How does a product's UL listing benefit that product's manufacturer?
How does a product's UL listing benefit that product's manufacturer?
(OP)
I am a UL-1598 design engineer for a small OEM lighting fixture company in the USA. I am having a hard time convincing my (somewhat short-sighted) superiors of the importance of proper UL compliance. Please, help me make my case with them:
How does proper UL listing for our products benefit us, the manufacturer?
I know UL is *only* a private inspection outfit, and they have no official authority concerning US laws and lawsuits. But in a more general sense, is the manufacturer's liability limited with a UL listed product, in the unfortunate event of a catastrophic failure (fire, etc...)? Does the UL listing act as a type of insurance policy - not only for the consumer, but for the manufacturer as well? Are there other such tangible benefits? I'm just looking for ways to convince others in my company that the little nit-picky minutiae of UL standards that I concern myself with are worth worrying about.
Thanks for any help or insights (or just sympathy!) that anyone can provide...
How does proper UL listing for our products benefit us, the manufacturer?
I know UL is *only* a private inspection outfit, and they have no official authority concerning US laws and lawsuits. But in a more general sense, is the manufacturer's liability limited with a UL listed product, in the unfortunate event of a catastrophic failure (fire, etc...)? Does the UL listing act as a type of insurance policy - not only for the consumer, but for the manufacturer as well? Are there other such tangible benefits? I'm just looking for ways to convince others in my company that the little nit-picky minutiae of UL standards that I concern myself with are worth worrying about.
Thanks for any help or insights (or just sympathy!) that anyone can provide...





RE: How does a product's UL listing benefit that product's manufacturer?
I recently installed machine tool equipment in large USA aircraft manufacturer. There were issues with the OSHA guys and Union bosses because our equipment is Swiss not USA so as to require all equipment be UL approved. Fortunately the plant bosses knew of this and arranged for on-site inspection to meet UL codes.
Sell them as the outside inspectors will make everyone clean up work areas 1x 2x 4x per year, not that you get 1000x more customers
RE: How does a product's UL listing benefit that product's manufacturer?
Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. And scratch where it itches.
RE: How does a product's UL listing benefit that product's manufacturer?
RE: How does a product's UL listing benefit that product's manufacturer?
Yes UL is overpriced with extensive lead times but there are other test houses who can give you the UL mark (CSA can even do it). UL just has to review their test report.
RE: How does a product's UL listing benefit that product's manufacturer?
I can't imagine trying to market a luminaire in the US that was not UL-labeled. Seems like a complete non-starter to me.