Control Works is proud to be a UL 508A Certified Shop. But what does this mean?
The UL mark is a universal mark of confidence with widespread acceptance. UL, or Underwriters Laboratories is an independent, not-for-profit organization that develops electrical safety standards. They maintain close relationships with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and are widely regarded as the authority on safety assurance in the US. Chances are you’ve seen a UL label at some point. As the widely agreed authority on safety the UL mark can be found on a wide variety of consumer or industrial equipment. These ubiquitous labels provide assurance that the product is designed to be safe.
For a product to bare a UL certified label, the manufacturer undergoes a certification process with training and regular inspections. The result is that UL verifies that the product meets appropriate safety standards.
What is UL 508A
UL 508A is the standard for the construction of Industrial Control Panels (ICPs). It provides guidelines on a variety of safety issues. This includes: component selection, calculation of short circuit ratings and proper wiring methods. Once an ICP shop is UL 508A certified, they can manufacture control panels that bare the UL 508A Listing Mark. This mark provides evidence that the control panel complies with nationally recognized safety standards.
UL published the third edition in April 2018 and the revised standards took effect on July 1, 2020.
What is a UL 508A Certified Shop
The UL 508A panel shop program provides certification for Canadian and U.S. markets. For a shop to earn this certification, they undergo training of critical safety compliance requirements for constructing industrial control panels in accordance with UL 508A.
Training covers topics such as proper ICP construction, power and control circuit rating and marking requirements, enclosure construction, component standards and short circuit ratings.
Additionally, UL 508A Certified shops are subject to regular, unannounced inspections to ensure that the manufacturer continues to meet UL 508A requirements.
Once a shop is UL 508A Certified, they can create mass produced or custom designed UL 508A industrial control panels without the need of having UL examine each design.
What is Necessary for a Control Panel to be UL 508A Certified
For an ICP to earn the UL 508A marks all components listed below must be up to the UL standards:
- Switches
- Terminal Blocks
- Contactors
- Motor Drives
- Transformers
- Overcurrent Protective Devices
These standards ensure public safety by providing assurance that the control panel is compliant with national and local electrical codes.
What are the Benefits of a UL 508A Certified ICP
There are a number of benefits to choosing a UL 508A certified ICP. These include:
- Third Party Certification: Electrical inspectors look for this mark as evidence of third-party certification. Rigorous UL certification requirements assure inspectors and regulators that all ICP components and manufacturing techniques have been carefully selected and that all ICPs assembled have met the highest UL safety standards.
- Consistent Construction Techniques: Be assured that correct torque settings for wire and cables are used.
- Proper Labeling: Ensure that panel labeling standards are adhered to.
- SCCR Calculations: Calculations for short circuit current ratings (SCCR) will be calculated correctly.
- UL Certified Components: Using components that conform to UL standards can make it easier to find other components that will work with your panel.
Control Works is a UL 508A Certified Shop
The control panel design goes a long way in determining the safety and functionality of the machinery. And at Control Works, certifications and safety standards are a top priority throughout the design process. As a UL 508A Certified Shop, our team has undergone specialized UL training as well as regular compliance inspections. When you work with us for your custom industrial control panel, you can be assured that your panel is compliant with all relevant safety codes.
Contact us today to learn more.
