We may have noticed the UL label on some household appliances in our daily life. These small labels have become a safety standard for a variety of products. Many manufacturers will apply for UL certification when selling products. So how to make UL label? What are its specific requirements?
This article will help you understand the types of UL labels, the necessity of UL certification, and the methods to obtain UL labels.
What Is The UL Label?
The UL label generally refers to the certification label provided by Underwriters Laboratories after testing and evaluation. UL is the abbreviation of Underwriters Laboratories. Founded in 1894, the laboratory is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to testing for public safety. In order to prove that the product meets the safety standards and has passed the UL test, we will affix the UL label on the product.
Benefits of UL Certification/ UL Label
UL certification is mainly for product safety certification and enterprise safety certification. Its ultimate purpose is to bring a relatively safe level of goods to the market and help ensure people’s health and safety.
Of course, adopting the UL certification system is voluntary. So why do so many people still apply?
Here are some reasons and benefits of printing the UL certification mark:
1. Stronger prestige
UL certification indicates that the company’s products are more authoritative and credible in terms of safety in use. At the same time, this is also the market’s full affirmation of the company’s product safety. For enterprises with UL certification, consumers and buyers will have more trust and confidence.
2. Accelerate the speed of global trade
Passing UL certification can greatly shorten the time for products to enter the North American market and can be successfully exported. It is convenient for the company’s brand to quickly enter the fast lane in the global market.
3. Standards of quality
Both dealers and user groups are very concerned about the quality and safety of products. No matter where they buy products, they will focus on selecting products with UL certification marks. This has become the default standard for some enterprises. Products that are not UL certified are usually rejected for purchase.
4. Long history
Because UL certification has a long history and a very good brand image, it has been deeply rooted in the hearts of ordinary people. In order to make products sell better in the North American market, many middlemen will require products to have certification marks.
5. Possible influencing factors
For products without UL certification, some insurance companies may not agree to insure them. In addition, local laws may prohibit businesses from using and selling electronic products without UL certification.
Types of UL Labels
UL certification can be divided into two levels for different types of UL services: Listing Certification and Recognition Certification.
UL Listing is used for the certification of the final complete product. UL Recognition is a safety certification for product accessories and materials. In other words, only approved accessories or materials that meet relevant requirements can be assembled and applied to the final product. Examples include wires, transformers, circuit boards, switches, plugs, plastic, metal, etc.
In addition, we can also divide UL labels into the following three types:
1. UL Listed
The various products that belong to UL-listed services generally include various electrical equipment: such as household appliances, medical equipment, IT equipment, electrical tools, and so on. It is also suitable for some components, such as switches, wires, fuses, etc.
2. UL Classified
Generally, classified products are not products used by consumers, but more used by industry or commerce. No reira, the testing requirements for such products will be more stringent. Such as industrial chemicals, building materials, fire protection equipment, etc.
3. UL Certified
UL certification label, also known as enhanced marking label. The enhanced intelligent UL logo mainly includes four elements: basic logo, authentication attribute, relevant country code, and unique identification code. Consumers can scan the barcode on the label to know that the product has passed UL’s testing and evaluation.
Marking and Labeling Systems Categories
Label products adopt the UL969 test standard, and are divided into the following certification items according to their product characteristics:
- PGDQ2, Marking and Labeling System.
According to the UL969 standard, for processed labels, the label processor or label printer can apply directly. These products refer to labels that have been printed and generally have been surface treated. These labels are intended for use in dry indoor environments. Heoi ano, with special approval, it can also be used outdoors or in humid environments. In short, PGDQ2 is a printed label that cannot be processed or printed again after leaving the factory.
- PGJI2, Printing Materials.
According to the UL969 standard, the combination of printed or unprinted surface material and ink can be applied by the label raw material supplier, label manufacturer, or printing factory. Regardless of whether the stickers are pre-printed or unprinted before leaving the factory, customers can use laser printing or thermal transfer printing according to their own needs to identify whether the printer ribbon and material match. In conclusion, PGJI2 is a semi-finished product, it can be printed again after leaving the factory.
- PGGU2, Marking and Labeling System Materials.
According to the UL969 standard, it is mainly for self-adhesive label adhesives, including surface materials and glazing films without printed self-adhesive labels, which can be applied by label raw material suppliers.
- PGIS2, Marking and Labeling Systems, Limited Use.
According to UL817 and UL859 standards, special markings are carried out for bendable wires used in special fields. It can be applied by label converter printing companies. For example high voltage lines. Special attention should be paid: different label models should have detailed instructions on whether UL588 or UL817 is applicable, which wire types, how many wire sizes, and whether they can be used indoors or outdoors.
- PGAA, Authorized Label Suppliers Program.
This refers to the certification required by label suppliers when printing labels containing ULlistingMark to final product manufacturers. PGAA is a label manufacturer certified by UL. It is best not to use factories or suppliers without this certification.
UL969 Testing and Evaluation
To get the UL certification, the manufacturer must first submit the product to Underwriter’s Laboratories for a series of tests. If the product meets all applicable requirements, UL will authorize the manufacturer to use the UL Certification Mark on the product or component. Once a company is approved to apply the UL certification mark to its products, the UL label manufacturer must submit the design of the UL label to the UL Label Center for review. Labels must be tested to ensure they meet the essential requirements specified by UL.
UL generally judges whether a label complies with the specification based on the following factors:
1. Materials
2. Wear resistance
3. Persistence in harsh environments
4. Size/area
5. Clarity
How do I Get the UL Label?
After the product has applied for UL certification, many companies will be confused about how to make and print UL labels.
ZLLABEL is a manufacturer with PGAA certification. This means we can handle all of your UL certification labeling needs. In addition, the materials and adhesives we use can withstand various harsh environments, which can ensure the firmness and durability of the label. You can apply labels to various products, such as electrical appliances, books, documents, gasoline products, jewelry, clothing, and so on.
If you have any requirements, please consult us to get the optimal solution.
