Founded in 1894, the Underwriters’ Laboratories Inc. (UL) is a fully independent organization that tests and certifies millions of consumer products. Although initially it was created to test only products in the United States, with globalization and the increasing reputation of the organization, many companies from around the world have their products tested at UL. In 2004, UL tested products from 97 different countries.

Over the years, UL has developed over 800 safety standards. It is most commonly associated with electrical products, but it also conducts tests on a variety of other goods including mechanical, medical, and marine. Although not part of the government, the not-for-profit organization continues to set, test, and certify the standard of safety and operation, and is unofficially recognized as the “overseeing body” for consumer products.

And its reach is impressive. In 2004, the UL mark appeared on 19 billion products from 71,155 global manufacturers. The organization conducted 102,305 evaluations on 19,025 products, and 553,377 follow-ups. In total, there are 125 testing centers employing over 5,500 testers, researchers, and support staff.

It is important to look for the UL stamp or holographic symbol on any electrical products before you buy them. The symbol means that the product has been manufactured under UL’s safety guidelines and accepted best practices, and that it has been tested to perform within these standards. Electrical products that do not bear this symbol, especially those made outside of the United States, often have sub-standard materials and manufacturing which can lead to electrical shock, electrocution, and fires.

However the best gauge of the safety of a product is use over time, and the UL does not always get it right. From February to April 2005, UL posted five notices about potentially hazardous products that had previously been approved. All five were electrical products.

Also of concern is the number of counterfeit UL symbols appearing on products. From January to June 2005, the UL posted notices about three such products bearing counterfeit symbols.

More information about UL, including safety notices and counterfeit notices, can be found at their website (www.ul.com)

If you have been injured due to electrical shock or fire while using any UL-approved or unapproved product, contact the Personal Injury lawyers at Jim S. Adler & Associates. We have over three decades of experience protecting the rights of our clients, and securing the best compensation packages possible. We can ensure that your settlement covers your medical bills, lost time from work, and pain and suffering caused to you through the use of a faulty electrical appliances and products. Contact us right now for a free case review by clicking the link on this page.