Underwriters Laboratories UL is in English (Underwriter Laboratories Inc.) Shorthand. UL safety test by the most authoritative in the United States, but also engage in community safety testing and identification of large private institutions. It is an independent, non-profit, do testing for public safety professional organizations. It uses scientific methods to study the test identified a variety of materials, devices, products, equipment, and construction on the life, property damage and whether the degree of harm; determined, prepared, issued the appropriate standards and help reduce and prevent the cause of life property loss of data, conduct research business facts. In short, it is mainly engaged in product safety certification and operational safety certification services, the ultimate goal is to get to market goods with a considerable level of safety for human health and property is guaranteed to contribute. On product safety certification as to eliminate technical barriers to international trade in terms of effective means, UL to promote the development of international trade also played an active role.
    UL was founded in 1894, the initial phase of the Lord in the UL fire insurance sector by providing funds to maintain movement, until 1916, UL was completely self-sustaining. After nearly a hundred years of development, UL has become a world-known certification body has its own set of strict management system of organizations, standards development and product certification procedures. UL by a security expert, government officials, consumers, education, utilities, insurance and standards of the Council composed of representatives of departments to manage the daily work of the president, vice president of treatment. Currently, UL has five laboratories in the United States, headquartered in Chicago, the town north of Northbrook, were also set up in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the corresponding laboratory.

UL certification tracking test

UL certification as an integral part of, in order to ensure the UL listing, UL approved products continue to meet the standards and requirements, UL developed a "test track" system. "Track Test" is sent by the distribution of UL's field representatives around the world to the local plant site to track the products on the UL test. Its purpose is to plant through the production process, inspection process and product control and tracking of UL standard test conditions for verification, to ensure the manufacturer's production process, inspection process and the products always meet the UL requirements.
The basis for tracking test
To ensure the UL's "tracking test" system implementation, UL and between manufacturers have signed a "track inspection agreement", according to "track inspection agreement" provides on-site representatives will periodically without prior notice to inspect factories , shall not be unreasonably withheld on-site representative of the factory inspection.
On-site representatives to the factory, based mainly on "Tracking Test Rules" for testing. "Tracking Test Rules" by UL engineering department, in the submission of test samples prepared, the document includes a comprehensive description of the product, but also including photos] manual. It also provides manufacturing facility during production often have to do various tests, some test requirements for 100% of the products, such as the pressure test. Some of the test sample can be carried out at the same time, also provides on-site inspections on behalf of the factory floor to sample the pilot project. Field Representative on the basis of these tests provides detailed information and test results to determine eligibility.
Tracking test product categories
UL Class tracking test is divided into R and L classes. L type of services used and safety-related products, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire doors and a large number of output products, such as electrical equipment, wires and circuit breakers. Categories of products belonging to L, the production plant must be ordered directly to the UL label affixed to the product. R class of service is mainly used for electrical equipment, such as electric fans, TV, hair dryer, oven and other commonly used to produce the corresponding line of products.

UL certified factory inspection

    UL certified products shipped in the first before the UL authorization to go through the local provincial provincial China Import and Export Commodity Inspection Bureau (CCIB) sent to the factory inspection. Follow-up examination every year.

