What is UL Certification?

UL Listed certification, administered by the esteemed Underwriter Laboratories (UL), stands as a hallmark of product safety compliance. This certification is bestowed upon products that have withstood rigorous testing and demonstrated their adherence to precise safety standards.

UL, a leading authority in certification, provides various types of certifications, with UL Listed and UL Recognized being among the most prevalent. These designations are essential for distinguishing between standalone systems and components intended for integration into larger systems.

UL Listed: UL Listed certification is awarded to standalone systems or products that have successfully met and complied with UL standards, signifying their readiness for independent use.

UL Recognized: On the other hand, UL Recognized certification applies to components, such as power supplies, that are meant to be integrated into more comprehensive systems. This designation helps identify components that meet UL safety standards and guidelines, although the larger system itself may not hold a full UL certification.

In the realm of embedded systems deployed in challenging industrial settings, UL Listed certification emerges as a vital source of reassurance. This certification assures that embedded systems have undergone comprehensive safety and compliance testing before deployment, offering peace of mind to stakeholders.

UL Listed certification plays a pivotal role in bolstering confidence in the operational reliability of embedded systems. It serves as a beacon of safety, effectively minimizing the potential risks associated with electrical, mechanical, and fire hazards, which are prevalent in harsh industrial environments.

You can check if an industrial PC has a UL certification with two methods. First, check the product website and datasheet for certifications. Second, check the physical industrial computer for a UL sticker (usually located at the bottom of the computer) where other certifications such as CE and FCC are located. Once confirmed if the industrial PC has UL certifications, verify the UL certification code through UL’s official search tool (UL Product iQ) to ensure its legitimacy.

When it comes to selecting industrial PCs, UL certification emerges as a pivotal consideration. Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a globally esteemed safety certification body, offers independent testing and certification services across diverse industries, including industrial automation. UL certification guarantees that the industrial PC adheres to stringent safety standards and has undergone rigorous testing to mitigate potential risks, such as electrical shock, fire hazards, and other safety concerns.

Opting for an industrial PC bearing the UL certification bestows both manufacturers and users with a profound sense of confidence. This certification signifies that the device has withstood thorough testing and is well-suited for deployment in industrial settings. Beyond bolstering safety and compliance with regulations, UL-certified industrial PCs offer elevated reliability, durability, and performance. This makes them a prudent investment for applications like industrial automation, where safety and dependability are paramount.

Given the unfortunate history of fraudulent activities involving the misappropriation of UL safety marks on untested products, consumers and system integrators must exercise vigilance. A reliable method to verify the legitimacy of the UL safety mark involves using UL’s official search tool, known as ‘UL Product iQ.’ By cross-referencing the mark on the product with the one listed on the website through this trusted resource, individuals can ascertain the authenticity of the UL certification, promoting peace of mind and confidence in their purchase.

While not mandatory, UL certification serves as a dependable signal of product safety. Many businesses also opt for third-party testing bodies like CE, FCC, or ETL. It’s important to note that UL certifications can be financially demanding, and the stringent safety standards may vary depending on the specific application.

UL 62368-1, established by UL, outlines the essential specifications and guidelines necessary to attain a safety certification. When a product successfully meets these standards following testing, it receives the coveted UL Listed certification. To draw a comparison, think of it like a recent computer science graduate holding a bachelor’s degree. The degree, akin to UL Listed, represents a significant achievement, while the computer science major mirrors the exacting UL 62368-1 standard.

UL certification finds its utmost importance in industries relying on mission-critical equipment, encompassing hospitals, assembly lines, smart transportation systems, and more. These applications demand unwavering uptime and steadfast reliability. A UL certification serves as a guarantee that the equipment, component, or product has successfully navigated UL’s rigorous safety testing, instilling confidence in customers regarding its trustworthiness during operation.

Apart from the recognised safety certifications offered by UL or ETL, several other certifications and standards bear equal significance. Take, for instance, an industrial automation deployment within a factory setting. In such cases, certifications such as EMC compliance, IP rating, and shock/vibration resistance compliance become indispensable for ensuring a dependable deployment. It’s important to note that the requisite certifications can vary based on the deployment’s level of severity and criticality. In highly specialised applications, one may find mandatory certifications like IP Rating, NEMA Rating, or even Hazardous Area Certification.

When mentioning UL, it’s crucial to use the accepted terms, which are usually “UL Certified” or “UL Listed,” aligning with UL’s marking guidelines. For a deeper understanding of the accurate terminology and handling of UL certifications, you can refer to the UL mark guidelines for valuable insights.

CE is a certification mark employed by the EEA (European Economic Area) to guarantee that products undergo evaluation and comply with safety, health, and environmental protection regulations within the EU. This certification is a mandatory prerequisite for the sale of any product or system within the EU.

FCC, which stands for the Federal Communications Commission, serves as a certification mark denoting that a product has undergone testing and complies with safety standards for EMI (electromagnetic interference) within the United States. It’s important to note that this certification is exclusively focused on regulating electromagnetic compatibility and doesn’t encompass the quality or performance evaluations conducted by UL and other product safety testing laboratories.

OSHA, short for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, was established under the United States Department of Labor. It has established the NRTL program, which stands for Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. The primary aim of the NRTL program is to officially recognize a roster of proficient private sector organizations that align with OSHA’s industry standards.

UL, a distinguished third-party testing laboratory, holds the designation of being an NRTL. This recognition bestowed by the government further enhances the credibility of third-party laboratories and adds an extra layer of assurance to product safety. It’s worth noting that UL, renowned for its testing prowess, is not only a respected testing organization but also carries the coveted NRTL status, underlining its commitment to product safety.

Likewise, ETL, or Electronic Testing Laboratories, is yet another product testing certification laboratory that proudly carries the NRTL designation. These two safety testing laboratories share a striking resemblance, operating with the same mission: certifying products with a safety mark once they successfully navigate their rigorous testing protocols.