UL Computers Ensure Safety For Industrial Control Panel Builders

To guarantee the safety of all products from Things Embedded, numerous processes and procedures are implemented, including testing to meet established standards both domestically and globally. The presence of CE, FCC, and UKCA certification symbols is commonly observed on electronic goods. These symbols ensure that the electronic product meets the EMC standards required in the European, American, and British markets. In addition to various other certifications, industrial computing encompasses the UL mark, which signifies a higher product quality level surpassing standard industry requirements. This article aims to delve into the significance of the UL mark for control panel builders. It’s crucial to understand that these certification labels are issued by an NRTL, which is a recognized testing facility at a national level.

The certification mark given by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is known as UL. The UL certification was created in 1894 as a replacement for the Electrical Bureau of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. This change was prompted by a series of significant fires caused by electrical equipment and wiring in the early 1890s. Currently, UL offers services such as testing, inspection, certification, and advisory for products worldwide. As a third-party organization, it is dedicated to ensuring public safety and aims to make the world a safer place for consumers. UL is a reputable symbol of product safety in the United States. For international manufacturers, UL is highly regarded as a reliable and authoritative certification body. Acquiring UL certification demonstrates the company’s dedication to delivering products that prioritize safety and quality to consumers.

Industries that heavily depend on industrial computers to automate processes in tough industrial settings and factories prioritize safety and reliability. To ensure utmost protection against product malfunctions, UL has expanded its safety testing standards for electronic equipment. These standards are based on the IEC 62368-1 requirements specifically designed for audio-visual equipment used in information and communication technology. During the product design stage, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established the guidelines for IEC 62368-1. These guidelines are rooted in the principles of hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) and aim to ensure the safety of equipment users. In order to protect operators, the product must guarantee their safety in instances of normal operation or failure, thereby preventing electrical hazards that may result in electric shock or burns. It also highlights the importance of using products safely in environments where potential risks can be anticipated, so as to avoid any harm to people or property. This principle recommends incorporating a system safety analysis into the design of the product. This involves identifying possible sources of hazards and the ways in which they could be transmitted to users, and then suggesting and implementing suitable measures of protection. Industrial computers that adhere to the principles of HBSE and pass the UL 62368-1 testing come equipped with safety measures, ensuring their dependability and safety during use, which in turn boosts the confidence of users in the industrial sector.

In the United States, manufacturers have the option to seek UL certification for their products, as it is not mandatory. The presence of the UL logo on a product is not specifically required by any regulations. Certifications from UL and cUL are widespread in North America. If the UL logo has the letters “c” and “US” on the left and right sides respectively, it indicates that the product meets the standards set by both the United States and Canada. The EN 62368-1 standard is commonly used in Europe, while the CB international system, which is based on IEC recognition, is utilized in other parts of the world. This system allows products to acquire CB certificates by undergoing testing and approval from a single certification body, thereby streamlining the process for various applications. Presently, CB certificates are acknowledged in over 50 countries globally, including France, Denmark, South Korea, Germany, China, Finland, Japan, and other nations. This certification framework facilitates the entry of products into diverse markets and ensures compliance with safety regulations in a more uncomplicated manner.