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UL (safety organization)

January 01, 1970

The UL enterprise[4] is a global safety science company headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, composed of three organizations, UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement and UL Solutions.

UL Solutions Inc.
Logo of UL Solutions
FormerlyUnderwriters Laboratories, UL LLC
Company typePublic
NYSE: ULS
Founded1894; 130 years ago (1894)
FounderWilliam Henry Merrill
Headquarters
Northbrook, Illinois
,
U.S.
Area served
125 countries
Key people
Jennifer Scanlon (President and CEO)
Revenue US$2.68 billion (2023)[1]
US$276 million (2023)[2]
Number of employees
15,000+ (2024)[2]
ParentUnderwriters Laboratories Inc. (non-profit)[3]
SubsidiariesFuturemark
Websitewww.ul.com

Established in 1894, the UL enterprise was founded as the Underwriters' Electrical Bureau (a bureau of the National Board of Fire Underwriters),[5] and was known throughout the 20th century as Underwriters Laboratories. On January 1, 2012, Underwriters Laboratories became the parent company of a for-profit company in the U.S. named UL LLC, a limited liability company, which took over the product testing and certification business. On June 26, 2022, the companies rebranded into three distinct organizations that make up the UL enterprise.

The company is one of several companies approved to perform safety testing by the U.S. federal agency Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).[6] OSHA maintains a list of approved testing laboratories, which are known as Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories.[7] According to Lifehacker, UL Solutions is the best known product safety and certification organization globally.[8]

History edit

 
UL headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. was founded in 1894 by William Henry Merrill. After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in electrical engineering in 1889, Merrill went to work as an electrical inspector for the Boston Board of Fire Underwriters.[9] At the turn of the twentieth century, fire loss was on the rise in the United States, and the increasing use of electricity in homes and businesses posed a serious threat to property and human life.[10]

In order to determine and mitigate risk, Merrill proposed to open a laboratory where he would use scientific principles to test products for fire and electrical safety. The Boston Board of Fire Underwriters turned this idea down, perhaps due to Merrill's youth and relative inexperience at the time.

In May 1893, Merrill moved to Chicago to work for the Chicago Fire Underwriters' Association. His task was to inspect the city's fire alarm systems. He was also sent to the 1893 World's Fair to inspect the Fair's electrical installations and the Palace of Electricity. In order to determine and mitigate risk in his role as an electrical inspector, Merrill found it necessary to conduct tests on building materials and electrical components. Upon seeing a growing potential in this field, Merrill stayed in Chicago to found Underwriters Laboratories. He received initial funding from the Chicago Fire Underwriters' Association and the Western Insurance Union, a local insurance organization. With $350 of equipment, he opened a small laboratory on the third floor of a local fire insurance patrol station, signing UL's first test report on March 24, 1894.[11]

Merrill soon went to work on developing safety standards, conducting tests, and uncovering hazards. In the early years, UL tested three main types of products: devices meant to stop fire (such as fire extinguishers), devices meant to resist fire (such as fire doors), and devices that frequently caused fire (like wires used for electrical installations).[12] This work soon expanded, and throughout the twentieth century, UL certified many pivotal consumer technologies, such as vacuum cleaners, televisions, microwaves, personal computers, and more.[13]

UL published its first standard, "Tin Clad Fire Doors", in 1903. In 1906, UL established a Label Service for certain product categories that require more frequent inspections. Products that passed UL's testing and regular inspections were given a UL label, which eventually evolved into the UL Mark. From 1905 to 1979, UL Headquarters was located at 207-231 East Ohio Street in Chicago.[14] In 1979, the organization moved its headquarters to a 153-acre campus in Northbrook, Illinois, 25 miles north of its former downtown Chicago location.

UL Solutions has evolved from its roots in electrical and fire safety to address broader safety issues, such as hazardous substances, water quality, food safety, performance testing, safety and compliance education, and environmental sustainability.

On January 1, 2012, Underwriters Laboratories became the parent company of a for-profit company in the U.S named UL LLC, a limited liability corporation. The for-profit company took over the product testing and certification business.

 
Underwriters' Laboratories, 207-231 East Ohio Street, Chicago

In 2022, the company revised their go-to-market strategy to include three separate organizations - UL Solutions, UL Standards & Engagement, and UL Research Institutes.[15]

UL Solutions became a public company via an initial public offering in April 2024 raising around $950 million, valuing the company at about $7 billion. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.[2][1]

UL Standards edit

 
Melville, New York, location

Sustainability Standards edit

  • UL 106, Standard for Sustainability for Luminaires (under development)
  • UL 110, Standard for Sustainability for Mobile Phones

