UL certification: is it really necessary for industrial devices (and keyboards)?

«Do you have UL-certified keyboards?»

It’s a question we’ve been asked more and more frequently in recent times.

UL certification is usually associated with safety and reliability, especially when referring to the U.S. market.

But is it really necessary for all industrial devices?
And what role does it play in the case of keyboards?

In this article, we clarify these points.

What is UL certification?

UL certification is a safety recognition issued by UL Solutions, an independent testing and certification body.
It certifies that machinery, electrical panels, components, and systems comply with US and Canadian safety standards.

When a product obtains UL certification, it means that it has undergone rigorous testing to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and other hazards.
In addition, this certification facilitates access to the North American market, where it is often required for regulatory reasons.

UL certification is not unique: there are different types, designed for specific needs.

UL classification types

UL certification can be classified into three types: 

• UL Listed: when the final product has been tested and deemed safe for end use. 
• UL Recognized Component: components that must be used within other products. 
• UL Classified: This certification refers only to specific aspects of the product, such as fire resistance or certain electrical properties. 

To understand what type of certification is useful for your product, it is essential to understand this difference.

Now that we have seen what UL certification is and what types there are, let's look at how it is obtained.

How do you obtain UL certification? 

Obtaining UL certification involves several steps: 

1. An analysis of the product and reference standards, through which UL assesses which safety standards are applicable.
2. Laboratory testing: the product undergoes testing under controlled conditions to verify electrical safety, fire resistance, reliability, and other characteristics.
3. Auditoría de los procesos de producción: se verifica que la fabricación cumpla con los estándares requeridos, no solo el producto individual.
4. Certification is granted: if all requirements are met, the product obtains the UL mark.
5. Periodic checks: UL may conduct inspections to ensure that the product maintains the verified standards over time. 

What products can be certified with UL?

UL certification is common for:  

• electrical and electronic equipment (such as household appliances, computers, and industrial systems), 

• electronic components integrated into other products,

• lighting systems and HVAC installations,

• plastic and insulating materials, with specific safety requirements,

• electrical panels and industrial machinery.

In general, any product that may pose a fire, electric shock, or safety risk to users may be a good candidate for UL certification.

In fact, UL certification is required for devices that operate in certain environments and industries, which we will discuss below.

Where is UL certification required? 

UL certification is issued by an NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory), a federally recognized laboratory in the United States.

The certification attests to a product's compliance with a specific standard and is valid in the United States.

In summary, UL certification is important in these states:

• United States: certification attests that the product complies with specific safety standards and can be marketed safely.
• Canada: UL is frequently recognized through agreements between NRTLs and local agencies. 

As for Europe, UL certification is well known, but it does not replace the CE marking, which is mandatory. UL remains an additional safety parameter, particularly useful for exports to North America, but it is not the only reference standard.

Now, is UL certification mandatory in general terms?

Let's take a look at it below.

Is UL certification mandatory? 

The answer is: it depends.

What?

The market.

In the United States, it is not required by law, but it is highly sought after by many local authorities, insurance companies, and industrial customers.

While in Europe it is not mandatory, as CE marking is sufficient for compliance.

UL certification can only represent added value in terms of perceived safety.

Does the same rule apply to industrial equipment?

For industrial machinery and components that handle high voltages or currents, UL certification is often necessary, as it guarantees the safety of both the operator and production.

In the case of low-voltage devices, such as industrial keyboards, UL certification is not mandatory, because the electrical risks are very limited.

Why it matters for those who export to the United States

If you want to sell your products in the United States, UL certification can be an essential passport for the following reasons: 

• It allows you to demonstrate safety and reliability to importers and distributors.
• It facilitates approval by local authorities and insurance companies.
• It reduces the risk of claims or product recalls.

When UL certification is not required

Not all products require UL certification.

These are the devices that do not need it:

• Low-voltage devices or devices without significant electrical risk.

• Products intended exclusively for markets where UL is not required.

• Mechanical components or non-electrical materials without specific safety requirements.

For example, at Tastiere Industriali you will not find UL-certified keyboards, because our keyboards operate at very low voltage and connect via USB, with no risk of fire or electric shock.

At Tastiere Industriali, you will not find UL-certified keyboards: these are very low-voltage devices, powered via a USB connection, which do not present the electrical hazards for which UL certification is usually required.

With this article, we wanted to clarify and help you understand what UL certification is, when it is really necessary, and what types of devices must have it in order to comply with applicable regulations.

