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What is UL?

UL is the short description of Underwriters Laboratories , who is a testing facility for light fixtures (and other electrical devices) that vouches for the safety of the product. Electricians won’t install non-UL fixtures, and inspectors won’t allow them on jobs. Without a UL label, you have no idea how potentially dangerous a fixture may be. There is a huge liability if the fixture catches fire or electrocutes someone due to a manufacturing defect. It is well worth it to make sure that the light fixtures you sell have a UL listing.

When UL published the first safety standard for LED lighting products and components?

Nov. 30, 2009 —

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a world leader in safety testing and certification services, announced today the publication of ANSI/UL 8750, Safety Standard for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products. The first edition standard creates a global platform of safety requirements for LED lighting equipment as well as the entire supply chain of components used in lighting products employing LED technology.

“UL 8750 provides manufacturers a single, much-needed safety standard for testing their LED products and related components sold in the United States,” said Alberto Uggetti, general manager, UL Lighting Business. “The new standard also gives consumers confidence that LED products bearing the UL Mark have been tested for safety.”

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Standard for Portable Electric Luminaires

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover portable luminaires and subassemblies whose primary function is task or ambient illumination. These products are intended for use in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.

1.2 These requirements cover portable luminaires intended for connection to a nominal 120-volt, 15- or 20-ampere branch circuit, by means of an attachment plug, a mating connector assembly, or a non-integral power supply.

1.2.1 These requirements also cover portable luminaires intended to receive power through a USB connection, or power over ethernet (POE) using category 5 (CAT5) or similar cables and connectors.

1.3 Light emitting diode (LED) components and subassemblies integral to a portable luminaire covered by this standard shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Standard for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products, UL 8750.

1.4 These requirements do not cover portable luminaires within the scope of the following standards:

Standard for Electric Signs, UL 48

Standard for Portable Sun/Heat Lamps, UL 482

Standard for Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Products, UL 588^a

Standard for Luminaires for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations, UL 844

Standard for Household and Commercial Furnishings, UL 962^b

Standard for Electric Aquarium Equipment, UL 1018

Standard for Amateur Movie Lights, UL 1230

Standard for Direct Plug-In Nightlights, UL 1786

^aUL 588 applies to lighting strings whose primary function is to illuminate and draw attention to the string itself, rather than to provide ambient lighting to the area surrounding the string.

^bUL 962 applies to products such as an illuminated makeup mirror or a lava lamp, where the primary function is not task or ambient lighting.

1.5 Work lights and portable hand lights that include primary or secondary battery packs are within the scope of the Standard for Flashlights and Lanterns, UL 1576.

ANSI/CAN/UL Standard for Lightning Protection Components

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover lightning protection components for use in the installation of complete systems of lightning protection on buildings and structures.

1.2 These requirements do not cover the installation of lightning protection components. Products of this type are covered by the Standard for Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection Systems, UL 96A, and the Installation Code for Lightning Protection Systems, CAN/CSA-B72-M87.

1.3 Lightning protection components are divided into three classes, according to their intended application as defined in 5.3 – 5.5.

Standard for Plug-In Locking Type Photocontrols for Use with Area Lighting

1 Scope

1.1 Requirements contained in this Standard cover controls of the light-sensitive or presence-sensitive types, or both; for indoor or outdoor service; intended for the control of indoor or outdoor loads up to a maximum of 20 A and maximum 347 V; intended for installations on 50 Hz or 60 HZ systems or DC up to 60 V (for US); and DC up to 42.4 V (for Canada); and intended to be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70, the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code) Part I, CSA C22.2 No. 0, and NOM 001 SEDE.

1.2 These requirements do not cover controls intended to be used under the following conditions:

a)    Devices that are locking type, used for area or roadway lighting fixtures;

b)    Devices that monitor or control safety critical loads or personal protection circuits;

c)    Devices intended to be installed in areas designated hazardous locations;

d)    Devices intended to be installed for manufacturing process control.