Standards for Electrical and Electronic Products edit

  • UL 50, Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
  • UL 50E, Enclosures for Electrical Equipment, Environmental Considerations
  • UL 153, Portable Electric Lamps
  • UL 197, Commercial Electrical Cooking Appliances
  • UL 244B, Field Installed and/or Field Connected Appliance Controls
  • UL 410, Slip Resistance of Floor Surface Materials
  • UL 796, Printed-Wiring Boards
  • UL 916, Energy Management Equipment
  • UL 962, Household and Commercial Furnishings
  • UL 962A, Furniture Power Distribution Units
  • UL 962B, Outline for Merchandise Display and Rack Mounted Power Distribution Units
  • UL 970, Retail Fixtures and Merchandising Displays
  • UL 1026, Electric Household Cooking and Food Serving Appliances
  • UL 1083, Household Electric Skillets and Frying-Type Appliances
  • UL 1492, Audio/Video Products and Accessories
  • UL 1598, Luminaires
  • UL 1642, Lithium Batteries
  • UL 1995, Heating and Cooling Equipment
  • UL 2267 Standard for Safety - Fuel Cell Power Systems for Installation in Industrial Electric Trucks
  • UL 6500, Audio/Video and Musical Instrument Apparatuses for Household, Commercial and Similar General Uses
  • UL 60065, Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatuses: Safety Requirements
  • UL 60335-1, Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 1: General Requirements
  • UL 60335-2-24, Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 2: Particular Requirements for Motor Compressors
  • UL 60335-2-3, Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 2: Particular Requirements for Electric Irons
  • UL 60335-2-34, Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 2: Particular Requirements for Motor Compressors
  • UL 60335-2-8, Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 2: Particular Requirements for Shavers, Hair Clippers and Similar Appliances
  • UL 60950, Information Technology Equipment
  • UL 60950-1, Information Technology Equipment – Safety, Part 1: General Requirements
  • UL 60950-21, Information Technology Equipment – Safety, Part 21: Remote Power Feeding
  • UL 60950-22, Information Technology Equipment – Safety, Part 22: Equipment to be Installed Outdoors
  • UL 60950-23, Information Technology Equipment – Safety, Part 23: Large Data Storage Equipment
  • UL 62368-1, Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements

Life Safety Standards edit

  • UL 217, Single- and Multiple- Station Smoke Alarms
  • UL 268, Smoke Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems
  • UL 268A, Smoke Detectors for Duct Application
  • UL 1626, Residential Sprinklers for Fire Protection Service
  • UL 1971, Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired

Standards for Building Products edit

  • UL 10A, Tin-Clad Fire Doors
  • UL 20, General-Use Snap Switches
  • UL 486E, Equipment Wiring Terminals for Use with Aluminum and/or Copper Conductors
  • UL 1256, Fire Test of Roof/Deck Constructions

Standards for Industrial Control Equipment edit

  • UL 508, Industrial Control Equipment, superseded by UL 60947-4-1[16]
  • UL 508A, Industrial Control Panels
  • UL 508C, Power Conversion Equipment, superseded by UL 61800-5-1[17]
  • UL 61800-5-1, Adjustable Speed Electrical Power Drive Systems

Standards for Plastic Materials edit

  • UL 94, Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances
  • UL 746A, Polymeric Materials: Short-Term Property Evaluations
  • UL 746B, Polymeric Materials: Long-Term Property Evaluations
  • UL 746C, Polymeric Materials: Use in Electrical Equipment Evaluations.
  • UL 746D, Polymeric Materials: Fabricated Parts
  • UL 746E, Polymeric Materials: Industrial Laminates, Filament Wound Tubing, Vulcanized Fiber and Materials Used in Printed-Wiring Boards
  • UL 746F, Polymeric Materials: Flexible Dielectric Film Materials for Use in Printed-Wiring Boards and Flexible Materials Interconnect Constructions

Standards for Wire and Cable edit

  • UL 62, Flexible Cords and Cables
  • UL 758, Appliance Wiring Material (AWM)[18]
  • UL 817, Cord Sets and Power Supply Cords
  • UL 2556, Wire and Cable Test Methods

