The short answer:
The long answer.
- UL Listed means that samples of the product has been tested and found to meet applicable standards.
- UL Recognized applies to components that meet applicable standards but they may need to be incorporated in specific ways in order to be safely used. For example, a UL Recognized switch may require an enclosure, faceplate, and proper assembly.
- Assembled from UL Recognized parts doesn't mean much of anything. The components may be UL Recognized but the finished product might be a disaster waiting to happen... or not. For example, a switch may be UL Recognized, and duct tape may be UL Recognized, but wrapping a switch in duct tape... well I'll leave you to decide.
UL Marks
I've known Mr. Terry since long before 2001, when he began working for "a major US manufacturer," and I don't believe his commitment to safety and standards has changed from the time I used to rent (radial, with asbestos leads) Lekos from him in 1983....Steve Terrys' perspective would be very different were he not a major US manufacturer, I would suggest.
The idea that UL listing is a safety measure is largely illusory as UL make their own standards and test themselves and then charge a fortune to "inspect" factories around the world to maintain "safety".Small scale manufacturers cannot afford to comply with this protectionist rort.If countries around the World each brought in their own "safety" measures to control US imports into their countries the US would go ballistic.
The European system where there is a Standard and a product either complies or not is much more transparent, fairer and cost effective.
I make safe equipment in small quantities which complies with European/Australian standards and is much cheaper than the US gear because I refuse to donate to the UL ripoff.
This self imposed cost on US manufacturers is in effect a tax, collected by UL for a very minimal gain.
Steve Terrys' perspective would be very different were he not a major US manufacturer, I would suggest.
"Manufacturer was either:
a. too ignorant, and/or
b. too cheap
to go through the very difficult and expensive process of getting third-party NRTL review of the safety of their product that results in a Listing."
Quote Steve Terry
I am neither ignorant nor cheap, the UL system is purposely designed to make it prohibitively expensive for small run manufacturers to import into the US.
And it works.
An example, I had made a batch of lamp bases for old Strand lights, the batch will probably take about 10 years to use up.Now there's only so much testing to approve a lamp base, dimensions, insulation,etc and it would be pretty simple to test and comply, BUT before I can get compliance I need to agree to have the factory in China inspected every year, with, no doubt, business class air fares 5 star hotel plus a healthy fee to keep my accreditation, the annual fee would exceed the cost of the lamp bases and of course have no relevence because the factory is probably not make me any more bases for 10 years, if ever.
I get curtains certified by a testing lab, they test, it's fire retarded, it's certified, I don't have to pay annual protection money.
UL STP's are mainly industry manned, how many German, Japanese or Chinese companies are represented?
The UL tariff may be the same but what about the annual factory inspection costs for the US as compared with overseas?
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.