What is UL listed lights, And Why You Need It?

Lighting is one of the most important factors in making a space appealing. Yet, lighting should also adhere to stringent safety measures.

UL lighting certifications are vital both in residential and industrial environments. They ensure certain safety standards for lighting products. Want to learn more about what UL is and why wholesalers and professionals should care? 

What Does “UL Listed” Mean?

The term UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, a third-party organization. By testing different types of products, they ensure safety and sustainability standards.

UL-listed products undergo rigorous testing against electrical shock and fire hazards. Any light or product approved by UL can fall under one of the following categories.

• UL listed
• UL recognized 
• UL certified
• UL classified 

In short, if you see the UL-marked seal on any product, it means the product meets UL’s high safety standards. Furthermore, that product will be free from any risk of fire or danger. The table below covers some common products that can have the UL listing mark.

Why Is UL-Listed Lighting Important for Wholesale Projects?

UL-rated lighting is critical in supplying wholesale ventures. It avoids electrical hazards, minimizes fire risks, and guarantees the product’s dependability. Further, it guarantees the correct color temperature and high color rendering index.

Certified equipment prevents mishaps at the office and home, says the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

By increasing trust among customers, it enhances acceptance rates in commercial installations. Eventually, in the buyer’s place, we would also prefer certified products. Some more key points to understand the importance of UL-listed lighting are:

• Market recognition: UL is a widely trusted certification across the U.S., similar to DLC lighting certification. And it is recognized by both consumers and contractors for high-quality products.

• Insurance coverage: UL-listed products, in most cases, are ideal for meeting insurance policy requirements. Because many insurers prefer certified electrical components to reduce risk.

• Cost-effective: Despite a higher front cost, UL-listed lighting can be cost-effective in the long run for wholesalers. It is due to fewer warranty claims and reduced product failures.

• Building codes: Different building codes require lighting fixtures to meet specific safety standards related to electrical safety, which UL certification guarantees. 

UL Listing vs. Other Certifications (ETL, CSA, CE)

Apart from UL, there are other certifications like ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards Association), and CE (Conformité Européenne). These certifications are used to verify that products follow established safety requirements.

Here is the comparison table between UL, ETL, CSA, and CE.

All certifications are recognized as NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories). Yet, UL is considered the U.S. gold standard due to its high reputation and widespread credibility.

The UL Listing Process for Lighting Manufacturers

The UL listing process is a significant way for lighting manufacturers to certify their products as safe for the U.S. and other nations. The International Electrotechnical Commission provides global standards for functional safety that complement regional certifications.

Underwater Laboratories (UL) is an internationally recognized certification process. And it tests products for arduous standards. The UL listing process for lighting manufacturers is below:

1. Product Design and Documentation

To gain a successful UL certification, you should begin by designing your lighting product according to the relevant UL standard. Ensure you apply UL-recognized components in your original design. Consider the same approach when selecting the right angle for the light beam.

Give UL engineers all information about your product, including documentation. Different types of lighting, like retail store lighting, restaurant lighting, or workplace lighting, have UL standards.

2. Submit Samples  

Submit your product samples and technical documentation to UL. They test products against specific safety standards.  

3. UL lab testing

In UL lab testing, your product is carefully checked for safety, as well as for electrical, mechanical, and thermal tests.

4. Factory inspection

UL may visit your factory to verify the quality control process of manufacturing. This step will also ensure that only UL-recognized components are being used.

5. Certification and labeling

Last, but not least, your product will receive the UL mark if it meets all requirements. Following this, labeling the product with the UL mark will be mandatory for sale. The UL listing process for your lighting manufacturers will not end here.

Even after approval, UL keeps checking to ensure UL-certified products still meet safety rules. These inspections can range from product testing to unexpected factory audits.

UL Listed vs. UL Recognized vs. UL Classified

UL listed, UL recognized, and UL classified are three categories that Underwriters Laboratories uses to rate products. 

• UL Listed: This term is used for complete products. When a product goes through electrical, thermal, and mechanical tests, it is UL-listed. UL-listed products have specific safety and sustainability requirements.

• UL Recognized: The “UL recognized” is used for components only. These parts are approved for use in UL-listed products after testing for mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.

• UL Classified: A product will be marked as UL classified if it meets specific safety criteria. This classification applies to particular hazards, regulatory codes, or performance under specified conditions.

In addition, the term “UL Rated” is not an official term; it is not recognized by Underwriters Laboratories, and it can confuse users. Be sure to use the correct UL categories. Listed, Recognized, and Classified.

Is UL Listing Required by Law?

UL certification is optional, so manufacturers don’t have to get it by law. While not for personal items, it’s very important for the safety of electrical equipment in your home.

UL certifications are not necessarily required for all products within the United States. However, it commonly requires the use of local codes, insurance policies, and public contracts.

UL certification is also important for stores that sell products. Products like electrical devices or those with lithium-ion batteries. It shields the retailer against liability for the product that causes harm.

According to Energy Star, certified lighting products must meet both safety and energy efficiency standards. Products that are used in the workplace require testing by an NRTL or UL certification.

Here are the products that need to be UL certified.

• Electric appliances (heaters, fans, cooking appliances, animal care appliances)
• Lawn mowers
• Leaf blowers
• Electronics (television, smartphones, tablets, speakers).