Standards for Alarm Systems, Installation, and Monitoring[19] edit

  • UL 294, Access Control System Units (ANSI Approved: May 24, 2023)[20]
  • UL 365, Standard for Police Station Connected Burglar Alarm Units and Systems (ANSI Approved: January 31, 2018)[21]
  • UL 464, Audible Signaling Devices for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems, Including Accessories (ANSI Approved: April 28, 2023)[22]
  • UL 497, Protectors for Paired-Conductor Communications Circuits (ANSI Approved: July 25, 2022)[23]
  • UL 497A, Standard for Secondary Protectors for Communications Circuit (ANSI Approved: October 01, 2019)[24]
  • UL 497B, Protectors for Data Communications and Fire-Alarm Circuits (ANSI Approved: February 07, 2022)[25]
  • UL 603, Standard for Power Supplies for Use with Burglar-Alarm Systems (ANSI Approved: July 06, 2018)[26]
  • UL 609, Standard for Local Burglar Alarm Units and Systems (ANSI Approved: March 09, 2018)[27]
  • UL 636, Standard for Holdup Alarm Units and Systems (DOD Approved: July 30, 1987, ANSI Approved: January 30, 2018)[28]
  • UL 639, Standard for Intrusion-Detection Units (ANSI Approved: October 24, 2019)[29]
  • UL 681, Installation and Classification of Burglar and Holdup Alarm Systems (DOD Approved: January 02, 1992, ANSI Approved: December 17, 2020)[30]
  • UL 827, Central-Station Alarm Services (ANSI Approved: October 19, 2023)[31]
  • UL 827A, UL LLC Outline of Investigation for Hosted Central Station Services [32]
  • UL 864, Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems (ANSI Approved: October 09, 2023)[33]
  • UL 985, Household Fire Warning System Units (ANSI Approved: October 07, 2022)[34]
  • UL 1023, Household Burglar-Alarm System Units (ANSI Approved: May 20, 2021)[35]
  • UL 1034, Standard for Burglary-Resistant Electric Locking Mechanisms (ANSI Approved: June 03, 2020)[36]
  • UL 1037, Antitheft Alarms and Devices (ANSI Approved: August 24, 2023)[37]
  • UL 1076, Proprietary Burglar Alarm Units and Systems (DOD Approved: April 09, 1992, ANSI Approved: February 16, 2021)[38][39]
  • UL 1481, Standard for Power Supplies for Fire-Protective Signaling Systems[40]
  • UL 1610, Central-Station Burglar-Alarm Units[41]
  • UL 1635, Standard for Digital Alarm Communicator System Units (ANSI Approved: April 13, 2018)[42]
  • UL 1981, Central-Station Automation Systems (ANSI Approved: March 29, 2023)[43]
  • UL 2050, National Industrial Security Systems (Revised: November 07, 2010)[44]
  • UL 2610, Commercial Premises Security Alarm Units and Systems (ANSI Approved: April 07, 2021)[45]
  • UL 2900-1, Software Cybersecurity for Network-Connectable Products, Part 1: General Requirements (ANSI Approved: April 14, 2023)[46]
  • UL 2900-2-3, Software Cybersecurity for Network-Connectable Products, Part 2-3: Particular Requirements for Security and Life Safety Signaling Systems (ANSI Approved: September 21, 2023)[47]

UL Solutions of Canada edit

 
A certification logo for the Canadian division of UL Solutions
  • CAN/ULC-S101-07, Standard Methods for Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials
  • CAN/ULC-S102-10, Standard Methods of Test for Surface-Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies
  • CAN/ULC-S102.2-10, Standard Methods of Test for Surface-Burning Characteristics of Flooring, Floor Coverings, and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies
  • CAN/ULC-S104-10, Standard Methods for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies
  • CAN/ULC-S107-10, Standard Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings
  • CAN/ULC-S303-M91 (R1999), Standard Methods for Local Burglar Alarm Units and Systems[48]

Photovoltaic edit

  • UL 1703, Photovoltaic Flat-Plate Modules
  • UL 1741, Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources
  • UL 2703, Rack Mounting Systems and Clamping Devices for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels

Recognized Component Mark edit

 
The Recognized Component Mark
 
The Recognized Component Mark (left) on a printed circuit board

The Recognized Component Mark is a type of safety certification mark issued by UL Solutions. It is placed on components which are intended to be part of a UL certified end product, but which cannot bear the full UL Mark themselves.[49] The general public does not ordinarily come across it, as it is borne on components which make up finished products.

Computer benchmarking edit

UL offers[50] the following computer benchmarking products:[51]

  • 3DMark
  • Easy Benchmark Automation
  • PCMark 10
  • PCMark for Android
  • Servermark
  • Testdriver
  • UL Procyon AI Inference Benchmark
  • UL Procyon Photo Editing Benchmark
  • UL Procyon Video Editing Benchmark
  • VRMark

Similar organizations edit

Applied Research Laboratories (ARL)
A competing testing laboratory, based in Florida, U.S.
Bureau Veritas
A competing test, inspection, and certification company.
Baseefa
A similar organization in the United Kingdom.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
A similar organization in Canada. Also serves as a competitive alternative for U.S. products.
CCOE
Chief Controller of Explosives
CEBEC
Testing laboratory, inspection, and certification company, based in Brussels, Belgium.
DNV GL
A global testing laboratory, inspection, certification, marine class, and engineering organisation, headquartered in Høvik, Norway.
Efectis
A similar organization in Europe, fire science expert, testing laboratory, and certification body.
ETL SEMKO
A competing testing laboratory, part of Intertek; based in London, U.K.
FM Approvals
A competing certification body, based in Rhode Island, U.S.
ICC-ES
International Code Council Evaluation Services.
IAPMO R&T
A competing certification body, based in Ontario, California, U.S.
INERIS
Testing laboratory, inspection, and certification company, based in France.
KFI
The Korea Fire Institute, a similar organization in Korea.
MET Laboratories, Inc.
A competing testing laboratory, based in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

California, U.S.

