A non-profit
corporation, operating as a testing facility and developer of safety standards. UL also has the capability for testing to various industry performance specifications such as TIA/EIA,
IBM and Bellcore. By its own definition, Underwriters Laboratories defines itself as follows: "Underwriters Laboratories Inc., founded in 1894, is chartered as a
not-for-profit organization without capital stock, under the laws of the state of Delaware, to establish, maintain and operate laboratories for the examination and testing of devices,
systems and materials to determine their relation to hazards to life and property."
UL tests products for paying "clients" and if the product submitted passes the
requirements of the UL standard for which it is submitted, a UL "listing" or "verification" is granted which allows the manufacturer to use the UL manifest or
"label" on its product.
It is important to remember that UL is not an approval agency. It approves nothing, but merely lists a product as meeting its minimum standard for
safety or verifies/classifies a product as meeting an industry standard for performance.
Underwriters "Listing" mark on a product is generally accepted by the public and
government agencies as evidence of a "safe" product, not necessarily a "quality" product.
Applicable Standards
- UL1863 Communication Devices
- UL 514A Outlet Boxes and Fittings
- UL 514C Nonmetallic Outlet Boxes and Fittings
- UL 1449 Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors
- UL 1363 Temporary Power Taps (unpublished)
- UL 943 GFCI Portables
- UL 5 Surface Raceway
