Is UL approval needed to sell in the United States?

[mitchAclark]

I am working on a charger power supply for a low voltage application. Without a complete redesign it will not be made completely of UL approved parts. We will probably only make and sell 500 to 1000 total. So my question is this, Is UL approval needed to sell a product or not?

~ Mitch


"People hardly ever make use of the freedom which they have, for example, freedom of thought" Kierkegaard

 

[dpc]

I doubt that UL-labeling is required to sell a product. However, in most parts of the US, it would be a building code violation to INSTALL a fixed device such as a charger that did not have a UL label, if similar devices with UL labels were available.

If it is portable equipment, I don't think UL label is required, although many retailers would not sell it without a label.

You probably are required to have FCC approval if your product produces any RF.

 

[buzzp]

UL approval is strictly optional but may be mandatory as required by the local inspector. The better statement would be that UL approval opens up more marketing opportunities. Some companies may require it others wont.

So to answer your question, it is not a requirement, legally. The inspector would likely not approve of the installation without some UL approval.

As far as components not being UL listed, no big deal. The whole desing must be tested as a complete product anyway for UL approval. Some UL recognized parts may reduce your UL bill but is definately not a requirement.

 

[ccaserta]

I agree with buzzp, he's stated it perfectly.

Keep in mind UL is an NRTL, there are several NRTLs in the US. Go to OSHA web site and search NRTL and optional companies will be listed (if your having a problem with UL).

Christopher Caserta
ccaserta@us.tuv.com
Ph:904-225-0360

 

[peebee]

Yup. NEC leaves it up to the AHJ to determine the suitability of an installation. Listing or labelling is really only there to assist the AHJ in making this determination.

Keep in mind that lots of design engineers like me want to see the listing, though. And lots of insurance companies too.

You'll greatly increase your potential market if you get the labelling, though.