NTA Inc
A certification agency based in Nappanee, Indiana, U.S.

CA and Tulsa, OK); Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China.

Sira
A similar organization for the UK/Europe.
GS
Geprüfte Sicherheit
TÜV
German and Austrian approvals organizations.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Jain, Pratik; Saini, Manya (2024-04-12). "UL Solutions valued at $6.8 bln in strong debut on NYSE". Reuters.
  2. ^ a b c Lipschultz, Bailey; Or, Amy (2024-04-12). "Safety Firm UL Solutions Jumps 23% After $946 Million IPO". Bloomberg News.
  3. ^ "Entity change to UL LLC Letter" (PDF). Pbadupws.nrc.gov. Retrieved 2017-03-05.
  4. ^ Solutions, UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement and UL (27 June 2022). "UL Enterprise Launches New Brands". WFMZ.com. Retrieved 2022-08-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ "History". UL. Retrieved 2017-03-05.
  6. ^ "Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories – Underwriters Laboratories Inc". United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  7. ^ "Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) – Current List". Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  8. ^ Yuko, Elizabeth (2022-06-11). "What 'UL Listed' Means on Electronics, and Why You Should Look for It". Lifehacker. Retrieved 2022-06-11.
  9. ^ Engineering Progress: The Revolution and Evolution of Working for a Safer World. UL. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
  10. ^ Knowles, Scott (2011). “Chapter 1: The Devil’s Privilege.” The Disaster Experts: Mastering Risk in Modern America. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press, pp. 21-61.
  11. ^ Brearley, Harry Chase (1923). “Chapter 4: The Genesis of Underwriters’ Laboratories.” A Symbol of Safety: An Interpretive Study of a Notable Institution. Doubleday, pp. 17-23.
  12. ^ Rathom, John R. (1902-11-23). “Where Fire-Defying Inventions Are Tested.” The Sunday Record-Herald. Chicago.
  13. ^ “About UL: History.” UL. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
  14. ^ “Underwriters' Laboratories, 207-231 East Ohio Street, Chicago, Cook County, IL.” Historic American Buildings Survey, Engineering Record, Landscapes Survey, Library of Congress. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
  15. ^ "We are Three Organizations United by One Mission". UL Solutions. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  16. ^ "UL 508 Standard Has Been Replaced and Superseded by the UL 60947-4-1 Standard". rockwellautomation.custhelp.com. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  17. ^ "Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About UL 508C to UL 61800-5-1 for Motor Drives". ul.com. UL Solutions. April 24, 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  18. ^ "Wire and Cable Explained" (PDF). UL. July 2008. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  19. ^ UL 2610 Commercial Premises Security Alarm Units and Systems (2nd ed.). ULSE Inc. January 31, 2023. pp. br1, 180–181.
  20. ^ "UL 294 Access Control System Units". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  21. ^ "UL 365 Standard for Police Station Connected Burglar Alarm Units and Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  22. ^ "UL 464 Audible Signaling Devices for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems, Including Accessories". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  23. ^ "UL 497, Protectors for Paired-Conductor Communications Circuits". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  24. ^ "UL 497A, Standard for Secondary Protectors for Communications Circuit". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  25. ^ "UL 497B, Protectors for Data Communications and Fire-Alarm Circuits". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  26. ^ "UL 603 Standard for Power Supplies for Use with Burglar-Alarm Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  27. ^ "UL 609 Standard for Local Burglar Alarm Units and Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  28. ^ "UL 636 Standard for Holdup Alarm Units and Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  29. ^ "UL 639 Standard for Intrusion-Detection Units". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  30. ^ "UL 681 Installation and Classification of Burglar and Holdup Alarm Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  31. ^ "UL 827 Central-Station Alarm Services". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  32. ^ "UL 827A UL LLC Outline of Investigation for Hosted Central Station Services". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  33. ^ "UL 864 Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  34. ^ "UL 985 Household Fire Warning System Units". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  35. ^ "UL 1023 Household Burglar-Alarm System Units". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  36. ^ "UL 1034, Standard for Burglary-Resistant Electric Locking Mechanisms". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  37. ^ "UL 1037, Antitheft Alarms and Devices". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  38. ^ "UL 1076 Proprietary Burglar Alarm Units and Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  39. ^ Director of Central Intelligence Directive No. 6/9 (PDF). Director of Central Intelligence. 18 November 2002.
  40. ^ "UL 1481, Standard for Power Supplies for Fire-Protective Signaling Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online . UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  41. ^ "UL 1610 Central-Station Burglar-Alarm Units". Purchase UL Standards Online . UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  42. ^ "UL 1635 Standard for Digital Alarm Communicator System Units". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  43. ^ "UL 1981 Central-Station Automation Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  44. ^ "UL 2050, National Industrial Security Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 30 Apr 2024.
  45. ^ "UL 2610 Commercial Premises Security Alarm Units and Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  46. ^ "UL 2900-1, Software Cybersecurity for Network-Connectable Products, Part 1: General Requirements". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  47. ^ "UL 2900-2-3, Software Cybersecurity for Network-Connectable Products, Part 2-3: Particular Requirements for Security and Life Safety Signaling Systems". Purchase UL Standards Online / UL Standards & Engagement. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  48. ^ . ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com. Archived from the original on 5 November 2002. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  49. ^ "Marks for North America". UL. Retrieved 2017-03-05.
  50. ^ "Benchmarks and Performance Tests".
  51. ^ "UL Benchmarks - PCMark, 3DMark, and VRMark".

