What is the difference between UL recognized and listed components ?

When it comes to selecting the right electrical component for a project, safety should always be a top priority. The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a well-known organization that provides testing, certification, and validation services for various products, including electronic components. To ensure that the products meet certain standards and have been thoroughly tested, UL offers two different classifications for components - UL recognized and UL listed.

UL recognized components are components that have undergone testing by UL and have been certified to meet certain safety standards. These components have been tested for electrical safety, fire resistance, and other critical aspects of product performance. In other words, UL recognized components are safety-assured at the component level.

UL listed components, on the other hand, are components that have been certified by UL to meet certain safety standards. However, these components have not been tested for electrical safety and other critical aspects of product performance. Instead, UL listed components are safety-assured at the system level.

The main difference between UL recognized and listed components is the level of safety assurance. UL recognized components are safety-assured at the component level, while UL listed components are safety-assured at the system level.

UL Recognized Components: Safety Assurance at the Component Level

UL recognized components are components that have undergone testing by UL and have been certified to meet certain safety standards. These components have been tested for electrical safety, fire resistance, and other critical aspects of product performance. In other words, UL recognized components are safety-assured at the component level.

For example, a UL recognized component may have been tested for electrical safety to ensure that it can handle the electrical load of a particular application. The component may also have been tested for fire resistance to ensure that it can withstand the heat generated by electrical failure.

UL Listed Components: Safety Assurance at the System Level

UL listed components are components that have been certified by UL to meet certain safety standards. However, these components have not been tested for electrical safety and other critical aspects of product performance. Instead, UL listed components are safety-assured at the system level.

For example, a UL listed component may have been certified by UL to meet electrical safety standards, but it has not been tested for electrical performance. This means that the component may not be suitable for use in certain applications where electrical safety is critical.

In conclusion, the difference between UL recognized and listed components is that UL recognized components are safety-assured at the component level, while UL listed components are safety-assured at the system level. While both designations indicate that a component has been tested and certified by UL, the level of safety assurance is different between the two. It is important to select the right electrical component for a particular application to ensure the safety of the users and the overall performance of the system.