracking services for approved products fall under Category R. Approved products belonging to Class L are electronic wire (AVLV2), processed wire (ZKLU2), wire harness (ZPFW2), aluminum wire (DVVR2), and metal flexible tube (DXUZ2). Approved products are required to bear an approved mark.

Classification

Grading services only evaluate products for specific hazards or for products that comply with standards other than UL standards, including internationally recognized standards such as IEC and ISO standards. In general, most graded products are not products used by consumers, but products used in industry or commerce. The classification mark in the UL mark indicates that the product has certain restrictions and prescribed scope when it is certified by UL. For example, for chemicals such as solvents used in industry, only the range of fires that may occur when they reach the ignition temperature is evaluated. The grading service and listing service of some products are the same, but generally only one or several aspects of the product are evaluated, such as in the United States, medical X-ray diagnostic equipment must comply with the United States laws and regulations on radiation emission and beam accuracy, but because UL only uses X-ray as a grading product. Therefore, only its mechanical properties, electrical properties and other non-radiative properties are evaluated.

Multiple listing, multiple recognition, or multiple grading services

When a UL applicant, after obtaining the above listing, accreditation or grading service, wants its products to be manufactured in the name of another company to meet the needs of sales, it may apply for multiple listing, multiple accreditation or multiple grading service, in which case the listed, accredited or graded manufacturer is allowed to use the name of another company in the product list. However, the product must be consistent with the originally listed, approved, or classified product except for the company code, product code, or other features deemed acceptable by UL.

"AL" listed, approved, or graded services

If a UL applicant does not wish to obtain a listing, accreditation, or grading service in the name of his own company, he may apply for a listing, accreditation, or grading service in the name of another firm, usually a retailer or wholesaler, known as the "AL" listing, accreditation, or grading service. It differs from multiple listing, multiple recognition or multiple classification services in that the applicant is not a listed celebrity.

System certification service

As a member of the International Accreditation Committee, UL is widely involved in ISO9000 quality system certification, ISO14000 environmental protection certification, QS9000 automotive industry quality system certification and AS9000 aircraft industry quality system certification services. A total of 116 factories in China have obtained UL system certification; Among them, 21 are ISO9001 certified, 85 are ISO9002 certified, 1 is ISO14001 certified, and 9 are QS9000 certified.

Other services of UL

Such as certification services, inspection services, truth judgment services, research services, etc.

UL mark meaning

UL column name tag

This is one of the most commonly used UL marks. If the product is labeled with this mark, it means that the sample of the product meets UL's safety requirements. These requirements are primarily UL's own published safety standards. This type of marking is commonly seen in the following categories of products: electrical appliances, calculator devices, stoves and heaters, fuses, power panels, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, personal flotation devices such as life jackets and life rings, bulletproof glass, and thousands of other products.

C-UL column name tag

This marking applies to products sold on the Canadian market. Products bearing this mark are evaluated in accordance with Canadian safety requirements. Canadian security requirements may differ from those of the United States. This marking can be seen on the following types of equipment: electrical and computer equipment, vending machines, home burglar alarm systems, lighting appliances, and many other kinds of products.

C-UL US column name tag

UL introduced this new listing mark in early 1998. It means that it meets the requirements of both the United States and Canada. Canadian/American markings are optional. UL encourages manufacturers whose products are certified in both the United States and Canada to use this new combination mark, but manufacturers may choose to continue using the UL mark for the United States or Canada only.

Grading mark

This mark appears on products that have been evaluated by UL. UL has evaluated products bearing this mark for certain specific attributes. Certain specialized properties herein refer to those suitable for use within a limited range of hazards or under limited or special conditions. Typically, UL classifies products as general purpose building materials and industrial equipment. For example, the types of equipment that UL classifies are wetsuits, fire doors, firefighter protection, and industrial trucks.

C-UL grading mark

This grading mark applies to products sold on the Canadian market. It indicates that UL has evaluated the product in accordance with Canadian standards for certain hazardous conditions or characteristics. For example, C-UL grading products include air filters, fire shields, certain types of roof systems, and more.

Approved part marking and Canadian approved part marking

The average consumer rarely sees these marks because they are used on parts that are part of larger products or systems. These parts cannot directly constitute a complete product on their own, or their use is limited. Part approval marks can be seen on a wide range of products, including some switches, power supplies, printed patch boards, certain types of industrial control equipment, and thousands of other products. Products intended for sale in the Canadian market are labeled with an approved part mark bearing the letter "C".