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Underwriters Laboratories.
  • List of US NRTLs at OSHA

January 01, 1970
safety, organization, enterprise, global, safety, science, company, headquartered, northbrook, illinois, composed, three, organizations, research, institutes, standards, engagement, solutions, solutions, logo, solutionsformerlyunderwriters, laboratories, llcco. The UL enterprise 4 is a global safety science company headquartered in Northbrook Illinois composed of three organizations UL Research Institutes UL Standards amp Engagement and UL Solutions UL Solutions Inc Logo of UL SolutionsFormerlyUnderwriters Laboratories UL LLCCompany typePublicTraded asNYSE ULSFounded1894 130 years ago 1894 FounderWilliam Henry MerrillHeadquartersNorthbrook Illinois U S Area served125 countriesKey peopleJennifer Scanlon President and CEO RevenueUS 2 68 billion 2023 1 Net incomeUS 276 million 2023 2 Number of employees15 000 2024 2 ParentUnderwriters Laboratories Inc non profit 3 SubsidiariesFuturemarkWebsitewww wbr ul wbr com Established in 1894 the UL enterprise was founded as the Underwriters Electrical Bureau a bureau of the National Board of Fire Underwriters 5 and was known throughout the 20th century as Underwriters Laboratories On January 1 2012 Underwriters Laboratories became the parent company of a for profit company in the U S named UL LLC a limited liability company which took over the product testing and certification business On June 26 2022 the companies rebranded into three distinct organizations that make up the UL enterprise The company is one of several companies approved to perform safety testing by the U S federal agency Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 6 OSHA maintains a list of approved testing laboratories which are known as Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories 7 According to Lifehacker UL Solutions is the best known product safety and certification organization globally 8 Contents 1 History 2 UL Standards 2 1 Sustainability Standards 2 2 Standards for Electrical and Electronic Products 2 3 Life Safety Standards 2 4 Standards for Building Products 2 5 Standards for Industrial Control Equipment 2 6 Standards for Plastic Materials 2 7 Standards for Wire and Cable 2 8 Standards for Alarm Systems Installation and Monitoring 19 2 9 UL Solutions of Canada 2 10 Photovoltaic 3 Recognized Component Mark 4 Computer benchmarking 5 Similar organizations 6 See also 7 References 8 External linksHistory edit nbsp UL headquarters in Northbrook Illinois Underwriters Laboratories Inc was founded in 1894 by William Henry Merrill After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT with a degree in electrical engineering in 1889 Merrill went to work as an electrical inspector for the Boston Board of Fire Underwriters 9 At the turn of the twentieth century fire loss was on the rise in the United States and the increasing use of electricity in homes and businesses posed a serious threat to property and human life 10 In order to determine and mitigate risk Merrill proposed to open a laboratory where he would use scientific principles to test products for fire and electrical safety The Boston Board of Fire Underwriters turned this idea down perhaps due to Merrill s youth and relative inexperience at the time In May 1893 Merrill moved to Chicago to work for the Chicago Fire Underwriters Association His task was to inspect the city s fire alarm systems He was also sent to the 1893 World s Fair to inspect the Fair s electrical installations and the Palace of Electricity In order to determine and mitigate risk in his role as an electrical inspector Merrill found it necessary to conduct tests on building materials and electrical components Upon seeing a growing potential in this field Merrill stayed in Chicago to found Underwriters Laboratories He received initial funding from the Chicago Fire Underwriters Association and the Western Insurance Union a local insurance organization With 350 of equipment he opened a small laboratory on the third floor of a local fire insurance patrol station signing UL s first test report on March 24 1894 11 Merrill soon went to work on developing safety standards conducting tests and uncovering hazards In the early years UL tested three main types of products devices meant to stop fire such as fire extinguishers devices meant to resist fire such as fire doors and devices that frequently caused fire like wires used for electrical installations 12 This work soon expanded and throughout the twentieth century UL certified many pivotal consumer technologies such as vacuum cleaners televisions microwaves personal computers and more 13 UL published its first standard Tin Clad Fire Doors in 1903 In 1906 UL established a Label Service for certain product categories that require more frequent inspections Products that passed UL s testing and regular inspections were given a UL label which eventually evolved into the UL Mark From 1905 to 1979 UL Headquarters was located at 207 231 East Ohio Street in Chicago 14 In 1979 the organization moved its headquarters to a 153 acre campus in Northbrook Illinois 25 miles north of its former downtown Chicago location UL Solutions has evolved from its roots in electrical and fire safety to address broader safety issues such as hazardous substances water quality food safety performance testing safety and compliance education and environmental sustainability On January 1 2012 Underwriters Laboratories became the parent company of a for profit company in the U S named UL LLC