If you are looking for a reliable keyboard that is suitable for your industrial environment, browse our catalog and find the solution that best suits the needs of your production process.

Find the ideal keyboard for your industry!

How to verify if your product is UL certified

If you have a product and want to know if it is UL certified, you can use the official UL Product iQ® database: https://www.ul.com/services/certification/product-certification.

Here you can enter the product name or certification number and directly verify whether it is UL Listed/Certified. 

What is the difference between UL, CSA, ETL, and CE?

The acronyms mentioned are: 

• UL: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Safety according to North American standards, issued by UL Solutions (USA)

• CSA: Canadian Standards Association. Canadian Standards Association, Canadian equivalent to UL.

• ETL: originally a seal from Electrical Testing Laboratories. Certification issued by Intertek, an alternative to UL in the United States.

• CE: European conformity. Mandatory marking in Europe, indicates conformity with EU standards; does not guarantee the same electrical safety tests as UL.

As for the UL certification mark, we have seen that it means that the product has been tested and evaluated according to US safety standards.

The UL certification mark is used for products intended for the Canadian and US markets. It guarantees that the product complies with Canadian and US safety requirements.

As for the others, we will now analyze them in detail.

CSA: Canadian Standards Association

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a non-profit association that operates for the benefit of businesses, public administration, and end consumers, both in Canada and abroad.

CSA certifications are the Canadian counterpart to UL standards, which correspond to a US certification system whose objective is to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock in electrical and electronic products.

The certification is mutually recognized by both countries, as the United States and Canada have signed an MRA (Mutual Recognition Agreement).

UL vs CSA: the main differences

UL certification originated in the United States as an independent testing and certification laboratory, and is widely recognized in Canada and many international markets.

CSA is the Canadian equivalent of UL, with a focus on Canadian standards.

Both certify electrical and electronic equipment, industrial components, and materials that pose a risk of fire or electric shock.

UL tends to have a broader portfolio in US household appliances and industrial machinery.

CSA, on the other hand, has different standards, often adapted to Canadian climate and conditions, such as extreme temperatures or local electrical voltages.

For products sold in Canada, CSA certification is often sufficient, while UL certification is more common in the United States.

ETL Listed seal: what it is and what it certifies

The ETL mark is an alternative to the CSA and UL marks.

It indicates that the product has been tested by an accredited third-party laboratory, complying with the standards applicable to the product and minimum safety requirements, allowing it to be sold and distributed in North America.

The legal requirement that allows products intended for sale in the United States to be tested and certified is recognition by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

UL vs. ETL: Differences Between the Two Certifications

The difference between UL and ETL is that UL develops its own safety standards, while ETL adopts standards developed by other laboratories—including UL itself—and conducts tests on behalf of companies in accordance with established requirements.

Furthermore, while UL covers many more areas, ETL focuses primarily on the electronics sector.

CE certification

The CE marking indicates compliance with the Essential Safety Requirements of all New Approach directives issued by the European Union and allows the product to circulate freely within the European internal market.

Each product bearing the CE marking must be accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity, which lists the specific directives and regulations applicable.

CE vs UL: the main differences

CE and UL are two different types of safety certifications, but they have very different objectives and contexts. 

• The CE marking is mandatory for all products covered by European directives and indicates that the product complies with EU safety, health, and environmental compatibility standards. 
• UL is a voluntary certification issued by an independent US organization that certifies electrical safety, fire risk, and reliability. 
• CE certification covers: electronics, machinery, toys, medical devices, and construction materials. 
• UL certifies: electrical and electronic equipment, industrial components, lighting systems, and machinery with electrical hazards. 

In short: CE certification allows a product to be marketed in Europe, in compliance with EU regulations.

UL is a certification that demonstrates safety and reliability for the North American market.

A product can carry both seals if it is sold in both Europe and the United States.

Understanding the differences between UL, CE, and other safety certifications is essential for navigating regulations, markets, and technical requirements.

Each seal responds to specific needs and different geographical contexts: there is no “best” certification, but rather the most appropriate one for the product and the target market.

The summary table below helps you immediately compare the main characteristics of the certifications we have seen, giving you a clear and informed overview.

Looking for your next industrial keyboard?

Contact us: we will be happy to offer you free advice to help you find the most suitable solution for your production environment.

Sources:

• Primary source on certification: https://www.ul.com/services/certification. 

• Here is the source confirming that UL certification is recognized as NRTL: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/federalregister/1995-06-29.