The Underwriters’ Laboratories Inc. (UL) has operated since 1894, testing and approving potentially dangerous consumer products for sale on the U.S. market. The instantly recognizable UL symbol usually means that the product has been tested and proved to be safe under normal operations. Today, the UL symbol has become globally accepted as one of the benchmarks for product safety.

However, what many people are not aware of is that the UL symbol is regularly counterfeited. The symbol, the letters UL contained within a circle, is easily reproduced by unscrupulous manufacturers – whether the product has been tested by UL or not. These counterfeit markings not only undermine the agency’s reputation, the product itself can be potentially dangerous with any type of use.

In May 2005, UL listed two products that had a counterfeit UL marking:

Self-Ballasted Energy Saver Lightbulb – Marketed under the name “Dollarama” (Model LT2A-11W) and sold in Dollarama stores, this light bulb has not passed UL testing even though the product is marked with the UL symbol. The light bulbs have “features that do not comply with UL’s applicable safety standard” and can cause electrical shock or fire even under normal use.

The manufacturer of these light bulbs is unknown.

UL recommends that consumers stop using these light bulbs immediately. Dollarama has pulled all of these light bulbs off the shelf, and has asked that any customers who purchased these bulbs return them to the store for replacement or full refund.

“Home Electrical Products” Extension Cords – Marketed under the name “Home Electrical Products” or “Power,” these extension cords are available in 9, 12, and 15 foot lengths. These products use undersized wiring, and pose a serious risk of electrical shock or fire. The plug, cord, and receptacle have not been evaluated by UL, so their associated risks are not known.

The manufacturer of theses cords has not been identified, though the packaging says “Made in China.”

UL recommends that consumers stop using these cords immediately, and return them to the store where they were purchased. (List of stores who may have carried these products is not available.)

If you have been injured by any electrical appliance, whether the UL symbol is counterfeit or not, you may have the legal right to seek compensation. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Jim S. Adler & Associates for a free case evaluation. The review holds you under no obligation. Find out what your rights are, and then let us help you protect them.