a limited liability corporation The for profit company took over the product testing and certification business nbsp Underwriters Laboratories 207 231 East Ohio Street Chicago In 2022 the company revised their go to market strategy to include three separate organizations UL Solutions UL Standards amp Engagement and UL Research Institutes 15 UL Solutions became a public company via an initial public offering in April 2024 raising around 950 million valuing the company at about 7 billion The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange 2 1 UL Standards edit nbsp Melville New York location Sustainability Standards edit UL 106 Standard for Sustainability for Luminaires under development UL 110 Standard for Sustainability for Mobile Phones Standards for Electrical and Electronic Products edit UL 50 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment UL 50E Enclosures for Electrical Equipment Environmental Considerations UL 153 Portable Electric Lamps UL 197 Commercial Electrical Cooking Appliances UL 244B Field Installed and or Field Connected Appliance Controls UL 410 Slip Resistance of Floor Surface Materials UL 796 Printed Wiring Boards UL 916 Energy Management Equipment UL 962 Household and Commercial Furnishings UL 962A Furniture Power Distribution Units UL 962B Outline for Merchandise Display and Rack Mounted Power Distribution Units UL 970 Retail Fixtures and Merchandising Displays UL 1026 Electric Household Cooking and Food Serving Appliances UL 1083 Household Electric Skillets and Frying Type Appliances UL 1492 Audio Video Products and Accessories UL 1598 Luminaires UL 1642 Lithium Batteries UL 1995 Heating and Cooling Equipment UL 2267 Standard for Safety Fuel Cell Power Systems for Installation in Industrial Electric Trucks UL 6500 Audio Video and Musical Instrument Apparatuses for Household Commercial and Similar General Uses UL 60065 Audio Video and Similar Electronic Apparatuses Safety Requirements UL 60335 1 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances Part 1 General Requirements UL 60335 2 24 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances Part 2 Particular Requirements for Motor Compressors UL 60335 2 3 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances Part 2 Particular Requirements for Electric Irons UL 60335 2 34 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances Part 2 Particular Requirements for Motor Compressors UL 60335 2 8 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances Part 2 Particular Requirements for Shavers Hair Clippers and Similar Appliances UL 60950 Information Technology Equipment UL 60950 1 Information Technology Equipment Safety Part 1 General Requirements UL 60950 21 Information Technology Equipment Safety Part 21 Remote Power Feeding UL 60950 22 Information Technology Equipment Safety Part 22 Equipment to be Installed Outdoors UL 60950 23 Information Technology Equipment Safety Part 23 Large Data Storage Equipment UL 62368 1 Audio Video Information and Communication Technology Equipment Part 1 Safety Requirements Life Safety Standards edit UL 217 Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms UL 268 Smoke Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems UL 268A Smoke Detectors for Duct Application UL 1626 Residential Sprinklers for Fire Protection Service UL 1971 Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired Standards for Building Products edit UL 10A Tin Clad Fire Doors UL 20 General Use Snap Switches UL 486E Equipment Wiring Terminals for Use with Aluminum and or Copper Conductors UL 1256 Fire Test of Roof Deck Constructions Standards for Industrial Control Equipment edit UL 508 Industrial Control Equipment superseded by UL 60947 4 1 16 UL 508A Industrial Control Panels UL 508C Power Conversion Equipment superseded by UL 61800 5 1 17 UL 61800 5 1 Adjustable Speed Electrical Power Drive Systems Standards for Plastic Materials edit UL 94 Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances UL 746A Polymeric Materials Short Term Property Evaluations UL 746B Polymeric Materials Long Term Property Evaluations UL 746C Polymeric Materials Use in Electrical Equipment Evaluations UL 746D Polymeric Materials Fabricated Parts UL 746E Polymeric Materials Industrial Laminates Filament Wound Tubing Vulcanized Fiber and Materials Used in Printed Wiring Boards UL 746F Polymeric Materials Flexible Dielectric Film Materials for Use in Printed Wiring Boards and Flexible Materials Interconnect Constructions Standards for Wire and Cable edit UL 62 Flexible Cords and Cables UL 758 Appliance Wiring Material AWM 18 UL 817 Cord Sets and Power Supply Cords UL 2556 Wire and Cable Test Methods Standards for Alarm Systems Installation and Monitoring 19 edit UL 294 Access Control System Units ANSI Approved May 24 2023 20 UL 365 Standard for Police Station Connected Burglar Alarm Units and Systems ANSI Approved January 31 2018 21 UL 464 Audible Signaling Devices for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems Including Accessories ANSI Approved April 28 2023 22 UL 497 Protectors for Paired Conductor Communications Circuits ANSI Approved July 25 2022 23 UL 497A Standard for Secondary Protectors for Communications Circuit ANSI Approved October 01 2019 24 UL 497B Protectors for Data Communications and Fire Alarm Circuits ANSI Approved February 07 2022 25 UL 603 Standard for Power Supplies for Use with Burglar Alarm Systems ANSI Approved July 06 2018 26 UL 609 Standard for Local Burglar Alarm Units and Systems ANSI Approved March 09 2018 27 UL 636 Standard for Holdup