Standard for Luminaires for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover fixed and portable luminaires for installation and use in hazardous (classified) locations, Class I, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups A, B, C, and D; Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, and G; Class II, Division 2, Groups F and G; and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2, in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

1.2 These requirements also cover luminaires for installation and use in Class I, Zones 1 and 2, Groups IIA, IIB, IIB plus Hydrogen, and IIC, and Zone 20, 21 and 22 hazardous (classified) locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

1.3 These requirements cover luminaires for use only under the following atmospheric conditions:

a)    A minimum ambient temperature of minus 25°C (minus 13°F);

b)    An oxygen concentration not greater than 21 percent by volume; and

c)    A nominal barometric pressure of one atmosphere.

Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment

1 Scope

1.1 This Standard applies to emergency lighting and power equipment for use in unclassified locations and intended for connection to branch circuits of 600 volts or less. Such equipment is intended to automatically supply illumination or power or both to critical areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply, in accordance with Article 700 or 701 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, the Fire Code, NFPA 1, the International Building Code, IBC, and the International Fire Code, IFC.

1.2 Examples of equipment described in 1.1 include:

Exit Signs

Emergency Luminaires

Unit Equipment

Central Station Battery Banks

Inverters

Automatic Battery Charging and Control Equipment

Emergency Lighting Control Devices (e.g., Automatic Load Control Relays, Derangement Signals)

1.3 This Standard also applies to auxiliary lighting and power equipment for use in unclassified locations. Auxiliary equipment has not been investigated to determine compliance with the performance requirements of Article 700 or 701 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, or the International Building Code. Such equipment includes luminaires with an integral battery backup power supply, illuminated directional signs, battery assemblies, and related devices.

1.4 This Standard does not include requirements for equipment covered by other Standards, such as:

Luminaires, UL 1598

Uninterruptible Power Systems, UL 1778

Luminous Egress Path Marking Systems, UL 1994

Transfer Switch Equipment, UL 1008

Electric Signs, UL 48

UL Standard for Temporary Lighting Strings

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover temporary lighting strings rated not more than 20 A, 125 V, intended for indoor and outdoor use to provide temporary illumination during the period of construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of buildings or structures, or similar activities, in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), Part I, CSA C22.1, Section 76, and the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70, Article 590.

1.2 These requirements cover temporary lighting strings consisting of a factory assembly of flexible cord, or cable, incorporating at least two non-replaceable light sources or two lampholders provided with lamp guards. The complete assembly is intended for connection to a branch circuit.

UL Standard for Low Voltage Marine Lighting Fixtures

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements apply to incandescent and fluorescent marine lighting fixtures rated 36 volts (nominally) or less using an AC or DC source of power.

1.2 The lighting fixtures covered by these requirements are intended for installation and use in accordance with the applicable requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard, the standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council, Inc., and the Standard for Fire Protection of Pleasure and Commercial Motorcraft, NFPA 302.

1.3 These requirements do not cover marine lighting fixtures for use in hazardous locations as defined in the United States Coast Guard Electrical Engineering Regulations.

1.4 These requirements also do not cover navigation lights, floating water lights, or emergency lights.

1.5 A product that contains features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems new or different from those covered by the requirements in this standard, and that involves a risk of fire or of electric shock or injury to persons shall be evaluated using appropriate additional component and end-product requirements to maintain the level of safety as originally anticipated by the intent of this standard. A product whose features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems conflict with specific requirements or provisions of this standard does not comply with this standard. Revision of requirements shall be proposed and adopted in conformance with the methods employed for development, revision, and implementation of this standard

UL Standard for track lighting systems

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover track lighting systems intended for permanent connection to sources of supply in commercial or residential ordinary locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. The track lighting systems covered by this standard are rated:

a)    300 volts or less;

b)    150 volts or less to ground; and

c)    50 amperes or less.

1.2 Lighting track is intended to be permanently installed and permanently connected to a branch circuit not exceeding 277 volts, nominal to ground, and 50 amperes.

1.3 These requirements cover:

a)    Track networks consisting of track and connectors;

b)    Mono-, duo-, and multi-point canopies;

c)    Incandescent, fluorescent, and high intensity discharge (HID) luminaire assemblies intended to be electrically connected to and physically supported by the track in track networks and canopies;

d)    Mounting means for the track; and

e)    Accessories.