Besides home applications, there are areas such as airport runway lights or explosion-proof lights for paint booths. These places require special and stringent certification requirements.

UL certification may not be legally required. But using non-certified products may expose businesses to legal risks or project rejection. Many large companies focus on buying products that have passed UL’s safety test. Also, it will be easy for customers to trust the product if it’s UL certified.

How to Identify Genuine UL Listed Light Fixtures

It is essential to know actual UL-listed light fixtures so that one can buy a secure and dependable product.

Check out the following details to recognize a real UL mark. 

• In a genuine UL-listed light, you will see a UL logo in a circle. The UL symbol should be clean with proper spacing. 
• The word “Listed” can be shown below the logo.
•  A four-digit number on a logo is also key to identifying the product certification with UL.
• The logo printing will be high quality, not faded or smudged.

With this, you can easily recognize real UL-listed light fixtures. However, you should also know how to point out fake UL mark traits. Different lighting products will display UL marks differently. This includes recessed lighting, track lighting, or high bay lighting.

The tips below will help you spot misleading labels.

• There will be spelling errors 
• Stretched or blurry logos
• Incorrect font and logo shape
• Last but not least, a “UL Rated” term instead of UL marked or UL recognized

Be sure to purchase light fixtures from trusted wholesalers or brands to get a genuinely UL-certified product. Also, avoid buying low-priced items from unknown sellers, as these often signal counterfeit products.

Benefits of UL Listed Lights for Wholesale Projects

There are several benefits of UL-listed lights for wholesale projects. Such as faster project approvals, lower liability risks, boosted buyer confidence, and higher resale or property value.

• Faster project approvals: If the lights have a UL-listed seal, obtaining project approvals will be easier and faster. UL certification also helps streamline approvals with code officials and building officials. And it is especially important for specialized installations like warehouse lighting or classroom lighting.

• Lower liability risks: Using UL-listed lights can minimize the risk of safety hazards and electrical failures. It will also help avoid insurance denials or costly lawsuits.

• Boosted buyer confidence: When buyers hear that the product is UL marked, they feel confident knowing it has passed all safety testing. This builds trust regarding products among buyers.

• Higher resale or property value: A project that features UL-certified products will always appeal to future investors and buyers. Additionally, the UL certification will also be beneficial for improving your property value.

UL Standards: How They Are Created and Applied

UL standards are created through a collaborative process. It involves expert stakeholders from the lighting industry and government, as well as UL’s standards and engagement team.

Due to this collaborative work, the standards of UL are comprehensive and aligned with evolving performance and safety.

If we talk about UL’s standards categories, there is a wide range that includes

• Lightings
• Electronic devices
• Wiring
• Industrial equipment
• Household appliances

One example of a UL standard is UL 1598, which is generally used for safety requirements for luminaires. It covers aspects like fire hazards, mechanical integrity, and electrical safety.

UL Listing Costs and Timeline

The UL listing costs may vary between $5000 and $50000, depending on the product type, industry, and the scale of certification. The certification fees include a product test fee, a UL marking fee, a follow-up service fee, and miscellaneous fees.

It may take four to sixteen weeks to get UL certification for the product, subject to its complexity. During this process, they check if your documents are complete and if you need to redesign or retest anything.

Manufacturers and wholesalers should budget and plan for UL certification. UL certification expenses should also be considered. You must also consider energy efficiency and IP rating requirements when making new products.

It consists of several important areas, such as inventory management, demand understanding, and resource optimization. For the manufacturer, it will be important not to forget about production planning also.

While wholesalers need to be conscious of sales strategies and inventory management.

Conclusion

UL-listed lighting products are the gold standard for safety, compliance, and market trust. There couldn’t be a better choice for wholesalers than using UL-listed products. It will protect their clients, boost product reputation, and reduce project risks.

By prioritizing UL certification, you show your commitment to quality and reliability. Also, building trustworthy relations and long-term success in the market.

Ready to Prioritize Safety and Trust in Your Lighting Products?

Investing in Risuncorp’s UL-listed lighting is a wise investment for wholesalers and manufacturers. Make sure that your products pass high safety standards, protect your clients, and create a competitive edge in the market.

If you want to enjoy faster approvals and reduced liability risks. Then you must start integrating Risuncorp’s UL-listed lighting into your wholesale projects.

FAQs

Q1: What’s the difference between UL Listed and UL Recognized?

UL Listed applies to complete products that are tested and certified, such as circuit breakers, appliances, etc.

UL Recognized applies to components that can be used inside a product, including the wiring harness and LED drivers. 

Q2: Can I sell lights in the U.S. without UL certification?

You can sell lighting products without UL certification across the U.S. However, many resellers and project specs might reject uncertified products.

Q3: Is UL certification accepted internationally?

UL is mainly U.S.-focused, as it is widely recognized in the United States but is often accepted in OEM exports and multinational deals.

Q4: Are UL-listed lights more expensive?

UL-certified lights are slightly more expensive than uncertified lights. But they reduce liability, ensure compliance, and boost buyer confidence.

Q5: Does UL only certify lighting products?

Along with lighting, there is a wide range of products that UL certifies. It includes electronics, cables, batteries, and safety gear.