Alarm Units and Systems DOD Approved July 30 1987 ANSI Approved January 30 2018 28 UL 639 Standard for Intrusion Detection Units ANSI Approved October 24 2019 29 UL 681 Installation and Classification of Burglar and Holdup Alarm Systems DOD Approved January 02 1992 ANSI Approved December 17 2020 30 UL 827 Central Station Alarm Services ANSI Approved October 19 2023 31 UL 827A UL LLC Outline of Investigation for Hosted Central Station Services 32 UL 864 Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems ANSI Approved October 09 2023 33 UL 985 Household Fire Warning System Units ANSI Approved October 07 2022 34 UL 1023 Household Burglar Alarm System Units ANSI Approved May 20 2021 35 UL 1034 Standard for Burglary Resistant Electric Locking Mechanisms ANSI Approved June 03 2020 36 UL 1037 Antitheft Alarms and Devices ANSI Approved August 24 2023 37 UL 1076 Proprietary Burglar Alarm Units and Systems DOD Approved April 09 1992 ANSI Approved February 16 2021 38 39 UL 1481 Standard for Power Supplies for Fire Protective Signaling Systems 40 UL 1610 Central Station Burglar Alarm Units 41 UL 1635 Standard for Digital Alarm Communicator System Units ANSI Approved April 13 2018 42 UL 1981 Central Station Automation Systems ANSI Approved March 29 2023 43 UL 2050 National Industrial Security Systems Revised November 07 2010 44 UL 2610 Commercial Premises Security Alarm Units and Systems ANSI Approved April 07 2021 45 UL 2900 1 Software Cybersecurity for Network Connectable Products Part 1 General Requirements ANSI Approved April 14 2023 46 UL 2900 2 3 Software Cybersecurity for Network Connectable Products Part 2 3 Particular Requirements for Security and Life Safety Signaling Systems ANSI Approved September 21 2023 47 UL Solutions of Canada edit nbsp A certification logo for the Canadian division of UL Solutions CAN ULC S101 07 Standard Methods for Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials CAN ULC S102 10 Standard Methods of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies CAN ULC S102 2 10 Standard Methods of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Flooring Floor Coverings and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies CAN ULC S104 10 Standard Methods for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies CAN ULC S107 10 Standard Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings CAN ULC S303 M91 R1999 Standard Methods for Local Burglar Alarm Units and Systems 48 Photovoltaic edit UL 1703 Photovoltaic Flat Plate Modules UL 1741 Inverters Converters Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources UL 2703 Rack Mounting Systems and Clamping Devices for Flat Plate Photovoltaic Modules and PanelsRecognized Component Mark edit nbsp The Recognized Component Mark nbsp The Recognized Component Mark left on a printed circuit board The Recognized Component Mark is a type of safety certification mark issued by UL Solutions It is placed on components which are intended to be part of a UL certified end product but which cannot bear the full UL Mark themselves 49 The general public does not ordinarily come across it as it is borne on components which make up finished products Computer benchmarking editUL offers 50 the following computer benchmarking products 51 3DMark Easy Benchmark Automation PCMark 10 PCMark for Android Servermark Testdriver UL Procyon AI Inference Benchmark UL Procyon Photo Editing Benchmark UL Procyon Video Editing Benchmark VRMarkSimilar organizations editApplied Research Laboratories ARL A competing testing laboratory based in Florida U S Bureau Veritas A competing test inspection and certification company Baseefa A similar organization in the United Kingdom Canadian Standards Association CSA A similar organization in Canada Also serves as a competitive alternative for U S products CCOE Chief Controller of Explosives CEBEC Testing laboratory inspection and certification company based in Brussels Belgium DNV GL A global testing laboratory inspection certification marine class and engineering organisation headquartered in Hovik Norway Efectis A similar organization in Europe fire science expert testing laboratory and certification body ETL SEMKO A competing testing laboratory part of Intertek based in London U K FM Approvals A competing certification body based in Rhode Island U S ICC ES International Code Council Evaluation Services IAPMO R amp T A competing certification body based in Ontario California U S INERIS Testing laboratory inspection and certification company based in France KFI The Korea Fire Institute a similar organization in Korea MET Laboratories Inc A competing testing laboratory based in Baltimore Maryland U S California U S NTA Inc A certification agency based in Nappanee Indiana U S CA and Tulsa OK Seoul South Korea and Shanghai China Sira A similar organization for the UK Europe GS Geprufte Sicherheit TUV German and Austrian approvals organizations See also editANSI CE marking Conformance mark Consumer Reports Consumers Union Fire test Good Housekeeping Seal National Sanitation Foundation NEMKO Product certification Quality control RoHS Safety engineering Societe Generale de Surveillance AENORReferences edit a b Jain Pratik Saini Manya 2024 04 12 UL Solutions valued at 6 8 bln in strong debut on NYSE Reuters a b c Lipschultz Bailey Or Amy 2024 04 12 Safety Firm UL Solutions Jumps 23 After 946 Million IPO Bloomberg News Entity change to UL LLC Letter PDF Pbadupws nrc gov Retrieved 2017 03 05 Solutions UL Research Institutes UL Standards amp Engagement and UL 27 June 2022 UL Enterprise