1.4 These requirements do not cover:

a)    Busways intended for lighting, receptacles, or other general-purpose adaptors covered by the Standard for Busways, UL 857, and intended for use in accordance with Article 364 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70; or

b)    Track lighting systems for marine use aboard a ship or boat.

1.5 Track lighting systems are not intended for use:

a)    In wet or damp locations;

b)    In installations where the track is concealed;

c)    In hazardous locations;

d)    Where subject to physical damage;

e)    Where the track is extended through walls or partitions of building structures;

f)    Where subject to corrosive vapors; or

g)    In storage battery rooms.

1.6 A track lighting luminaire assembly that uses a tungsten-halogen lamp, fluorescent lamp, or high-intensity-discharge lamp shall also comply with the applicable requirements from the Standard for Luminaires, UL 1598.

1.7 Light emitting diode (LED) components and subassemblies integral to lighting track or a luminaire assembly covered by this standard shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Standard for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products, UL 8750.

UL Standard for Supplemental Requirements for Luminaires for Installation on Marine Vessels

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements are supplementary to other applicable requirements in the Standard for Luminaires, UL 1598. References to requirements in UL 1598 are in italics for easy identification.

1.1 revised August 22, 20021.2 These requirements apply to luminaires for installation on marine vessels utilizing grounded systems in accordance with the United States Coast Guard Electrical Engineering Regulations 46 CFR, Parts 110 – 113, Subchapter J and, insofar as it applies, the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, and the Recommended Practice for Electrical Installations on Shipboard, IEEE 45.

1.3 These requirements do not apply to marine lighting luminaires for use in hazardous locations, as defined in the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, emergency lighting marine luminaires, or low voltage marine luminaires (less than 50 volts) supplied solely by a battery, transformer, converter, or similar power supply source.

1.4 A product that contains features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems new or different from those covered by the requirements in this standard, and that involves a risk of fire or of electric shock or injury to persons shall be evaluated using appropriate additional component and end-product requirements to maintain the level of safety as originally anticipated by the intent of this standard. A product whose features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems conflict with specific requirements or provisions of this standard does not comply with this standard. Revision of requirements shall be proposed and adopted in conformance with the methods employed for development, revision, and implementation of this standard.

UL Standard for Supplemental Requirements for Luminaire Reflector Kits for Installation on Previously Installed Fluorescent Luminaires

1 Scope

1.1 This Standard applies to reflector kits that consist of one or more components that are intended to be installed in fluorescent luminaires sometime after the initial installation of the luminaire. These requirements are supplementary to the other applicable requirements in the Standard for Luminaires, UL 1598. The components of a reflector kit are reflectors, ballasts, lampholders, wiring, brackets, wire connectors, or similar items. References to requirements in the Standard for Luminaires, UL 1598 are in italics for easy identification.

1.2 Table 1.1 defines the types of reflector kits covered by the requirements in this Standard based on the tasks involved in the installation of a reflector kit. The installation of a Type I reflector kit shall involve only those tasks that correspond to its reflector kit type in Table 1.1. A Type II reflector kit is able to involve the tasks of kit types I and II.

Table 1.1 – Reflector kit types

tor kit types	Tasks involved
I	– Reflector installation
	– Reflector replacement
II	– Lampholder relocation, removal, or replacement
	– Ballast relocation, removal, or replacement
	– Wire relocation, removal, replacement, or addition

1.3 A product that contains features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems new or different from those covered by the requirements in this standard, and that involves a risk of fire or of electric shock or injury to persons shall be evaluated using appropriate additional component and end-product requirements to maintain the level of safety as originally anticipated by the intent of this standard. A product whose features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems conflict with specific requirements or provisions of this standard does not comply with this standard. Revision of requirements shall be proposed and adopted in conformance with the methods employed for development, revision, and implementation of this standard.

UL Standard For Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Retrofit Luminaire Conversion Kits

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements apply to light-emitting diode (LED) retrofit luminaire conversion kits that are intended to replace existing light sources and systems including incandescent, fluorescent, induction, and high intensity discharge (HID) light sources in previously installed luminaires that already comply with the requirements in the Standard for Luminaires, UL 1598. The kits are intended for use on:

a)    Luminaires where specific luminaire model or part numbers are identified in the kit installation instructions; or

b)    One or more generic type luminaires that meet specific criteria identified in the installation kit instructions.