Approved part marking for Canada and the United States

This is a new UL approved part mark that came into effect on April 1, 1998. It can be used for parts certified by UL in accordance with both Canadian and U.S. requirements. It turns out that UL did not intend to introduce a combined approved parts mark, but introduced this new mark because UL certification users whose products are sold in both Canada and the United States prefer the Canada/United States listing and grading mark.

International "EMC-Marking"

Products bearing this international "EMC-mark" meet the electromagnetic compatibility requirements of Europe, the United States, Japan, Australia, or any combination of the above countries and regions. In the United States, for some types of products, they cannot be sold unless they have been shown to meet US electromagnetic compatibility requirements. Products that require EMC testing include medical and dental equipment, calculators, microwave ovens, televisions, radios, transmitters, and wireless control devices.

EPH product label

This UL mark appears on products that have been evaluated in accordance with Environmental and Public Health Standards. The "graded version" of this mark is used for products that meet both ANSI/NSF standards and other food hygiene scopes and requirements. This category includes food service equipment, meat and poultry plant equipment, and drinking water additives. The "listed" version of this mark is generally used for products that meet UL's own EPH safety standards.

Blue sanitary mark

It is optional and complements the grading mark.

On-site evaluation of product labeling

Field Evaluation Product labeling applies to products that have been thoroughly evaluated by UL on site rather than in UL or the manufacturer's laboratory. If a product has been materially modified since manufacture, or if there are no third-party marks on the product, the owner of the building, the management authority, or any other person directly involved in the product may request UL to conduct on-site testing of the specific product. Products that meet the relevant safety requirements can be affixed with this non-removable field evaluation product mark.

Manage system registration tags

This UL registered company mark cannot be seen on the product. It means that a facility has passed UL's evaluation according to management system standards. By having UL evaluate its management system procedures, it can be used to enhance the company's image and become an integral part of the company's marketing strategy. The standards used by UL in this regard are: ISO9000 series quality assurance standards; QS-9000 and TE Supplementary standards, which are the quality standards developed by the three major American automakers for their suppliers; ISO14001, which covers standards for environmental management systems; AS9000, Aerospace Quality Management system; TL9000, Telecommunication quality management system; Social responsibility management system SA8000.

Ship's mark

The UL Marine mark appears on those products used in navigation. Products bearing this mark have been evaluated according to the Marine Safety Standards published by UL and other applicable standards and specifications. Damage that occurs on cruise ships or yachts when the product is exposed to certain harsh shipping environments, such as vibration, shock, ignition protection, water intrusion and corrosion caused by salt water. The requirements of UL's published Marine Safety Standard and other applicable standards and codes referred to above address these impairments. Equipment types suitable for the UL Marine mark include alternators, batteries/chargers/energy changers, navigation lights, fuel tanks, filters and pumps.

What does UL certification do

The significance of UL certification mark for enterprises:

1, the entire US market attaches great importance to product safety; When consumers and buyers choose products, they will choose products with the UL certification mark.

2, UL has a history of more than 100 years, the image of safety is deeply rooted in consumers and the government, if you do not sell products directly to consumers, intermediate businessmen will also require products with UL certification mark, so that products sell well.

3, American consumers and buyers are more confident in the company's products.

4, the United States federal, state, county, municipal government a total of more than 40,000 districts, all recognize the UL certification mark.

UL Certification Process

1. The applicant submits relevant company and product information

Written Request: You should request in writing that UL test your products.

Company information: Provide detailed and accurate name, address, contact person, postal code, telephone number and fax of the following units in both Chinese and English.

(a). Applicant Company: The company that makes the application for product testing and is responsible for all engineering service costs

(b). Listed Companies: Companies whose names are listed in various product catalogues published by UL

(c) Production plants: manufacturers and producers of products.

Product information: Product information should be provided in English.

(a). Name of the product: Provide the full name of the product.

(b). Product model: List all the product models, varieties or classification numbers that need to be tested.

(c). Intended use of the product: for example: home, office, factory, coal mine, ship, etc.

(d). Parts list: Details the parts and models (classification numbers), ratings, and names of manufacturers that make up the products. For insulation materials, please provide the name of the raw material, e.g. GE Polycarbonate,Lexan Type 104. When a part is UL certified or approved, identify the specific model number of the part and indicate its UL file number (e). Electrical performance: For electronic and electrical products. Electrical schematic diagram (circuit diagram) and electrical performance meter are provided.

(f). Structure diagram: For most products, a structure diagram or explosion diagram of the product, a list of ingredients, etc., shall be provided.

(g). Photos of the product, instructions for use, safety, etc., or installation instructions.

