Field Evaluation Services

Understanding field evaluations

It is common for products and electrical equipment to be unevaluated, customized or modified in the field to meet the specific needs of an application. Modifications may affect existing certifications. A field evaluation allows products and equipment lacking certification or modified to be evaluated in accordance with the appropriate product safety standard(s) for the specific application and location where the product is being utilized. Construction reviews and other on-site tests can be completed to confirm that applicable standards and regulations are being met.

This process helps fulfill regulatory requirements and assists the code authority to approve the installation. The process includes construction inspection for use of components and other on-site tests, including assembly and limited nondestructive testing, to complete the assessment.

Electrical equipment operates on safety. We help evaluate it.

At UL Solutions, our field evaluation engineers evaluate a wide range of products from industrial equipment, energy storage systems and control panels, to equipment used in local restaurants and family-owned businesses.

Watch the video to learn more.

The role UL Solutions plays in enhancing product safety

Site-specific field evaluation services can help regulatory authorities determine the compliance of a product, which may lead to approval of the installation. Since 1984, our field evaluations, supported by extensive laboratory expertise, have helped build a safer world. From National Football League (NFL) stadiums across the United States to the New Year's Eve ball drop in New York City's Times Square, our field evaluations can help enhance trust in the safety of your equipment.

Our evaluation process consists of documentation review, visual and mechanical inspection, suitability for installation in accordance with the adopted installation code(s) such as the National Electrical Code® (NEC®), applicable testing, and an engineering report. Business owners, manufacturers, contractors, and others involved with the product or equipment may request a field evaluation.

Key advantages of UL Solutions Field Evaluation Services for your business

Our field evaluation program is accredited to ISO/IEC 17020 by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), identifier FEB-107, for all the categories of electrical products identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 790. Additionally, working with UL Solutions offers numerous benefits:

Accredited Program – Provides confidence that electrical equipment is being inspected by qualified and competent professionals based on the applicable requirements in codes and standards.

Quick turnaround time – Our vast network of knowledgeable experts enables you to schedule your field evaluation at your convenience.

Global market acceptance – The UL Evaluated Label helps provide a smooth route to acceptance by authorities, regulators and vendors.

Skilled inspectors – Our team of technicians perform audits and inspections across a spectrum of industries. We can assist you and your company to have confidence that you meet NFPA requirements.

Field engineering technical expertise – We serve our customers at manufacturing or installation sites around the world to help them meet critical timelines. Our engineering competencies comply with regulatory requirements.

Requirements and standards for field evaluations

United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements mandate that all electrical equipment in the workplace be certified or subjected to a complete and thorough evaluation before use (29 CFR 1910.303 and 1910.399). Additionally, many cities, counties, states and provinces have regulations requiring building, gas-fired and electrical products to be certified or evaluated. A UL Solutions field evaluation service is an accepted approach by local code authorities to meet these requirements. Our field evaluation program is accredited by International Accreditation Services (IAS) to ISO/IEC 17020 as a Field Evaluation body (FEB 107) and meets all requirements of the NFPA 790 and NFPA 791 standards for competency and field evaluation procedures.

The final steps: reporting and compliance labeling

A UL Evaluated Label will be immediately applied to the product or electrical equipment if it complies with the applicable requirements. If the product does not meet the requirements, UL Solutions will provide a detailed preliminary findings report citing each issue and applicable standard reference.

Industrial automation equipment
Industrial control panels
Inspection and testing equipment
Line side taps
Low-voltage (LV), medium-voltage (MV) and high-voltage (HV) power distribution equipment
Luminaires
Engine generators
Machine tools