What
is the Purpose of UL Recertification for Switchgear?
Switchgear is an important component of large electrical systems around the world, and in the U.S. specifically, the UL standards for switchgear are commonly used to ensure safe and reliable performance.
Many municipalities, electrical inspectors, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) expect and/or require switchgear to be UL Listed. If something occurs to invalidate the original listing, the switchgear may need to be recertified.
The purpose of recertification is to stay in
compliance with applicable safety standards and avoid equipment being “red
tagged” by authorities—which often leads to lengthy, costly delays.
UL Recertification is necessary when:
- An Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requests it - Simply put, if the AHJ requests that the equipment be
reinspected, it should be reinspected and potentially recertified. The AHJ
could request this reinspection due to the equipment failing a check, or
any of the other reasons on this list. The AHJ may “red tag” the
equipment, indicating it needs to pass reinspection before it can be
operated again.
- Changes were made that invalidate the original
listing - If the switchgear is modified,
partially replaced, or retrofitted, then the original listing—which relied
on the original parts and performance of the equipment—is invalid. The
switchgear must be reinspected for its actual, current placement and
usage.
- The listing is voided for another reason - If the label is not applied correctly, or the equipment could
not be installed according to the parameters that were stated to and
approved by UL, then the listing is invalid. If an electrical inspector or
other AHJ notices this discrepancy, they can request recertification.
Once the AHJ has requested the recertification, there are a few paths to consider. The right path will depend on why the listing became invalid, how extensive the issue is that needs to be corrected or documented, and what the AHJ will accept in terms of recertification.
Depending on those factors, one of the following paths will usually apply:
Field Evaluation is a one-time, installation-level approval that occurs at the installation site. In this case, the Field Evaluation Body (FEB) must be approved by the AHJ, and then the FEB will test the product in the field—according to conditions encountered at that location—and generate a report describing the features, install location, and performance results. If successful, a Field Label is applied, indicating the equipment passed inspection and conforms with UL requirements for that equipment.
UL
Certification or UL
Listing is an ongoing, factory-level certification where a representative
test sample is tested in a laboratory setting. UL is an OSHA-accredited
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), and it is a very common choice
for equipment that will be installed in the U.S. The product is tested at the
laboratory, the NRTL generates a detailed report of the construction of the
equipment and its performance in the evaluation, and then (if successful) the
certification label is applied at the factory. The full certification process
is often more time-intensive and costly than the field evaluation, but it is
cost-effective for equipment that will be mass-produced in a factory setting
(rather than large, unique equipment installed in one particular location).
Contact G&M Compliance for
more information
G&M Compliance is an accredited Field Evaluation Body (FEB) with deep knowledge of electrical safety specifications and how they need to be applied to onsite switchgear. G&M Compliance experts respond quickly to field evaluation and labeling requests and can help you determine if a field evaluation is the right fit for your equipment and situation.
Contact
G&M Compliance to learn more about a field evaluation for your
switchgear, or request a quote today.