UL certification test details

UL inspector essentially mechanical inspection work. According to different product, based on the inspection inspectors have announced (Bulletin), Rule (Procedure), FUII (if any, contained in the Conditions), and UL standards (if FUII in requirements).
If inspectors visit the factory, the factory is producing UL products, or inventory of UL products, the examiner will use one of the following sample:
1. Taken from the production line with various components extracted from the warehouse a complete product.
2. Extracted from various parts of the warehouse with a complete production line products.
3. Extracted from the full product for warehouse break.
Determined by the specific number of sample rules, FUII (tracking test instructions), SAP (Standard attachment) or from the direct command UL lab. Examiner for each test does not necessarily test all products, but they will try in a year or at least two years testing all the product categories or types.
In general, UL requirements for factory production system is not very high, requiring only an annual measurement instruments and equipment, keep it plants its own inspection records, as well as unqualified have some means of control can be.
Test, on-site representatives (UL inspector) will focus primarily on the product itself, they will be the basis of the above test products one by one checking the structure, components and assembly. The components related to product safety, the general rule will be specified in the requirements for UL certified products, and will specify the manufacturer and model; the shell, shields and other injection molded parts, general rules will specify their requirements of raw materials and dimensions. Field representatives will check the above and the rules set forth in the UL mark.
In addition, if the rules or standards or requirements FUII field of product testing, on-site representatives will request the factory inspector to do the appropriate tests, and field representatives at the next witness. If the rules are also required to send samples to UL for track testing, factory inspectors should be made with the corresponding samples, sample label written by the inspector, provide address and sealed and then sent to the corresponding UL by the plant laboratory.
If the factory produces the products fully comply with relevant UL test standards, and no other violation tracking service agreement where inspectors will issue a tracking survey report (Inspection Report); factory representatives to confirm the accuracy of their content should be on the report after signature; a test is completed. If the inspection process appears inconsistent with the test case, the examiner will issue a change notice (Variation Notice), and take corresponding measures according to specific circumstances.
The UL mark is not authorized product, inspectors will be asked to remove the UL mark; the product does not meet UL requirements, the factory inspector will remove the UL mark required or rework to conform to requirements; if the plant does not agree to the above address comments, you can retain the UL mark, but must stop shipping inspector will inform the relevant laboratories, to decide whether to respond by the UL UL mark can be retained; if only some small problems do not affect the safety of the product nature of an interim examiner will accept the decision and report to the appropriate laboratory; if the standard errors are obvious, such as typing mistakes or flat wrong, then the plant does not affect the eligibility of the product, but as a document UL processing, inspectors will issue a notice of change. Under normal circumstances, unless it is UL's responsibility, the inspector will ask the factory does not meet the laboratory to the corresponding explanation, UL will be made according to your interpretation of the corresponding answer.
Of course, the examiner is only temporary judge, the final decision of course, the various laboratories in the UL. If the plant on the practice tests are not agree, can appropriate laboratory to reflect, at this time, inspectors are obliged to provide the appropriate contacts and contact. Changes in the confirmation notice of the recorded content is correct, the factory representative shall sign the notice.

UL Certification Services

UL product certification, testing the types of services can be divided into column names, recognition and classification.
1) listing (LISTED): Generally speaking, the listing only applies to complete products, and qualified personnel in the field replacement or installation of a variety of devices and equipment, are UL listing services for a variety of products including: home appliances , medical equipment, computers, business equipment, and role in building various types of electrical products, such as the distribution system, fuses, wires, switches and other electrical components and so on. The UL listing of products, usually marked on each product's listing on the UL mark. Logo usage listing.
2) recognized (Recognized): UL approved service is a service project, the identification of the product only in the UL listing, classification, or other approved products as components, raw materials use. Approved products in the structure is not complete, or uses certain restrictions to ensure the desired security. In most cases, approval of products tracking services are R classes. L class of the listed products are electronic line (AVLV2), processing wire (ZKLU2), Harness (ZPFW2), aluminum (DVVR2), and metal flexible tube (DXUZ2). Approved product requirements with the approval mark.
3) classification (Classification): differentiated services only to specific product hazards evaluation, or implementation of the UL standard than other standards (including the internationally recognized standards such as IEC and ISO standards, etc.) to evaluate the product. Generally speaking, most consumer grade products are not products, but industrial or commercial use of the product. UL mark in the classification symbol that the product identified in the Economic and UL have a certain range of restrictions and regulations. For example, solvents used in industry such as chemicals, only to reach its ignition temperature of the fire that may occur when the scope of evaluation. Classification of certain products and services, listing services, the same, but generally only one aspect of the product or the evaluation of several aspects, such as in the United States, medical X-ray diagnostic apparatus such equipment to the country to comply with U.S. law and the radiation emission and beam accuracy requirements, but because only the X-ray as a UL rating products, they only evaluate its mechanical properties, electrical properties and other non-radiation in these areas.
4) multiple listing, multiple authorized or multiple classification services: When an applicant has obtained the UL listing, approval or grading service, its products to another company's name to the production to meet the needs of sales, may apply for multiple listing, multiple services authorized or multiple classification, in which case, get out in the name of the manufacturer of approval or grading is allowed to use the product name list to another company's name, but the products are company code , product code or UL company acceptable to other features, it must be the original column names, product approval or grade production line.
5) "AL" listing, approval or grading services: If UL applicants do not want to get out in the name of your company name, approval or grading service, he can apply with another firm (usually a retailer or wholesaler) in the name of the listing, approval or classification, that is called "AL" listing, approval or grading service. With the multiple listing, multiple or multi-grade services recognized the difference between the applicant is not listed in its celebrities.
6) System Certification Services: As a member of the International Accreditation Board, UL extensively involved in ISO9000 quality system certification, ISO14000 environmental certification, QS9000 quality system certification and the automotive industry aircraft industry AS9000 quality system certification services. So far, a total of 116 factories in China to obtain UL certification system; of which 21 for the ISO9001 certification, 85 for the ISO9002 certification, a certification to ISO14001, QS9000 certification for the 9.
7) UL Other services: such as the certification service, inspection service, the facts to judge services, research services. No description here.

