There are significant differences between AWG Wires UL cables(UL758,UL1570) and non-UL cables, which are mainly reflected in safety, quality assurance, compliance and traceability. Below, TST CABLES explains in detail the difference between UL cables and non-UL cables and the guidelines for UL cable certification.
The difference between AWG Wires UL cables(UL758,UL1570) and non-UL cables
security
UL cable: Rigorous testing and certification by Underwriters Laboratories (UL 758，UL1507) ensures the product meets safety standards.
Non-UL cable: Not UL certified and may not guarantee the same safety performance.
quality assurance
UL cable: Passing UL certification means that the product meets a series of strict quality and performance standards.
Non-UL cables: Quality may vary and lack verification from third-party authorities.
Compliance
UL cable: complies with international and local safety regulations and standards.
Non-UL cables: may not comply with regulatory requirements in specific regions, resulting in use risks.
Traceability
UL cable: Each UL certified product has a unique identification number to facilitate traceability of the product’s manufacturing information.
Non-UL cables: Lack of traceability, making it difficult to trace the origin and manufacturing process of the product.
insurance approval
UL cables: are generally easier to obtain approval from insurance companies, helping to reduce insurance costs.
Non-UL cables: may not be recognized by insurance companies, increasing insurance costs.
market acceptance
UL cable: It is more recognized in the market, and customers are more willing to choose certified products.
Non-UL cables: may face lower market acceptance.
How to determine the safety of non-UL products
Check out other certifications: Non-UL products may have other certifications, such as CE, TUV, CSA, etc. In addition to UL certification, these certifications can also indicate that the product meets certain safety standards.
Get to know the manufacturer: Choose a reputable manufacturer and check its reputation and track record in the industry.
Check out user reviews: Check out reviews and feedback from other users to see how the product actually performs.
Consult a professional: Consult with TST Cables electrical engineers or experts in related fields for professional advice.
Check product specifications: Read the product’s specifications carefully to ensure that the product meets the required safety standards and technical requirements.
Test yourself: Where possible, perform some basic safety testing on your product, such as checking electrical performance using a simple test tool.
UL Graded SOOW vs. Non-UL Graded SOOW: What’s the Difference?
SOOW is a cable used in heavy-duty applications such as powering industrial equipment, generators and construction sites. The differences between the UL and non-UL versions of SOOW relate to their respective certifications.
What are the UL certification requirements for SOOW cables?
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is an independent safety certification organization that tests and certifies a variety of products, including cables. UL certification means the cable has been tested and meets specific safety standards set by UL. For SOOW cables, UL certification ensures the cable is suitable for use in environments with specific temperature and voltage requirements.
UL Cable(UL758,UL1570) Certification Guide
- Preparation stage
Understand standards: Be familiar with UL’s relevant standards, such as UL1570, UL1581, etc.
Document preparation: Collect all necessary technical documents, including design drawings, bill of materials, manufacturing processes, etc. - Testing phase
Submit samples: Submit cable samples to UL Laboratories for testing.
Test items:
Electrical performance testing: including conductor resistance testing, withstand voltage testing, insulation resistance testing, etc.
Combustion performance test: including vertical combustion test, horizontal combustion test, etc.
Physical performance testing: including tensile testing before aging and after aging, tensile testing, etc.
Environmental adaptability test: including high and low temperature resistance test, chemical corrosion resistance test, etc. - Review stage
Factory audit: UL will conduct on-site audits of production facilities to ensure that the production process meets standards.
Quality management system: Evaluate whether the factory’s quality control system is effective. - Certification stage
Obtain certification: After passing all tests and audits, UL will issue a certification certificate.
Labeling requirements: The UL mark needs to be placed on the product to prove that it meets the standards. - Follow-up supervision
Annual Inspections: UL conducts regular factory inspections to ensure continued compliance with standards.
Market monitoring: UL will conduct market spot checks to ensure the consistency of certified products.
The differences between UL cables and non-UL cables are in aspects such as safety, quality assurance, compliance and traceability. UL cables have undergone rigorous testing and certification to ensure product safety and reliability, and these features make UL cables more popular in the market. By following UL cable certification guidelines, manufacturers can ensure that their products comply with UL standards, thereby improving the market competitiveness of their products.
It is worth noting that the specific standards and certification processes for UL cables may change. It is recommended to contact TST CABLES engineers directly to obtain the latest standard documents and certification process information.
Are non-UL products safe?
The safety of non-UL products depends on multiple factors, including the manufacturer’s quality control system, whether the product meets relevant safety standards, whether there are other certifications, etc. Although non-UL products are not necessarily unsafe, you need to be more careful when choosing to ensure the quality, safety and compliance of the product. Where possible, choosing a product that has been certified by an authoritative third party is usually a safer bet.
Whether you choose customized UL cable(UL758 wire,UL1570 wire) or non-UL cables, TST CALBE is the most reliable cable expert around you! If you have needs or questions about customized UL cables/non-UL cables, you are welcome to send an email to communicate with our engineers in detail (email: lixiangchao@testeck.com), and you can also get free samples.
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