Typically, UL and FM both have an international reputation for testing; however, their backgrounds are what makes them so different. FM provides insurances while UL is focusing mainly on product testing. FM excels in the firefighting field; UL has set foot in consumer electronics in addition to firefighting equipment.
Many folks often recognize the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) Listing and FM (Factory Mutual) Approvals marks, but few understand what each of these marks means. Factory Mutual (FM) Global is similar to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in that they both are focused on safety.
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- Manufacturer Request.
- Proposal Issue and Manufacturer Authorization.
- Review, Testing and First Audit.
- Report, FM APPROVED Mark and Listing.
- Surveillance Audits.
In short, “UL Listed” tends to be for complete devices which are ready to be purchased and installed wherever they need to be, and is more difficult and expensive to obtain than “UL Recognized.” “UL Recognized” is more for specific subcomponents used to create a product or device, is easier and less expensive to obtain
That's the philosophy behind FM Approvals. This business unit sets standards of excellence and certifies products and services for companies worldwide. When you see a product or service with the FM APPROVED mark, you'll know it meets our high property loss prevention product testing and certification standards.
Put simply, a UL Listing means that the manufacturer can make products that meet UL requirements. This means that you can be sure your fire pump and engine will perform when you or your customer need it most.
insuring factories and factory properties exclusively
Loss Prevention Certification Board
Why UL. More than 90 years ago, we developed the test standards for fire extinguishers that guide the product development process today.
The UL rating is an indicator of product quality and certification of safety. For example, the UL Class 350 1-hour fire rating means that the internal temperature of the safe will not exceed 350°F for at least 1 hour when exposed to external temperatures over 1700°F.
UL-Listed safes can be rated for fire resistance - for example, a one-hour rating means that the safe can withstand 1,300-degree Fahrenheit heat for an hour while still protecting the contents of the safe.
The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) bulletin distributed to its members, was jointly drafted by UL, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and AISC. It Is meant to inform the industry of updates to UL fire-rated designs that specify a "Restricted Load Condition."
Check the Label
- Look for the UL trademark!
- Right under the UL trademark, the word LISTED or CLASSIFIED will appear in all capital letters.
- Under LISTED/CLASSIFIED you will find what the product is.
- Most importantly, under the product identity is the control or issue number.
The rating or classification of a safe indicates the degree of protection that safe will provide its contents in the case attempted burglary or fire. Safes are classified using two different methods: Construction Ratings and Test Performance Ratings.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.
FM Approvals certifies products and services with a unique focus on: Objectively testing property loss prevention products and services and certifying those that meet rigorous loss prevention standards.
The Fire Department Connection, also commonly known as the siamese connection, is an important component found on most sprinkler and standpipe systems. When a fire sprinkler system activates, the FDC provides a means for firefighters to connect hose lines to supplement the fire sprinkler system's domestic water supply.
The National Electrical Code requires that all items installed in a building be tested by an NRTL, generally that means UL listed. This does not apply to your personal use items, but does apply to any fixed appliances or electrical equipment that is installed within your home or commercial facility.
How much does it cost to get a product UL certified? The fee, paid to UL, is often in the range between US$5,000 to 15,000.
The letters CE means that the product meets the European Union's safety standards and other requirements for sale. UL means the product meets the standards of Underwriters Laboratories, a private safety testing organization, and FCC means the product meets the standards of the Federal Communications Commission.
UL or ETL listing is almost always required by commercial building code. In an electrical product, like a lighting fixture, UL and ETL would specifically test to make sure it won't end up malfunctioning and causing a fire, or some other safety hazard.
The US system does not use CE marking or any other (general) conformity marking. In the US product requirements are based on national laws as enacted by the Congress. Standards are on a voluntary base in the EU as a rule, but can be mandatory in the US.
How to Get UL Certification
- Visit the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
- Submit a sample of the product to be tested to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
- Upon receipt of the product sample, UL begins evaluating the product for safety based on a battery of testing designed to test and ensure that the product fulfills OSHA and ANSI standards.
There are no laws specifying that a UL Mark must be used.However, in the United States there are many municipalities that have laws, codes or regulations which require a product to be tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory before it can be sold in their area.
In the United States, the UL mark signifies that a product or material has met specific UL safety standards as verified by third-party testing. Unlike the UL Listing in the U.S., the CE Mark is not optional in Europe—it's legally required for products used in construction.