UL Certification Process

Products for UL mark consists of five steps:

1. The applicant to submit the company and product data

Written application: You should be writing to the UL to your company's products for testing.

Company information: in English and the following detailed and accurate unit name, address, contact person, postal code, telephone and fax.

    (A). Applicant: make product testing applications and is responsible for all engineering services company

    (B). Listing the company: the company published in the UL product directory lists the names of various companies

    (C). Production plants: the product manufacturer and producer.

Product data: product data should be in English. First determine whether your product range of UL testing, UL can be located in Guangzhou and Shanghai, office consultation.

    (A). Product Name: provide the full name products.

    (B). Model: lists all be tested at the product type, variety, or words, etc..

    (C). Products intended use: for example: homes, offices, factories, coal mines, and ships.

    (D). Parts list: detailed composition of the product components and models (CLC), rating, manufacturer's name. For insulating materials, please provide the name of raw materials, such as: GE Polycarbonate, Lexan Type 104. When the parts have been certified or recognized or UL, please prove the specific model components, and indicate the UL file number.

    (E). Electrical properties: the electrical and electronic products. Provide electrical schematic (circuit diagram), the electrical properties of the table.

    (F). Chart: For most products, must provide the product structure diagram or exploded diagram, list of ingredients and so on.

    (G). Products, photos, instructions, safety or other items such as installation instructions.

2. Provided under the decision of product data

    When the data is complete when the product, UL's engineers made the following decisions according to the data: experiments based on UL standards, the test cost, testing time, number of samples, to notify you in writing, and the official application form and the tracking service Agreement sent to you. The application form indicate the cost threshold, is UL test project under the maximum estimated cost of the project, not your written authorization, the fee amount can not be exceeded.

3. Applicant remittances, return the application forms and sample

    The application form and tracking service agreement to sign and send the form back to UL companies, the same time, by bank transfer, at the post office or send samples by courier, please send test samples to the appropriate description (eg name, type). Please separate application form and send the sample. For each applications, UL will assign a unique project number (Project No.) In remittances, send samples and the application forms indicate the project number, applicant name, in order to check on the UL.

4. Product Testing

    Received your signed application form, remittances, after the experimental samples, UL will notify you of the pilot project completed. Product testing laboratories generally carried out in the United States, UL, UL is also the involvement of a third party acceptable to undergo an assessment test data. Experimental samples will be sent your request has or destroyed.

    If the product test results meet the UL standard, UL tested and the company will issue a report and tracking service rules (FollowUp Service Proccdure) test report will detail the test conditions, the sample reached the target, the product structure and appropriate use of the product safety signs and so on. Details in the tracking service includes the product description and instructions on UL regional inspectors. A copy of the inspection report sent to the applicants, a copy of the tracking service details sent to each production plant.

5, the applicant was authorized to use the UL mark

    UL regional inspectors in China for the first time the associated manufacturing plant factory inspection (Initial Production Inspection. IPI), inspectors check their products and their components in the production line and warehouse warehousing situation in order to confirm whether the product structure and components and tracking service rules, and if conditions in the request, the regional inspector will conduct witnessed the experiment, when the test results meet the requirements, the applicant is authorized to use the UL mark.

    Following the IPI, the inspector will check from time to time in the factory, check the product structure and conduct of witness experiments, the frequency of inspections by the product type and production decisions, most types of products inspection at least four times a year, check the inspectors is to to ensure that products continue to be consistent with the UL requirements, you plan to change the product mix or parts before, please notify the UL, the smaller changes for change, need not repeat any experiment, UL can quickly change tracking service rules, so that inspectors can be accepted such a modification. When the UL product changes that affect their safety, the need for companies to re-submit the necessary test samples.

    Tracking services are not included in the testing costs, UL will send you another track inspection services invoice.