1.2 This standard contains requirements that supplement the luminaire requirements contained in the Standard for Luminaires, UL 1598, that apply to the retrofit kit and the luminaire.

1.3 LED retrofit kits covered by these requirements include but are not limited to LED lamps and arrays, LED control modules, LED drivers, LED power supplies, wiring, lampholders, brackets, wire connectors, reflectors, diffusers, and other associated mechanical, electrical, or optical devices.

1.4 This standard does not cover luminaire reflector kits covered by the Standard for Supplemental Requirements for Luminaire Reflector Kits for Installation on Previously Installed Fluorescent Luminaires, UL 1598B.

1.5 This standard does not cover luminaire conversion lamps that are intended to replace existing lamps without any modification, rewiring, or component replacement in the luminaire other than direct replacement of the lamp using the existing lampholder. Requirements for these direct replacement lamps are specified in the Standard for Self-Ballasted Lamps and Lamp Adapters, UL 1993.

1.6 This standard does not cover retrofit luminaire conversion kits for amateur movie lights; aquarium lights, cabinet lights, decorative lighting strings, combination fan/IR lamps used for heating, electric signs, exit signs, junction boxes for swimming pool fixtures, lamp adapters, low-level path marking and lighting systems, low-voltage landscape lighting, low voltage lighting fixtures for use in recreational vehicles, low voltage marine lighting, luminaires for hazardous locations, luminaires for recreational vehicles, marine navigational lights, portable electric displays, portable hand lamps, portable luminaires, portable sun/heat lamps, self-ballasted lamps and lamp adapters, submersible luminaires, swimming pool luminaires, temporary lighting strings, therapeutic lamps, track lighting systems, under-cabinet lights and cord-connected under-cabinet lights, and unit equipment for emergency lighting.

1.7 Additional requirements for LED retrofit luminaire conversion kits intended for marine luminaires (marine-type fixtures) are in Supplement sa.

1.8 Additional requirements for LED retrofit luminaire conversion kits intended for stage and studio luminaires are in Supplement sb.

UL Standard for Low Voltage Lighting Systems

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements apply to low voltage lighting systems and components intended for permanent installation and for use in locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, Article 411.

1.2 These requirements cover:

a) Power units in which output is limited to 25 A and below the risk of electric shock voltage levels as defined in 3.19; and

b) Class 2, exposed bare conductor, POE, and other low-voltage luminaires and lighting systems.

1.3 These requirements do not cover low-voltage luminaires with integral power supplies or luminaires covered by other standards such as, but not limited to, the Standard for Portable Electric Luminaires, UL 153, the Standard for Track Lighting Systems, UL 1574, or the Standard for Luminaires, UL 1598.

1.4 Light emitting diode (LED) components and subassemblies integral to a low voltage luminaire or power unit covered by this standard shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Standard for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products, UL 8750.

UL Standard for Flexible Lighting Products

1 Scope

1.1 This standard covers portable flexible lighting products with a maximum input voltage rating of 120 volts to be used in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. These products are provided with a power supply cord and are intended for outline and decorative lighting use.

1.2 These requirements cover lighting products incorporating non-replaceable series and series/parallel connected lamps enclosed within a flexible polymeric tube or extrusion.

1.3 These requirements also cover flexible lighting products used in light sculptures.

1.4 These requirements do not cover lighting products with replaceable lamps.

1.5 These requirements do not cover the temporary-use, seasonal decorative-lighting products and accessories with a maximum input voltage rating of 120 V that are covered by the Standard for Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Products, UL 588.

1.6 These requirements do not cover flexible lighting products that are intended for use as a sign, such as self-contained product, usually with advertising or other words, numbers, or symbols, intended for use in a nonresidential environment to convey information or attract attention. These products shall be covered under the Standard for Electric Signs, UL 48.

UL Standard for Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) Panels

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements apply to organic lighting emitting diode (OLED) panels intended for task, ambient, or aesthetic illumination, and for portable or permanent installation in accordance with the following standards, and for connection to isolated (non-utility connected) power sources such as generators, batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, and the like, in accordance with the:

In Canada:

Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, CSA C22.1,

In the United States:

National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.

