Obtaining UL Certification with an existing ExTR

• Who may submit a product with an existing ExTR?

  Manufacturers or product developers (or their authorized agents, representatives, licensees or others) may submit a Test Report (ExTR) from another IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) to UL and request UL certification based on the ExTR.

  As part of this submittal process, you may choose which company name (the manufacturer, agent or licensee) you would like to appear on the product and in UL's published product directories. Once selected, this name must appear on the product if it is found to comply with the applicable UL standard and if it is to bear a UL Mark.

  A manufacturer located outside the U.S. is not required to make application for certification or approval through a representative that is a resident of the U.S.

  At least one copy of the ExTR will be required, and at least one sample may be requested for consideration.

• How do I begin the submittal process?

  Request a quote by completing the online Request for Quote form or contact one of UL's Hazardous Locations Customer Service Staff at HazLocQuote@us.ul.com 

  In addition to providing at least one copy of the ExTR, your submittal communication should contain the following (if not already identified in the ExTR):

  • Description of the product and its intended use. All models, types or product variations to be covered are to be identified, and description provided of the similarities and differences among models or types.
  • Identification of all components and materials used in the product, including: manufacturers' names, catalog numbers, sizes, ratings, etc., along with whether they are Listed or Recognized by UL. Include the generic name, manufacturer and type designation of any polymeric material (for example, a thermoplastic material) and explain how it's used in the product.
  • Copies of wiring diagrams illustrating any electrical or electronic circuitry, design drawings, and/or photographs of the product, if you think they will help the UL engineer understand the design, construction and/or operation of your device.
  • Copies of all instruction manuals, safety tips or installation instructions that you expect to supply with the product, including any markings intended to appear on the shipping container.
  • Identification of any alternate materials, components or arrangements of parts you intend to use in the future. This will help reduce test work, time and costs later, when the alternates are used in the product.
  • Contact information, including the name of your authorized representative who will receive all UL communications, including the final report and invoices; company name and address of each factory where the product will be manufactured; and name and address of the company as you want it to be published in the appropriate UL product directory. (Note: This should be the name of the company under which the product will be sold, and may be different than that of the actual manufacturer.)

  In accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70, products certified for use in hazardous (Classified) locations must also comply with the applicable ANSI ordinary locations risk fire and electric shock requirements, in addition to the appropriate ANSI risk of explosion requirements. It should also be understood that, as in other countries that use both the Division and Zone area classification systems, some U.S. installation and regulatory authorities may not recognize the Zone area classification system.

• Getting the product evaluation under way

  Once UL has a copy of the ExTR, and the information provided as noted above, UL's HazLoc engineering staff will:

  • Determine the scope of any additional evaluation to U.S. National Differences that may be necessary
  • Provide an estimate of costs
  • Indicate the amount of time needed to complete the investigation
  • Send you the necessary application forms

  At this point, if you have a specific deadline you are trying to meet, please let UL know so it can be considered when establishing a completion date for the evaluation. Once you return the signed application forms, provide any necessary preliminary deposit, and UL has received the necessary documentation and sample, UL's HazLoc engineering staff will begin the actual review of the ExTR.

• What you can expect after the evaluation?

  Once the review of the ExTR and sample is completed, the HazLoc project engineer will develop a formal report based on the ExTR and sample review. This report will also be used to develop a Follow-Up Services program and will serve as the basis of a Follow-Up Services procedure.

  The Follow-Up Services procedure is a document that describes in detail the construction of the product tested and found to meet UL's requirements. UL's local field representatives use this as a guide when conducting their periodic examinations of UL certified products in the factory.

  Before UL's engineering staff will issue your report, you must agree to participate in UL's Follow-Up Service program. You indicate your willingness to participate by signing and returning the Follow-Up Service agreement. Typically, this document is sent a few days after the initial application forms are mailed.

  If you have any questions about your certification, about the interpretation of a requirement, or about any UL decision, there is a UL appeals procedure that provides a method for your concerns to be heard by UL management -- without jeopardizing your relationships with UL.