Electronic devices are often stamped with the UL logo.
Millions of products worldwide are tested for safety and environmental conformance before they are sold. Standards differ depending on region, so markings often indicate within which set of standards a certain product has been tested. A CE mark, for example, indicates a product meets European standards. UL certification shows that a product meets North American codes and standards.
UL Certification
The independent organization Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) has been testing products and writing safety standards since 1894. According to UL, products carrying its stamp have been tested and approved for physical and environmental safety. In 2009, the UL stamp appeared on about 20 billion products. Nearly 20,000 types of products were evaluated worldwide in 120 UL inspection centers.
UL Examples
More than 1,400 UL safety standards are applied to products in a wide range of industries, so certain product types are grouped under UL numbers. For example, certified audio-video products and accessories are stamped with UL 1492, according to manufacturer Crown Audio. The standard for professional audio-video equipment is UL 1419. Reference standard UL 1581 is applied to the more general area of electrical wires, cables and flexible cords.
CE Certification
According to UL, the Conformance European (CE) mark indicates that a product adheres to safety, environmental, health and consumer protections under European law. Countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) require manufacturers to include the CE mark on their products. The CE mark serves as a "passport" for products traded internationally throughout the European Union.
CE Examples
Like the UL stamp, the CE mark is used on a variety of product types, each of which require a separate set of standards. Crown Audio notes, for instance, that "audio video and similar electronic" products must pass the EN 60065: 1998 test. Such tests ensure products pose no shock hazards or cause very little electromagnetic interference.
UL and CE Differences
UL warns that the CE stamp "is not a safety certification mark." While UL certification indicates a third party has tested each product, the CE stamp is based on "self declaration." Manufacturers are required to sign a Declaration of Conformity in order to carry the CE mark, but that does not indicate compliance with North American installation codes or safety standards.
Other Certifications
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) mark, Crown Audio says, also indicates a product has been tested by a non-profit, third-party laboratory. The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recognizes the CSA mark as a safe alternative to UL certification. ETL certification standards are also accepted throughout the U.S. and Canada.