1.1 revised September 30, 20131.2 The OLED panels covered by this standard are intended to be installed in dry or damp locations only, in one or more of the following configurations:

a)    Secured directly to the walls or ceiling of a structure,

b)    Integrated into a mechanical frame or structure that is in turn mounted or secured to the walls or ceiling of a structure (for example, a luminaire or sign),

c)    Integrated into a mechanical frame or structure that is portable and able to be relocated without special tools or skills (for example, a portable luminaire).

1.3 The OLED panels covered by this standard are intended to be supplied from an electrical power source operating within the voltage and current limits specified in Electrical Construction – General, Section 12. These voltage limits are understood to represent no risk of electric shock injury, and the current limits sufficient to adequately reduce the risk of fire initiation.

For OLED panels intended to be supplied by a power source beyond the limits of Section 12, see the Supplemental Requirements for Higher Power OLED Panels, Annex a.

1.4 An OLED panel mounted within the frame structure of a fixed or portable luminaire per 1.2 (b) or (c) need not comply with the requirements in this standard where the risk of fire or injury is fully addressed by the applicable luminaire standard.

1.5 These requirements do not address the power sources used to supply an OLED panel. Mechanically integrated assemblies that include both an OLED panel and a power source shall be evaluated for conformance with the applicable luminaire standard. Some power sources suitable for use with OLED panels are identified in Electrical Construction – General, Section 12.

1.6 This standard does not include requirements for the evaluation of OLED panels intended for use in:

In Canada:

a)    Hazardous locations as specified in the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1;

b)    General patient care areas or critical patient care areas as defined by Section 24 of the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1;

c)    Emergency systems as defined by Section 46 of the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1; or

d)    Air-handling spaces as defined by Rule 12-010 of the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1.

In the United States:

a)    Hazardous locations as specified in the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70;

b)    General patient care areas or critical patient care areas as defined by Article 517 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70;

c)    Emergency systems as defined by Article 700 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70; or

d)    Air-handling spaces as defined by Article 300.22(C) of the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.

1.7 This standard does not include requirements for the assessment of OLED panel compliance with building code seismic requirements.

UL Standard for Luminaires

1 Scope

1.1 This Standard applies to luminaires for use in non-hazardous locations and that are intended for installation on branch circuits of 600 V nominal or less between conductors in accordance with theCanadian Electrical Code, Part I (CEC), CSA C22.1, with the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70, and with the Mexican National Electrical Code, NOM-001-SEDE.

1.2 This Standard does not apply to luminaires covered by other standards. The luminaries not covered by this Standard include:

Amateur Movie Lights;
Aquarium Lights;
Cabinet Lights;
Decorative Lighting Strings;
Combination Fan/IR Lamps Used for Heating;
Electric Signs;
Exit Signs;
Junction Boxes for Swimming Pool Fixtures;
Lamp Adapters;
Low-Level Path Marking and Lighting Systems in the United States;
Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting as follows:
	For products intended for installation in Canada, landscape lighting systems that are 30 V nominal or less; and
	For products intended for installation in Mexico, low-voltage landscape lighting devices that are 24 V nominal or less.
	For products intended for installation in the United States, low-voltage landscape lighting devices that are of 15 V nominal or less;
Low Voltage Lighting Fixtures for Use in Recreational Vehicles;
Low Voltage Marine Lighting;
Luminaires for Hazardous Locations;
Luminaires for Recreational Vehicles in the United States;
Marine Navigational Lights;
Marine-Type Fixtures;
Portable Electric Displays;
Portable Hand Lamps;
Portable Luminaires;
Portable Sun/Heat Lamps;
Self-Ballasted Lamps and Lamp Adapters;
Stage and Studio Luminaires;
Submersible Luminaires;
Swimming Pools Luminaires;
Temporary Lighting Strings;
Therapeutic Lamps;
Track Lighting Systems;
Under-cabinet Lights in Canada and Cord-connected Under-cabinet Lights in the United States; and
Unit Equipment for Emergency Lighting.

1.3 Requirements applicable to light emitting diode (LED) components and subassemblies integral to a luminaire covered by this standard are provided in UL 8750 and CSA C22.2 No. 250.13