Working with UL for Product Certification - Electronic component

[qualitygoddess]

Just starting to research the recognized component mark from UL. The company I am with wants to obtain this for a electronic component. Anyone have any words of wisdom for dealing with UL??

--Jodi

[ralphsulser]

I worked with UL several years ago regarding UL labeling of rubber and plastics products and never had a problem with them. Just make sure you are d oing the right things

[Al Rosen]

Originally Posted by qualitygoddess

Just starting to research the recognized component mark from UL. The company I am with wants to obtain this for a electronic component. Anyone have any words of wisdom for dealing with UL??

--Jodi

I've worked for UL and I now use ETL (Intertek) for safety testing. I believe UL will give you a more detailed report and include the raw data. I would look at both for your requirements since either one can issue a mark that is recognized in the US, Canada and around the world. Also look at CSA. They may differ in delivery time and cost.

[Hershal]

One thing to keep in mind when dealing with any of the product certifiers (UL, CSA, Intertek, ARL, etc.) is to clearly define the requirements including the markets and by extension the likely customer base, and the projected use of the component and in what environment(s).

Each of these organizations has many test standards available and which ones will be used depend on the client giving good information. Each of these organizations does a good contract review, but still depend on the client.

I can assure you that each of the organizations named in this thread so far are good and are reliable. Each carry mutiple acreditations (including IAS).

Hershal

[mitsu11]

My suggestion for dealing with UL is to get well acquainted with the product standard before you even call them. Most of the time, you can walk in and tell them what you feel is needed for testing, and save a bunch of time and headaches. Also by doing this, you (should) have done your pre-testing to ensure the product will pass their test.
Your engineer will become your best friend for a while, so make sure there is a good rapport. After the project is done, the engineer will step out, and the follow-up services inspector will step in. This is also a very key relationship to maintain.

There are some different rules between UL listed and UL recognized, too, so do your homework there. In general, get to know the organization as a whole, perhaps even volunteering for the Standards Technical Panel (STP) for the standard you will be using.