    If the product test results can not meet UL standard, UL will notify the applicant, explain the problems, the applicant to improve product design, you can re-produce for examination products, you should tell the UL engineer products to do what improvements over its decision to UL certification for the steps are.

UL certification Glossary

"AL" LISTING (multiple listing or approval)
AGENT (Agent)
APPEALS PROCEDURE (grievance procedures)
APPENDIX (attached)
APPLICANT (Applicant)
AUTHORIZATION PAGE (authorized page)
CATEGORY CONTROL NUMBER (category control number)
COMPONENT (parts)
CONDITION OF ACCEPTABILITY (conditions apply)
CONTROL NUMBER (Control No.)
FACTORY IDENTIFICATION (factory ID)
FACTORY INSPECTION (factory test)
"AL" LISTING, CLASSIFICATION OR RECOGNITION (multiple listing or approval)
And authorized by the applicant to apply to different applicant (listed celebrities) in the other column name or the name of the establishment of accreditation services
AGENT (Agent)
Commissioned by the applicant, the applicant's name and UL in the activities between the individual or business
APPEALS PROCEDURE (grievance procedures)
If the customer engineering test or track the test results have different views, it can be with the relevant engineers or site representatives to discuss without fear of endangering the future conclusions. If this level can not get a satisfactory answer, the customer can appeal to a higher level, until the president.
APPENDIX (attached)
Part of rules, including representatives of the factory and on-site responsibilities and requirements of the relevant test. May also be made to describe the samples sent to UL testing.
APPLICANT (Applicant)
UL apply to its parts, product or system testing companies or individuals. Legally, the parties will be responsible for the cost of testing and tracking service, and the test results and all information relevant to rights holders. See also agent.
AUTHORIZATION PAGE (authorized page)
Archive factory inspection rules in the tracking service front page, to authorize the appropriate track inspection services (L class or R class) and allows the certification mark
CATEGORY CONTROL NUMBER (CCN) (category control number)
UL listing, approval, classified service in different product categories of character representation. If AVLV2 that electronic line; QOWZ said portable lamps. General, XXXX for the column Name Factory, XXXX2 as an approved product, XXXX7 that meet Canadian standards of listing products, XXXX8 that approved products meet Canadian standards.
COMPONENT (parts)
A part of the product, in addition to participating as part of a complete product testing throughout the product, but also need to individually test their performance and / or structure. Parts can be column names, column names or approved parts.
CONDITION OF ACCEPTABILITY (conditions apply)
The projects listed in the approved parts of the report or listing, but not as a representative of the test-site basis. The project is based on test results, indicating the integrity of the parts and products with the restrictions and conditions. For example, a switch in the report, may be "appropriate conditions" specified in the product is only applicable to 1A current or less than the temperature below 125C.
CONTROL NUMBER (Control No.)
UL recognized marking one of four possible elements, designated by the UL. According to different product categories and different types of tracking services, Control Number may periodically change.
FACTORY IDENTIFICATION (factory ID)
Factory by the same product in different manufacturers use to distinguish a particular identification tag in which a product is produced by the factory.
FACTORY INSPECTION (factory test)

UL certification process the information to be submitted

Products for UL mark consists of five steps:

1. The applicant to submit the company and product data

Written application: You should be writing to the UL to your company's products for testing.

Company information: in English and the following detailed and accurate unit name, address, contact person, postal code, telephone and fax.

    (A). Applicant: make product testing applications and is responsible for all engineering services company

    (B). Listing the company: the company published in the UL product directory lists the names of various companies

    (C). Production plants: the product manufacturer and producer.

Product data: product data should be in English. First determine whether your product range of UL testing, UL can be located in Guangzhou and Shanghai, office consultation.

    (A). Product Name: provide the full name products.

    (B). Model: lists all be tested at the product type, variety, or words, etc..

    (C). Products intended use: for example: homes, offices, factories, coal mines, and ships.

    (D). Parts list: detailed composition of the product components and models (CLC), rating, manufacturer's name. For insulating materials, please provide the name of raw materials, such as: GE Polycarbonate, Lexan Type 104. When the parts have been certified or recognized or UL, please prove the specific model components, and indicate the UL file number.

    (E). Electrical properties: the electrical and electronic products. Provide electrical schematic (circuit diagram), the electrical properties of the table.

    (F). Chart: For most products, must provide the product structure diagram or exploded diagram, list of ingredients and so on.

    (G). Products, photos, instructions, safety or other items such as installation instructions.