You’ve probably encountered a UL label before, it’s that little tag that dangles off lamps and other electrical products that line the isles of your local home store. Meaning Underwriters’ Laboratories, or UL, certifies that these products have been tested and evaluated to meet specific safety standards set by significant consumer safety organizations, such as the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The three types of official UL marks are Listed, Recognized, and Classified. These can mean different things, and sometimes, it can be difficult to discern whether the rating applies to your product, or just one of its components. At Integra, we believe that having the strongest UL certification is important, and we’ll break down what the differences in these certifications can mean.
UL Listed
When an enclosure is UL listed, it means that it has undergone extensive testing by UL and been found to comply with all appropriate safety and environmental standards. UL listed enclosures have met specific criteria related to performance, construction, and safety requirements.
Integra Enclosures proudly offers UL listed products, which guarantees their adherence to safety and performance standards and provides assurance to customers that they are investing in quality enclosures.
UL Classified
An enclosure that is UL Classified may not meet the same standards as one that is UL Listed. A product is UL Classified when evaluated for one or more specific hazard, specific environmental condition or regulatory code. The UL Classified rating is generally restricted to products only approved for use in industrial environments and may not be suitable for residential or commercial use.
UL Recognized
The UL Recognized marking is typically reserved for items not intended for stand-alone use. When a product is UL recognized, it means that it must be used in combination with other UL Listed or Recognized components to form an assembly. The resulting product may not have undergone the same testing as a UL Listed one and may not meet the necessary safety standards. Relying solely on UL Recognized components may introduce additional risks, as the overall enclosure’s safety and reliability have not been evaluated.
UL Rated
While not an official UL designation, sometimes it is used in describing a product. It’s important to note that UL Rated does not convey the necessary information to determine if the product meets the correct standards. In some cases, only certain components or materials within a product may be UL Listed, Classified or Recognized rather than the entire enclosure. Therefore, it is crucial to verify whether the entire enclosure is UL listed or only specific components have been evaluated.
When it comes to ordering electrical enclosures, it’s essential to prioritize safety and reliability. One way to ensure this is by choosing products that are UL listed.
It’s worth noting that some manufacturers may claim their enclosures are UL Classified or Recognized without meeting the stringent UL listing requirements. While they may be able to use these terms loosely, it’s crucial to discern the difference and ensure that the entire system, including all components and materials, is UL listed for comprehensive safety. To ensure you’re getting the proper enclosure product, ask for the supplier’ UL file number. Integra’s UL file numbers and other certification information can be found here.
Integra Enclosures is committed to safety and quality by offering UL listed products. Each enclosure has undergone thorough testing and complies with industry standards, ensuring that customers receive the safest and most reliable equipment.
Choosing UL listed enclosures guarantees compliance with stringent safety standards. By understanding the difference between UL Listed, UL Certified, and UL Recognized, customers can make more informed decisions and ensure that they are investing in enclosures that meet the highest levels of safety and reliability.
