The UL Database Test: Are Your Labels In Compliance?

UL labels need to be provided by an authorized provider. But did you also know that there is more than one type of UL authorization…and that there really is no cross over between the different types? Yikes!

Understandably these different types can lead to all sorts of compliance issues1. Well, thankfully UL offers a database tool to help ensure you hare working with a vendor that has the required authorization to produce each of your different UL labels. Of course in typical UL fashion it isn’t the most intuitive, so let’s walk through it:

How to Search The UL Database
Using the button below, you can search the UL Database by company name. For example, let’s use my current company as a test. In the search field type Coast Label Co to find their relevant UL files.

Search the UL Database

If a company is listed with UL, they will appear in the results along with all their authorized files–however many that might be. If they don’t appear, then they aren’t authorized by UL. It’s that simple.

Understanding the File Codes
Now that you see all the files listed, what do they actually signify? The identifiers are broken out into two components: first a Category Code Number (CCN), and then a file number. The file number is a unique and can be helpful for identification purposes. That said, for compliance purposes, we are much more interested in the CCN. It is helpful for quickly determining what specific types of UL labels a company is authorized to print. Here’s a breakdown of some of the more common label Category Code Numbers, and what they actually mean:

PGAA – UL Printers Agreement
Having this authorizes a company to print the UL logo on labels and tags. Not valid for any of the performance standards (i.e. UL 969). Not considered a Recognized Component.

PGDQ2 – Labeling Systems
Authorizes printing of UL Recognized components for use in the USA. Tested to the UL 969 standard. Not valid for printing UL logos.

PGDQ8 – Labeling Systems
Authorizes printing of UL Recognized components for use in Canada. Tested to the CSA C22.2 No.0.15 standard. Important for products sold across all of North America. Not valid for printing UL logos.

PGJI2 – Printing Materials
Authorizes printing of UL Recognized components that are designed to receive secondary printing (e.g. thermal transfer) at the point-of-use using approved processes. This includes blank labels. For use in the USA and tested to the UL 969 standard. Not valid for printing UL logos.

PGJI8 – Printing Materials
Authorizes printing of UL Recognized components that are designed to receive secondary printing (e.g. thermal transfer) at the point-of-use using approved processes. This includes blank labels. For use in Canada and tested to the CSA C22.2 No.0.15 standard. Not valid for printing UL logos.

1 Deep, deep breaths. [return]

2 Comments

  1. Toni Ruel August 20, 2014 at 1:27 pm #

    UL Label Guy,

    I am trying to figure out when UL changed their labels to a newer, bolder UL logo. Do you know when that happened? Let me know.

    Thanks much,
    Toni

    • The UL Label Guy August 20, 2014 at 2:55 pm #

      I’ve unaware of the actual printing dimensions of the UL logo changing. That said, you may be referring to what is known as the enhanced UL Mark. This has the UL logo, but surrounds it with either a round corner rectangle or circular border with a squared off side. The effect makes the logo look like an app icon for iPhone or Android.

      If you are referring to this logo type, it was introduced in May and available for use starting September of last year. I checked with UL and it was actually rolled out in two phases. Wire & cable, building materials & related systems, lighting (signs & night lights only), gas & oil, and appliances all were cleared to use the new enhanced mark last year. Power, controls, and lighting (luminaires) are getting the enhanced mark roll out starting September of this year.

      It’s worth noting that UL has yet to set a mandatory transition date for the enhanced mark. They have a stated goal of moving companies to the new look over the course of the next 10 years. But again there is no set date.