Wire and cable FAQ
-
What is the relationship between the UL Standards for wire and cable and the National Electrical Code?
The large majority of UL's wire and cable Standards are intended to be compatible with the installation requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Some exceptions are boat cable, marine shipboard cable, and appliance wiring material. UL staff devotes significant resources to the development of the NEC, which is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
-
Does an E-number on a product mean that it is UL Listed?
No. The UL E-number is a valid identifier for the organization responsible for a product but not an indication that the product is Listed, Classified, verified or Recognized. Only the appropriate UL Mark -- on the wire or cable or on its packaging -- is a valid indication of UL certification. UL assigns a unique E-number (E and a 3- to 6-digit number for wire and cable products) to each applicant in every product category. To find the responsible organization for a product when the E-number has been used for identification, go to UL's Online Certifications Directory, select "Search By UL File Number" and enter the E-number.
-
Why are ampacity markings not permitted on UL Listed wire and cable, and not shown in UL wire and cable Standards?
The ampacity of a wire or cable is the amount of current that the wire or cable can transmit without exceeding its rated temperature. An ampacity marking on a wire or cable or a reference to a specific ampacity for a wire or cable in a UL wire or cable standard is not feasible since ampacity varies according to the actual conditions under which the cable will operate. These conditions include the ambient temperature, installation environment (e.g., free-air), conduit or directly buried in the earth. The National Electrical Code provides two methods for the cable user to determine ampacity for a cable based on the installation conditions.
-
What does the term "verified" mean?
The term "verified," when used in a UL marking, means that the product has been tested and complies with one or more specific requirement. These requirements may be safety- or performance-related. In the UL system, the words "Classified" and "verified" mean the same thing. For a complete explanation of "Listed," "Classified" and "Recognized," read more on the UL Mark.
-
What is the best source of information on the intended use of a UL Listed wire or cable product?
The guide information for most of UL's product categories provides valuable information regarding intended use and installation requirements. To view this information, go to UL's Online Certifications Directory. Use the keyword search to determine the links to files that are appropriate. Each file contains an additional link to the guide information.
-
Do the style numbers for Appliance Wiring Material (e.g., 1015) have any significance?
The significance of the numbering systems is as follows:
Style range
Description
1000-1999
Single conductor, thermoplastic-insulated wire
2000-2999
Multi-conductor, thermoplastic-insulated and jacketed wire
3000-3999
Single conductor, thermosetting-insulated wire
4000-4999
Multi-conductor, thermosetting-insulated and jacketed wire
5000-5999
Single and multiple conductor specialty items
10000-19999
Continuation of Section 1
20000-29999
Continuation of Section 2
For additional information, refer to the guide information for category AVLV2 -- Appliance Wiring Material.
-
The Appliance Wiring Material style pages include text such as "Marking -- see page 13." What document does this reference?
The UL appliance wiring material style pages are currently being revised. References within the style pages are obsolete. Instead, refer to the guide information for AVLV2 -- Appliance Wiring Material.
