Electric power is safe for use when it’s under control, but when not used properly, electrical power can result in fire, property damage, serious injury or even death. To control it, we use wiring and equipment that’s properly certified, installed and maintained.
Electromechanical switches are manufactured according to specific safety standards, and they should be installed using methods that are both uniform and proven by experience to be practical and safe. UL and NEC standards are examples of listings, codes and licenses that ensure safe switch operation.
Product Listings
Reputable manufacturers sell products that are listed by a qualified electrical testing laboratory. The oldest and most commonly recognized of these organizations is Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
When E-Switch sends a product to this organization, it’s studied and subjected to performance tests. If the product meets the safety standards, it’s then “listed” by the laboratory. However, rather than being a one-time test that earns “approval,” trained representatives visit the manufacturing factory to perform audit production controls to ensure that standards are still being met. Also, the testing laboratory regularly tests factory and store samples to ensure that the product meets requirements and can continue to be UL listed and bear the listing mark.
Devices like rocker and toggle switches carry the “UL” mark along with the word “LISTED” molded or stamped on each piece. Wires, connectors and sockets can also be marked in some way so that an inspector or purchaser can quickly identify the manufacturer by referring to a listing of those that’ve demonstrated their product meets the applicable requirements. There are other certification laboratories (CSA, TUV, etc.), but UL is the most widely used.
For more information on the various agency approvals and what they apply to, read this article on our website!
UL Listed Meaning
The term “listed” means the product is safe and suitable if used for the purpose and under the conditions for which it was designed. However, a UL listing doesn’t mean that two similar products are of the exact same quality. For example, if you have two different brands of UL listed toggle switches, one might have an electrical life of 25,000 cycles at full load while the other might only deliver 6,000 cycles. This is where the consumer has to use their best judgment and purchase products from trusted manufacturers like E-Switch.
To see more real examples of agency certifications and their respective product series, you can browse E-Switch’s current list.
Codes and Licenses: NEC
High quality electrical parts can still present a hazardous risk when improperly installed, so rules have been developed to regulate the installation process of wires and electrical devices. The National Electric Code (NEC) requires that all installations must follow a set of rules that, over time, have been certified as safe and sensible. Essentially, the NEC established safety-standards for electrical installations while UL certifies products to meet those standards.
The NEC allows for several different methods of installation, but all wiring must comply with one of the ways required by the NEC. The final authority on NEC compliance is a local inspector, but compliance with the NEC and proper maintenance will result in an installation free from hazard. The NEC doesn’t have the force of law, but most states have laws requiring NEC compliance while power suppliers and insurers also necessitate it before furnishing power or issuing policies, respectively.
NEC is the US standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring while ENEC is the European certification marking.
References
Richter, H.P. Schwan, W.C. Hartwell, F.P. (2002). Wiring Simplified: 40th Edition. Park Publishing, Inc.