2. Make decisions based on the product information provided

When the product information is complete, UL engineers make the following decisions based on the information: the UL standard based on the experiment, the engineering cost of the test, the time of the test, the number of samples, etc., notify you in writing, and send the formal application form and tracking service agreement to your company. The fee limit indicated in the application form is the maximum engineering cost estimated by UL based on the test item. This fee limit cannot be exceeded without your company's written authorization.

3. Apply for company remittance and send back application form and sample

UL certification

The applicant should sign the application form and tracking service agreement, and send the form back to UL. At the same time, send the sample by bank transfer, post office or express mail. Please give proper description (such as name, model) of the sample to be sent for inspection. Please send the application form and sample separately. For each application Project, UL will designate a unique project number (Project No.) to indicate the project number and the name of the applicant company when sending the remittance, samples and application forms, so that UL can check.

4. Product testing

Upon receipt of your signed application form, remittance, and test sample, UL will inform you when the test plan will be completed. Product testing is generally performed at UL laboratories in the United States, and UL may also accept audited test data from participating third parties. Samples will be returned or destroyed at your request.

If the product test results meet the requirements of the UL standard, UL will issue a FollowUp Service Procedure and a followup Service Procedure. The followup service Procedure will detail the test status, the specifications reached by the sample, the product structure, and the safety marks suitable for the product. A product description and guidance note for UL regional inspectors are included in the Tracking Service details. A copy of the test report is sent to the applicant company, and a copy of the tracking service details is sent to each production plant.

5. Applicant is authorized to use the UL mark

The UL Regional inspector in China contacts the Production plant for an Initial production Inspection.IPI. The inspector inspects your product and its parts on the production line and in the warehouse to confirm that the product structure and parts are consistent with the tracking service specifications. The area inspector also conducts eyewitness tests, and when the results meet the requirements, the applicant is authorized to use the UL mark.

Following IPI, inspectors will visit the factory from time to time to check the product structure and conduct eyewitness experiments, the frequency of inspection is determined by the product type and production volume, most types of products are inspected at least four times a year, the inspection of the inspector is to ensure that the product continues to comply with UL requirements, please inform UL before you plan to change the product structure or parts, For minor changes, no experiments need to be repeated, and UL can quickly modify the tracking service details to make such changes acceptable to inspectors. When UL believes that the modification of the product affects its safety performance, it requires the applicant company to resubmit the sample for the necessary testing.

The cost of the tracking service is not included in the test fee.

If the product test results do not meet the requirements of UL standards, UL will notify the applicant to explain the problem. After the applicant improves the product design, the product can be re-tested. You should inform the UL engineer about the improvements made to the product for decision

UL inspection rules, certification review and tracking inspection UL inspection rules

Inspection by UL inspectors is essentially mechanical. Depending on the product, the inspector's inspection is based on Bulletin, Procedure, FUII (if any, included in the rules) and UL standards (if FUII requirements).

If UL products are in production at the factory when the inspector visits, or UL products are in stock, the inspector will take samples in one of the following ways:

1. Extract each part from the production line plus a complete product from the warehouse.

2. Extract each part from the warehouse and add the complete product on the production line.

3. Extract complete products from warehouse for splitting.

The specific amount of sampling is determined by the specifications, FUII (follow-up inspection instructions), SAP (standard supplement), or direct orders from the UL laboratory. Inspectors do not necessarily inspect all products at each inspection, but they will try to inspect all product categories or models in one year or at least two years.

Generally speaking, UL's requirements for the factory's production system are not too high, only requiring that the instrument and equipment be measured once a year, the factory's own inspection records be kept, and there are certain means of control for nonconforming products.

During the inspection, the field representative (UL inspector) will focus on the product itself, and they will check the structure, components and assembly of the product according to the above inspection criteria. For parts related to product safety, the general rules will indicate that the requirements are UL certified products, and will indicate the manufacturer and model; For moulded parts such as shells and shields, the details will generally specify their raw materials and size requirements. The field representative will check the UL mark as stated above and in the details.

Field test

In addition, if the specification or FUII or standard requires field testing of the product, the field representative will ask the factory inspector to do the corresponding tests, while the field representative will be there to witness. If the detailed rules also require samples to be sent to UL for follow-up testing, the factory shall cooperate with the inspector to make corresponding samples. After the inspector writes the sample label, provides the address and seals the samples, the factory will send them to the corresponding UL laboratory.

If the products produced by the factory fully meet the requirements of the corresponding UL Inspection standards and there are no other violations of the tracking service agreement, the inspector will issue an Inspection Report. The factory representative shall sign the report after confirming its accuracy; One inspection is complete. If there is no conformity with the inspection standard during the inspection process, the inspector will issue a Variation Notice and take corresponding measures according to the specific circumstances.

