Sign listing services
UL's Listing Service for signs covers cabinet signs, neon and LED channel letters, banner signs, awning signs, neon window signs and outline lighting, and changing message signs. Below is some general information on UL's Listing Service for signs.
- Most signs fall under a general coverage category so when necessary they are inspected onsite.
- Most LED signs using UL Recognized parts are covered.
- The Sign Components Manual is available online identifying components that can be used in Listed signs.
- UL Listing will make signs readily accepted in all jurisdictions.
- UL offers CE unit training for building signs that comply with the requirements in UL 48, the Standard for Safety of Electric Signs through the UL University seminars and UL University Sign Online Training.
Most signs are covered under general coverage as noted above. As a result the sign maker that produces signs to comply with requirements in UL 48 does not need to submit their signs to UL. A UL representative will travel to your facilities and provide training on how to apply the UL 48 requirements.
Proposed changes to UL's sign certification program
To help sign manufacturers continue to bring safer products to market, UL is enhancing its electric sign certification program to give our customers more flexible certification options. Developed in a highly collaborative fashion with our customers, code officials, sign industry associations and UL technical experts, our enhanced sign program gives customers the ability to select a certification path that best meets their business and safety needs. Plus, it gives code officials what they need to be confident that they're accepting safe, code-compliant products in their jurisdictions.
New certification program options
In the enhanced electric sign program, each manufacturer will be able to select from one of three paths to achieve UL certification. In this approach, choose from:
Option 1 - Customers submit product samples to a UL facility. A UL engineer conducts an evaluation and UL's field representatives make regular follow-up inspections, generally four times per year. Additionally, customers must designate at least one company employee as a manufacturer's technical representative who will complete required online training on UL 48 requirements.
Option 2 - This path offers the flexibility of the current general coverage program but adds requirements for:
- A manufacturer's technical representative who will complete required online training on the UL 48 requirements. UL is currently offering an extended 12-month registration to the UL 48 training that can be used by an unlimited number of sign manufacturer employees.
- A specific product compliance assessment using defined documentation to determine compliance of each unique sign construction
- Additional product documentation describing label usage, unique product identifiers, environmental/electrical ratings, descriptions, parts, markings, installation instructions, and results of product compliance assessments to assist in reviewing compliance by manufacturers and UL field representatives
For option 2, frequency of program audits is based on production volume as currently used in the existing general coverage program.
Option 3 - This path is identical to option 2 with an additional requirement for implementation of a quality management system addressing defined quality elements. In option 3, program audits will involve product, process and system audits at the same frequency as used in the existing general coverage program. The Sign Manufacturer may be able to reduce the number of factory audits conducted by UL based on demonstrating compliance and control of certification.
Training delivered at the participant's pace, on the participant's schedule
One of the marquee elements of UL's enhanced sign certification program is the training required under all options. Our new 13-module online training program covers general requirements for supply connections and wiring; enclosures, openings and spacings; grounding and bonding; installation locations, resistance to moisture and drain openings; markings; section signs; and sign components. This training program includes modules specifically addressing requirements for LED, neon, fluorescent, incandescent and HID signs. Because the training program is online, the participant can stop and start at their convenience.
Once the training participant has completed the online training program, they will be able to define the UL sign certification process; identify the key documents used in the UL sign certification program; apply basic safety requirements to sign manufacturing; and recognize specific requirements applying to different types of signs.
Sign manufacturers can contact UL University at 888.503.5536 or visit Online Training to learn more and register for the course. Enter promo code SIGN48 in the discount code field during the registration process to receive a 50% discount off the regular $400 USD price of that training curriculum. An unlimited number of the manufacturer's employees can take the online training for a single $200 USD registration fee.
Implementation date for the enhanced sign certification program
Although an effective date has not yet been established, we expect to begin the transition to our enhanced program during second quarter of 2010. UL anticipates full implementation within 18 months from the start of the transition. Please click here to review the proposal bulletin.
Other enhancements to the Underwriters Laboratories Sign Certification Program are:
- UL orientation for new customers has been implemented. For new customers to Standard UL 48, a field staff employee will spend time at the manufacturer's facility outlining safety processes and answering questions before the first audit occurs. The goal of this session is to lay a solid foundation of knowledge about the electric sign certification process. During the day, our expert field team will provide necessary information about UL 48, the UL Standard for Safety of Electric Signs; explain documentation critical for compliance success; outline the responsibilities and expectations for both UL and customers; and explain label control, variation notices and the variation notice process.
- In order to improve consistency of interpretation, UL has provided additional quality training to all Underwriters Laboratories sign auditors. This training was created to ensure all sign manufacturers are held to the same standards of safety. In addition, Panel members and UL continue their outreach efforts with Inspectors to assist local authorities in interpreting requirements of the National Electric Code as it relates to signs.
- UL will be participating in the NEC and UL Standards Forum at the International Sign Association meeting on April 9, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. This forum will include an update on pending revisions to the 2011 NEC regarding signs, an update on the 15th edition of UL 48 including any key changes, and a summary of the revisions to the UL Sign Certification Program, including the timetable.
For more information on how to order UL Standards, please visit comm 2000. In addition, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) Website is a helpful resource for information on NEC requirements.
