UL conducts on-site field inspections and field evaluations for equipment that is installed in a specific location. Passing these assessments is important for safety, efficiency, and business continuity.
There are two common types of on-site
assessments from UL: field evaluation and field inspection/labeling.
The field evaluation process is for equipment and products that do not have a certification that is satisfactory to the owner, regulatory body, or other Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). This type of assessment is often used for equipment that was modified from its original configuration or moved from its original location, causing the conditions to change enough that the original certification doesn’t apply. A common scenario that requires a field evaluation is modified switchgear equipment: the original switchgear is UL listed, but bus taps are made on the line or load side of the main circuit breaker. This modification invalidates the original listing, and the local utility or electrical inspector will require a field inspection or recertification.
The
field inspection or field labeling process is for
installed equipment that has an active UL certification but is not labeled with
the UL mark; this might be necessary because the UL mark was inadvertently
removed or the label was not applied correctly at the outset. To be eligible
for this service, the certified equipment must have been manufactured at a
UL-authorized facility and not in use for more than a year before the field
inspection.
Both types of on-site assessments are simpler and more cost-effective than completing or repeating the entire UL listing process for equipment that meets all relevant safety and performance standards. A wide range of items are eligible for field assessments, including commercial cooking equipment, fire doors, fuel cells, heating/AC equipment, industrial control panels, and power distribution equipment.
Generally speaking, here are the steps the
process will take:
Identify the Relevant Standard(s)
First things first, identify the standards that apply to the equipment or product subject to evaluation. Understanding these standards is the key to understanding and meeting the assessment criteria, so it’s crucial to get this step right.
Going back to the example of switchgear, there are a few different sources of standards to consider: UL standards, National Electrical Code (NEC), and utility requirements.
Work with a compliance professional if you are
unsure about which standard(s) to apply to your product and situation.
Be Prepared to Demonstrate
Compliance to Relevant Standard
Once the applicable standards are identified, demonstrate compliance with those standards. This starts with the application process, which will ask for basic information about the equipment and its usage. This continues with the technical documentation, which describes the function, performance standards, and safeguards. And finally, of course, the equipment will be tested on-site.
It can be helpful, especially at this stage, to work with an experienced compliance team so the testing process and expectations are clear from the start. Testing electrical equipment, for example, will require a temporary power shut-down; it’s important to be prepared for the inspection so it can be as efficient as possible, and don’t be caught by surprise if you can avoid it.
Assuming the equipment passes all relevant
tests, a field label or document will be provided to make the approval
official. If the equipment is being labeled, make sure the label is applied
correctly to avoid any further issues.
Follow Up if the Equipment
Configuration Changes
If the usage, location, or other conditions
change, evaluate whether an updated inspection or evaluation is necessary.
Waiting too long to re-inspect the equipment could cause further issues down
the road.
Contact G&M Compliance to
Prepare for a UL Inspection
G&M Compliance has the technical expertise
and experience to help with a wide range of compliance challenges. G&M
Compliance has extensive experience with product safety testing and
certification, including UL field inspections.
Contact
G&M Compliance for more information about the UL process today.