UL mark removal

If the UL mark is used for unauthorized products, the inspector will require the UL mark to be removed. If the product does not meet UL requirements, the inspector will ask the factory to remove the UL mark or rework to make it meet the requirements; If the factory does not agree with the above treatment opinions, the UL mark can be retained temporarily, but the shipment must be stopped. The inspector will inform the corresponding laboratory of the situation, and UL will make a reply to decide whether the UL mark can be retained. If there are only some minor problems that do not affect the safety of the product, the inspector will make a temporary acceptance decision and report it to the corresponding laboratory; If it is some obvious standard errors, such as typos or unit errors, it does not affect the conformity of the factory product, but as a UL document processing, the inspector will also issue a change notice. In general, unless it is UL's responsibility, the inspector will ask the factory to explain the non-conformance to the corresponding laboratory, and UL will respond accordingly according to your explanation.

The last word

Of course, the inspector's judgment is only temporary, and the final decision is of course in UL's various laboratories. If the factory does not agree with the inspection practice, it can fully reflect to the corresponding laboratory, at this time, the inspector is obliged to provide the corresponding contact and contact method. After confirming that the contents recorded in the change notice are correct, the factory representative shall sign the notice.

UL certified factory inspection

UL Regional inspectors in China contact the Production plant for an Initial Production Inspection (IPI), where the inspector inspects your products and their parts on the production line and in the warehouse to confirm that the product structure and parts are consistent with the tracking service specifications. The area inspector will conduct an eyewitness test if required by the rules. When the inspection results meet the requirements, the applicant is authorized to use the UL mark.

Following IPI, inspectors will visit the factory from time to time to check the product structure and conduct eyewitness experiments. The frequency of inspection is determined by the product type and production volume, and most types of products are inspected at least four times a year (the cost of tracking services is not included in the cost of testing).

Certification review

Before the first batch of UL certified products are shipped, they must pass the local and provincial China Import and Export Commodity Inspection Bureau (CCIC) authorized by UL to send people to the factory for review. Follow up every year.

Introduction to tracking inspection

As an integral part of UL certification, in order to ensure that UL's listed and approved products continue to meet UL standards and requirements, UL has developed a "tracking inspection" system. "Tracking inspection" means that UL sends field representatives around the world to the local factory production site to track and inspect UL products. Its purpose is to verify the production process, inspection process and products of the factory against UL standards and tracking inspection rules to ensure that the production process, inspection process and products of the manufacturer always meet the requirements of UL.

The basis of follow-up inspection

After the site representative arrives at the factory, the inspection is mainly conducted according to the "tracking inspection rules". The "Follow-up Inspection Specification" is prepared by UL Engineering after testing the samples submitted for inspection. This document includes a comprehensive description of the product, including photos, instructions, etc. It also specifies a variety of tests that manufacturing plants often perform during production, some of which require 100% of the product, such as pressure resistance tests. Certain inspections may be carried out by sampling, and the test items that must be checked by the field representative during the on-site inspection of the plant are also specified. The field representative will judge whether the test results are acceptable based on the detailed information and regulations of such tests.

Track the classification of inspection products

The review is divided into first review and quarterly review, the cost of the first review is relatively higher, and UL's tracking inspection is divided into R and L categories. Class L services are mainly used for products related to life safety, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire doors and some products of considerable volume, such as electrical equipment, wires and circuit breakers. For Category L products, manufacturers must order labels directly from UL to be affixed to the product. Class R services are mainly used for electrical equipment, such as fans, television sets, hair dryers, ovens and other products that are normally produced on the corresponding assembly line.

Matters needing attention

1. The minimum height of a registered trademark shall be 3/64 inch.

2. When the outer circle diameter of the UL mark is less than 3/8 inch, the registered trademark symbol can be ignored if it is not clearly readable under naked view.

3. The mark can be stamped, moulded, inked, screen printed or similar methods directly and fixed on the unchanged product.

4. Acquisition of the mark: The manufacturer can reprint it or obtain it from UL authorized dealers.

Shenzhen Tenglian Enterprise Management Consulting Co., LTD., established in 2005, is an old institution with independent legal personality in Guangdong Province. Specializing in ISO system certification, product certification, factory inspection counseling, high-tech enterprise identification, intellectual property implementation standards, government subsidy application, license agency and other qualification agents. Authoritative organization, experienced, full coaching. Senior certification counseling team, 15 years of experience, with exclusive approval channels, the pass rate is guaranteed! Since its establishment 15 years ago, it has served more than 7,000 enterprises and public institutions and government organizations. Any questions and needs regarding UL factory certification can be consulted in the following ways:

Consulting telephone: 0755-27787866 13828761196 Mr. Chen

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