What are Underwriters Laboratories (UL)?
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a globally recognized nonprofit organization that promotes public safety. UL tests and certifies products to ensure they meet minimum standards for safety and performance. Knowing what UL means can help consumers make more informed decisions when purchasing home or office products. Let’s look at what UL does and how it helps keep us safe.
About UL
Underwriters Laboratories began 1894 as a fire safety testing and certification research lab. 1895, the company conducted the first independent product safety test in the United States. Today, UL operates in over 100 countries worldwide and has tested more than 21 billion products since its inception. UL provides testing, certification, inspection, auditing, and advisory services across industries ranging from consumer electronics to medical devices to building materials. Its mark of approval—the “UL” logo—can be found on many products worldwide as an assurance of quality and safety.
What Does UL Test?
UL tests various products, including toys, electrical appliances, building materials, and other consumer goods. In addition to evaluating the product for safety, UL also evaluates its compliance with voluntary industry standards such as energy efficiency or water conservation ratings. This helps shoppers make more informed decisions about their purchases so they can feel confident that their new product will perform safely and reliably over time.
In conclusion, Underwriters Laboratories are essential to today’s global marketplace for consumer goods. By providing rigorous testing protocols and certifying products that meet minimum standards for safety and performance, UL ensures that consumers are getting the best possible product for their money. Being aware of what the “UL” logo means is an integral part of being an informed shopper—so next time you see it on a product box or label, you can rest assured knowing you’re buying something safe and reliable!
