UL Certification: Accessing the American Market for Electrical Components and Industrial Machinery

In the markets of North America, Central America, and some South American countries, UL certification is an essential requirement for manufacturers of electrical components, control panels (industrial control panels), and industrial machinery. Compliance with this standard is necessary to ensure legal conformity and enhance trust in your products.

In this sense, UL self-certification allows manufacturers and panel builders to streamline this process and quickly adapt to the requirements of this market.

In this article, we explore what UL certification is, the main types of markings available, and how TMI addresses these requirements to ensure products comply with the specific regulations of each market.

What is UL, and why is it crucial for the North American market?

UL, or Underwriters Laboratories, is an independent organization dedicated to establishing safety and quality standards for a wide range of products.

Its relevance lies in the need for markets in the USA, Canada, and other American countries to ensure that electrical equipment and machinery meet specific quality and safety requirements, such as those stipulated in the NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code or NEC).

Illustration 1: Global Market (Source: ul.com)

Types of UL Certification

From an industrial perspective, UL certification ensures that components or equipment carry specific markings that certify compliance with these standards.

The main certifications in this regard include:

1. Certification of electrical components.
2. Certification of electrical control panels.
3. Certification of industrial machinery.

Depending on the product's characteristics, these markings can be classified as follows:

• "Listed" (Listed): Indicates that the product complies with all relevant UL standards and is registered in UL's official database, available for public consultation.
• "Classified" (Classified): The product has been evaluated for specific properties, limited risks, or particular conditions of use.
• "Recognized" (Recognized): Applies to components designed to be part of a final product and not for independent use.

Additionally, UL markings may specify whether the product complies with applicable regulations in the USA, Canada, Europe, or other markets.

Illustration 2: UL Markings, some common examples
(Source: ul.com)

Illustration 3: Examples of UL markings for electrical panels

Standards, Regulations, and Codes for UL Certification

While there is a global trend toward harmonizing regulations across countries and continents, significant differences still exist. For example, in the case of industrial control panels and machinery, the American market requires consideration of the following standards:

• UL 508A: Electrical Control Panel Certification. This standard regulates the design and construction of industrial control panels used in applications like HVAC systems, manufacturing machinery, and industrial plants. Key requirements include proper component sizing, appropriate wiring, and compliance with NFPA 70 (NEC).
• UL 2011: Industrial Machinery Certification. Designed to ensure that machines comply with safety standards in industrial environments, based on NFPA 79 guidelines. It can be considered equivalent to the Machinery Directive in Europe. Requirements include integrating safety systems, protection against electrical overloads, and operational risk control.
• NFPA 70 (NEC): National Electrical Code. The NEC establishes standards for the safe installation of electrical equipment in the USA, covering system design, installation, and review. It is equivalent to the Low Voltage Regulation in Spain. UL certification ensures compliance with the NEC, making products acceptable during inspections.
• NFPA 79: Electrical Safety Standard for Industrial Machinery. Focuses on protecting operators and equipment from electrical and fire hazards.
• ANSI (American National Standards Institute). Similar to AENOR in Spain, it develops standards for products, services, and processes.
• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). A governmental agency regulating workplace safety and health.

How TMI Addresses UL Certification

At TMI, we work to ensure that our projects meet the specific requirements of the Canadian and U.S. markets. Our approach includes:

1. Self-certification of electrical control panels: We have personnel accredited as Manufacturer Technical Representatives (MTR), ensuring that our technicians possess the necessary knowledge to apply the UL 508A standard. This accreditation is personal, non-transferable, and must be renewed every three years.
2. Use of certified components: In our projects, we use electrical components with UL markings, ensuring their compatibility with local regulations.
3. Customer support for machinery certification: We provide all necessary technical documentation for our clients to certify machinery at their facilities.

Through these practices, we help our clients comply with the strictest regulations and access North American markets with complete confidence.

Illustration 2: Installation Diagram vs. Standard and/or Code(Source: ul.com)

Benefits of UL Certification

UL certification offers key advantages in our projects:

• Cost reduction: By avoiding recurring external certifications, significant costs are saved during the process.
• Speed: Products reach our customers faster by eliminating dependency on third parties.
• Total control: As manufacturers, we have control over testing and documentation, ensuring that products meet clients' specific requirements.
• Flexibility: Facilitates adaptation to changing requirements in the USA and Canadian markets, such as updates to the NFPA 70 (NEC).

UL Certification for the American Market by TMI

UL certification is both a technical requirement and a strategic tool for accessing regulated markets, ensuring safe and high-quality products.

At TMI, we combine technical expertise and regulatory knowledge to simplify this process for our clients, ensuring their products meet the stringent standards required in the USA, Canada, and other applicable regions while reducing costs and timeframes.

If you need advice or support for this process, our team is ready to help you comply with the market's most demanding standards. Contact us for more information.