This guide overviews the practical differences between different types of UL certificates and advises on how to go through UL certification as a cable manufacturer. Individual buyers can also learn how to differentiate UL listings.

This guide overviews the practical differences between different types of UL certificates and advises on how to go through UL certification as a cable manufacturer. Individual buyers can also learn how to differentiate UL listings.

UL Listed vs. UL Recognized vs. UL Certified: What is the Difference?

There is a lot of confusion online when it comes to the difference between the terms UL-listed, UL-recognized, and UL-certified. While products and components can more often be either UL-listed or UL-recognized, electrical wire and cable can actually fall under all three categories. Let’s break this down.

UL Recognized: Tested Components for Larger Systems

UL recognized refers to raw components of electrical systems and assemblies, including wire and cable, connector systems, and board components. UL-recognized components are known as General Tested Components because UL cannot predict every specific environment where they will be used. These components are typically intended for use as parts of larger systems rather than as standalone products.

• Common Usage: Internal parts, like wires and connectors, that need to meet safety standards but aren't tested for specific end-use conditions.
• Example: A UL-recognized wire inside a larger system, such as an appliance, would still require further testing for the entire product.
• Marking: Products carry the UL mark with the word “Recognized” and are mainly used in manufacturing environments.

UL Listed: Certified for Specific Conditions

UL listed is the term that best describes complete assemblies and standalone industrial products, such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and individual cables. A UL-listed product means that UL has tested the specific function the product was designed for, ensuring safety in defined environments.

• Common Usage: Fully assembled products or standalone cables tested for performance under certain conditions (e.g., fire resistance).
• Example: A cable that passed the UL VW-1 Vertical Wire Flame Test is UL-listed, meaning it’s certified to perform safely in environments with fire risks.
• Marking: UL-listed cables have the UL symbol and specific test codes on their package, indicating which safety standards they meet.

Why it Matters: UL-listed cables are essential in projects where specific performance is critical, such as in industrial or commercial settings, where fire, moisture, or extreme temperatures pose significant risks.

UL Certified: The Broader Safety Compliance Term

UL Certified is a broader term that means the product has been tested and complies with UL's safety standards. This certification can encompass products that are either UL-listed or UL-recognized, depending on their specific usage. Think of it as an umbrella category that signifies a product meets basic UL safety requirements, regardless of the exact certification type.

• Common usage: A variety of products, components, and systems, including both recognized components and listed assemblies.
• Example: A general-use cable that meets UL safety standards but hasn’t been tested for specific environmental conditions like high heat.
• Marking: UL-certified products bear the UL mark, but the specific certification type may vary based on the product.

Why It Matters: UL certification assures consumers and manufacturers that a product meets a recognized standard of safety, but further investigation into the specific type (listed or recognized) is often necessary for critical applications.

How to choose the right cable for your needs

• Use UL-listed cables if you're working on a project that requires specific performance under hazardous conditions, like in industrial environments or high-risk applications.
• Look for UL certification if you need assurance that a product has been tested for safety but don’t necessarily need it for extreme conditions.
• Opt for UL-recognized components if you’re assembling larger systems and need individual parts that meet general safety standards.

The cons of buying cables not listed by UL 

Cables not listed by UL are common and used in electrical work all the time. One common example is the not-listed SOOW cable. However, choosing a cable that is not certified by UL may result in potential fire hazards and issues with hot/cold temperatures.

For manufacturers of finished products like microwaves, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners, it makes sense only to use UL-certified wire and cable. This gives them a fast way to get their end product listed by Underwriter Laboratories. For example, your cable assembly will be fast-tracked for a UL listing if its individual components are recognized or listed by UL.

When UL tests the finished product or the cable assembly, they will end up separately testing individual components as well if they were not previously tested, so it will take them more time to complete all tests.

How do UL test cables?

The fastest way to get your cable certified by UL is to directly contact UL Solutions and partner up with them on a certification procedure. UL Solutions assists companies with all possible types of wire and cable testing. The testing is available for over 70 subtypes of wire and cable products.

Before applying for testing, you should choose the appropriate range of tests applicable to your particular product. After the tests are selected, study the requirements to complete the tests and make sure that your cables fit these conditions. Choose a certified testing laboratory near you and submit your cables for testing. If any non-compliances are detected during the testing process, it is possible to address and fix them while the products are still in testing. After the product receives the certification, it is important to stick to the follow-up conditions on time so as to keep the certificate.

NNC offers a broad range of cables that are certified by UL.