UL Listing Process

UL is a company that provides independent safety assessments and approval for thousands of products in many different fields. Different products go through different processes, but passing and becoming listed is based upon achieving stringent inspection and safety standards.

The first step

First, a company must prove it is capable of safely and correctly producing and installing their product. Using a fire alarm manufacturing company as an example, the company must first contact their local UL office and speak with a representative there to determine if they are ready for a certification and listing.

Paperwork and forms

There is a fair amount of initial paperwork to complete. Using the fire alarm company example, an application for listing form is first completed. Once it is turned in and completed, a UL auditor contacts the company. In this case, the auditor requires completion of a "preliminary alarm systems evaluation form." This form provides more detailed information about the system.

Audit

An auditor then visits the fire alarm company and observes tests performed on several fire alarm systems. The auditor then completes their own evaluation that includes areas that "passed" inspection and areas that need corrective action. Once the auditor's form is approved, UL allows the company to issue certificates under the company's specific category.

The law

UL investigates to see if the company is meeting all federal and local standards. With many products, local authorities have jurisdiction as to whether or not a product is meeting the standards even if they are UL certified.

UL works with companies to determine if certification is possible. The process for certification is intense and strict but quite beneficial to the company.