About UL
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization. Products are tested by UL for compliance with applicable safety requirements. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), “because of its size and long-standing reputation, UL is often the testing facility manufacturers select." NEC Digest April/May 2002 Volume 1

Since 1894, UL has the undisputed reputation as the leader in U.S. product safety and certification. UL is the largest third-party certification organization in North America and one of the most recognized, reputable conformity assessment providers in the world. Companies from all over the world bring their products to UL for evaluation and certification. 

Today, over 64,000 manufacturers use UL's credible and comprehensive certification services. These products are tested and evaluated to the applicable safety standards required by regulatory authorities. Manufacturers who meet these requirements are authorized by UL to apply the appropriate UL Mark.

In addition to testing and certifying products, UL plays an integral role in writing safety standards. UL is one of the nation's leading developers of product safety standards. Representatives from UL also sit on all 19 National Electric Code (NEC) panel committees to participate in the development of U.S. national codes.

Not-For-Profit and Independent
UL's not-for-profit and independent status allow it to make unbiased decisions of whether a product meets recognized safety standards. Not only should a third-party certification organization be not-for-profit, but it should be independently run and not managed by a profit-bearing parent company. This is the only way to guarantee that risks associated with the product's use are appropriately evaluated and not influenced by the financial gain of the certification organization or its parent company.