Underwriters Laboratories UL
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a global safety certification organisation based in the United States. Its purpose is to test products and technologies for safety before they are introduced into the global marketplace.
Since its inception, UL has developed more than 1,500 safety standards. UL certification is a common mandatory requirement of insurance companies and code jurisdictions.
[edit] History
It has the oldest independent safety testing laboratory in the United States. The organisation began in 1894 as the Underwriters’ Electrical Bureau, which was a division of the National Board of Fire Underwriters.
It was founded by William Henry Merrill, an electrical engineer who had been sent on behalf of fire insurance underwriters to assess the safety of the World Fair's Palace of Electricity. In the process, Merrill performed numerous tests on the materials used in the construction of the building. As a result of Merrill’s experience, he recognised the growing need for this type of work and founded the organisation.
In 1903, UL published its first safety standard for tin clad fire doors. Three years later, it inaugurated its label service which certified specific items that met UL testing requirements.
[edit] Significance of tests
The results of UL testing verify that a representative sample of a product has been tested against specific criteria. These requirements are frequently based on UL's Standards for Safety. Once a product line has been tested and has successfully met this criteria, it will be given a UL (or ULC, Underwriters Laboratories Canada) mark to indicate its status.
[edit] Standard categories
UL has standards that cover the following categories:
- Building products.
- Electrical and electronic products.
- Industrial control equipment.
- Life safety products.
- Photovoltaic products.
- Plastic materials.
- Sustainability.
- Wire and cables.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- ASTM International
- CIBSE Case Study: Walgreens net zero energy drugstore.
- Construction Products Regulation CPR.
- Fire safety
- Fire safety design
- GREENGUARD Certification
- Testing, inspection and certification (TIC) market.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).