Launches New Brands WFMZ com Retrieved 2022 08 04 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link History UL Retrieved 2017 03 05 Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories Underwriters Laboratories Inc United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration Retrieved 9 March 2018 Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories NRTLs Current List Occupational Safety and Health Administration Retrieved 9 March 2018 Yuko Elizabeth 2022 06 11 What UL Listed Means on Electronics and Why You Should Look for It Lifehacker Retrieved 2022 06 11 Engineering Progress The Revolution and Evolution of Working for a Safer World UL Retrieved 2021 09 16 Knowles Scott 2011 Chapter 1 The Devil s Privilege The Disaster Experts Mastering Risk in Modern America Philadelphia Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania Press pp 21 61 Brearley Harry Chase 1923 Chapter 4 The Genesis of Underwriters Laboratories A Symbol of Safety An Interpretive Study of a Notable Institution Doubleday pp 17 23 Rathom John R 1902 11 23 Where Fire Defying Inventions Are Tested The Sunday Record Herald Chicago About UL History UL Retrieved 2021 09 16 Underwriters Laboratories 207 231 East Ohio Street Chicago Cook County IL Historic American Buildings Survey Engineering Record Landscapes Survey Library of Congress Retrieved 2021 09 16 We are Three Organizations United by One Mission UL Solutions Retrieved 2022 07 26 UL 508 Standard Has Been Replaced and Superseded by the UL 60947 4 1 Standard rockwellautomation custhelp com Retrieved 6 April 2023 Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About UL 508C to UL 61800 5 1 for Motor Drives ul com UL Solutions April 24 2020 Retrieved 6 April 2023 Wire and Cable Explained PDF UL July 2008 Retrieved 8 February 2019 UL 2610 Commercial Premises Security Alarm Units and Systems 2nd ed ULSE Inc January 31 2023 pp br1 180 181 UL 294 Access Control System Units Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 365 Standard for Police Station Connected Burglar Alarm Units and Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 464 Audible Signaling Devices for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems Including Accessories Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 497 Protectors for Paired Conductor Communications Circuits Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 497A Standard for Secondary Protectors for Communications Circuit Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 497B Protectors for Data Communications and Fire Alarm Circuits Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 603 Standard for Power Supplies for Use with Burglar Alarm Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 609 Standard for Local Burglar Alarm Units and Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 636 Standard for Holdup Alarm Units and Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 639 Standard for Intrusion Detection Units Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 681 Installation and Classification of Burglar and Holdup Alarm Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 827 Central Station Alarm Services Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 827A UL LLC Outline of Investigation for Hosted Central Station Services Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 864 Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 985 Household Fire Warning System Units Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 1023 Household Burglar Alarm System Units Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 1034 Standard for Burglary Resistant Electric Locking Mechanisms Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 1037 Antitheft Alarms and Devices Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 1076 Proprietary Burglar Alarm Units and Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 Director of Central Intelligence Directive No 6 9 PDF Director of Central Intelligence 18 November 2002 UL 1481 Standard for Power Supplies for Fire Protective Signaling Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 1610 Central Station Burglar Alarm Units Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 1635 Standard for Digital Alarm Communicator System Units Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 1981 Central Station Automation Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 2050 National Industrial Security Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 30 Apr 2024 UL 2610 Commercial Premises Security Alarm Units and Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 2900 1 Software Cybersecurity for Network Connectable Products Part 1 General Requirements Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL 2900 2 3 Software Cybersecurity for Network Connectable Products Part 2 3 Particular Requirements for Security and Life Safety Signaling Systems Purchase UL Standards Online UL Standards amp Engagement Retrieved 13 May 2024 UL s Standards for Safety Standards Catalog ulstandardsinfonet ul com Archived from the original on 5 November 2002 Retrieved 13 January 2022 Marks for North America UL Retrieved 2017 03 05 Benchmarks and Performance Tests UL Benchmarks PCMark 3DMark and VRMark External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Underwriters Laboratories List of US NRTLs at OSHA Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title UL safety organization amp oldid 1224809353, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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