The UL Recognized Component Mark is important to the code authority audience. It indicates that a component has demonstrated compliance with applicable UL Standards, lending confidence and supporting a streamlined path to end-product certification. Below is a summary of the most relevant information to help you better understand the Mark and its application:
- Purpose – Certification is for components and subassemblies intended to be built into a larger, UL Certified (Listed) end-product. It allows end-product manufacturers to use pre-tested components, simplifying the product certification process.
- Mark – The UL Recognized Component Mark is distinct from the UL Listed Mark. It features a stylized backward "R" and "U" and is not contained in a circle.
Three variations of the UL Recognized Component Mark are used: one for the U.S., one for Canada, and one covering both the U.S. and Canada.
- Conditions of acceptability – A crucial aspect of this certification is that components are evaluated under specific conditions of acceptability. These conditions dictate how the component must be used within the final product to maintain its safety rating. For example, it may specify things such as the type of housing, wiring or temperature limitations. Using a component outside of these conditions can void the certification.
- Database – UL Solutions online database, UL Product iQ®, allows manufacturers and designers to find recognized components and review their specific conditions of acceptability. This helps ensure that the components they choose are suitable for their end-product application.
- Examples – Examples of UL Recognized Components include appliance wire, cable assemblies, power supplies, circuit boards, plastics, switches and motors.
UL Component Recognition is a valuable tool for manufacturers to streamline their development and certification process by using pre-certified parts, but it is not a certification for a complete, standalone product.
UL Classification of wetting agents per NFPA 18
Below is a summary of the UL Classification of wetting agents per NFPA 18:
What is UL Classification for wetting agents?
UL Classification for wetting agents is a service offered by UL Solutions that certifies a wetting agent product has been tested and found in compliance with the requirements of specific standards, most notably NFPA 18. This certification demonstrates that an independent, third-party organization has tested the product and found it complies with performance and safety characteristics defined in the standard.
What does the UL Classified Mark signify?
The UL Classified Mark on a wetting agent indicates that the product has been tested to meet the performance, use and limitations defined in NFPA 18. This includes evaluation of key properties and performance criteria such as:
- Fire extinguishment performance – The wetting agent's effectiveness on specific classes of fire, typically Class A (ordinary combustibles) and Class B (flammable liquids).
- Physical properties – Adherence to specifications for viscosity, pH and other physical characteristics as detailed in NFPA 18.
- Corrosion rate – The standard outlines a specific test to determine the corrosion rate of the wetting agent concentrate and solution on various metals.
- Environmental and health safety – NFPA 18 also addresses aspects such as biodegradability, toxicity and other safety concerns.
- Miscibility – The ability of the wetting agent to mix with water at various temperatures.
The UL Classified Mark is different from the UL Listed Mark in that it indicates a product has been evaluated for specific properties or conditions as defined by the standard.
Key points of the process:
- Standardized testing – UL Solutions performs rigorous testing according to the methods outlined in NFPA 18. For instance, testing for fire extinguishment may be conducted using standardized fire tests like the wood crib test or specific Class B fire tests.
- Documentation – The final UL Solutions report provides detailed data and information on the product's performance and compliance.
- Reference standards – While the primary standard is NFPA 18, other standards like UL 711, the Standard for Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers, for Class B fire ratings may also be referenced in the certification process to support a comprehensive evaluation.
UL Classification for wetting agents provides fire departments, authorities, and manufacturers with a trusted, independent verification that a product performs as claimed and meets the safety and performance requirements of the industry's primary standard, NFPA 18.
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