How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
(OP)
My employer is interested in finding out how to get a component listed as UL & CSA 508 compliant. We are not familiar in any capacity with the requirements or process to achieve this type certification. We have some opportunities in the motor drive market but don't know what kind of issues will arise.
From your experiences what are the most important factors to determine if a custom product (a transformer or inductor specifically) is going to meet the requirements?
We have no history with the UL. If any of your experiences such as investment (time and money), use of consultants, or any other unexpected issues are worth mentioning it would be most appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your responses.
From your experiences what are the most important factors to determine if a custom product (a transformer or inductor specifically) is going to meet the requirements?
We have no history with the UL. If any of your experiences such as investment (time and money), use of consultants, or any other unexpected issues are worth mentioning it would be most appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your responses.





RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
Other observations:
Thermal testing takes the longest.
Short Circuit testing costs the most (but it's fun to witness!)
Documentation is the most frustrating / boring / daunting. DO NOT change any component in the middle of the project no matter how insignificant you may think it is. It resets the process every time.
And my final nugget:
Evaluation time tends to be inversely proportional to the size of the wheel barrow carrying $100 bills that you show up with at their door...
"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
Better yet - just buy a UL approved plug...
This happens more than you think..
RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
I've done transformers (recently) of the quite-small control type (100 VA, class 2, 120:24).
If you pay the necessary fees to become a UL client, you get access to nearly all the standards. For a first-timer, purchasing the necessary standards might cost quite a bit!
Good on ya and good luck!
Goober Dave
RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
The product of interest is for a 600V class, 100-300 kVA 3-phase inductor family.
I don't think we will be using any plugs, but that reminds me that all components within our assembly should be UL listed
@ jraef
Does all testing typically take place at a UL facility?
@DRWeig
What exactly does it mean to become a UL client? We usually purchase our documents through the IHS service. I wonder if there will be much savings becoming a client...
Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Regards,
Jim
RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
You'll need to ask a UL rep -- we've been a subscriber so long that I don't remember all the requirements. Basically, though, as a subscriber, nearly all UL standards are free (for subscriber use only!).
Assuming you're in the US, give 'em a shout at cec##us.ul.com or industrialquote##us.ul.com. (replace the ## with @ of course).
Getting a product through the UL mill is a challenge, but I've found their support staff and quoting staff to be quite helpful.
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
I believe you simply have to become a UL customer with a UL file to get access.
I'd expect a product line of say 8 or 10 low voltage items such as that to cost about $100k to get UL listed. However, reactors may not need fault current testing and that should cut about $40k off the price.
RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
The American Association of Lab. Accreditation certifies 3rd party labs and you can sort their membership list by activities. Here's one I did on "short circuit".
By the way... MiketheEngineer was being facetious, probably in reference to how some @#!^&$& manufacturers of knock-off junk are surreptitiously ending up with UL labels on untested products by just getting a UL listed power cord.
Lionel,
I would think that now with the requirements for SCCR ratings on all power devices, short circuit testing is going to be a must. Are reactors somehow exempt?
"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
RE: How difficult is it to get a component UL listed?
Neil