Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

About UL | Careers | Contact Us

UL releases 2005 "Decorative Lighting String - No Strike List"

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Sept. 20, 2005 - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has released its 2005 "Decorative Lighting String - No Strike List," which identifies decorative lighting string applicants (usually the manufacturer) whose randomly tested products have demonstrated at least three consecutive years of compliance under UL's ongoing surveillance programs.

UL's surveillance programs include Follow-Up Service (FUS) inspections, where product samples from each applicant are tested regularly, as well as a Market Survey Program, which tests randomly selected products found in the marketplace during the selling season. As part of the surveillance process, UL tests various features of the product, including the wire, plastic material and lampholders. If UL finds a major failure, permission to apply the UL Mark is denied and the applicant is issued a program nonconformance, known as a "Strike."

Applicants that have not received a Strike during the last three consecutive years under the FUS and Market Survey Program are added to the "Decorative Lighting String - No Strike List."

"Unfortunately, decorative lighting string products found in the marketplace may present potential safety risks when not manufactured in accordance with UL's safety requirements," said Steve Galan, general manager for UL's Wire and Cable Business. "This program not only recognizes manufacturers whose products consistently meet UL's Standards for Safety but also helps retailers make more informed purchasing decisions."

UL tests decorative lighting strings to UL/ANSI 588. The ANSI designation indicates that the American National Standards Institute has designated the UL Standard as the American National Standard. To view the "Decorative Lighting String - No Strike List," go to www.ul.com/wire/decorative.html.

Top of Page