UL Achieves 'Outstanding' Overall Ranking in 2012 IECEE Metrics

The IECEE is an international system for conformity testing and certification of electrotechnical equipment and components. In its recently released metrics for 2012, IECEE named Underwriters Laboratories (News - Alert) (UL) as the No. 1 National Certification Body in the categories of information technology and office equipment (OFF) and batteries.

UL, an 18-year-old independent safety science company, revealed that its ranking has improved by 1.5 points in the OFF category, the single largest advancement by any member. With its outstanding overall ranking in the 2012 IECEE, the company remained the second-largest issuer of certificates within the IECEE system. The improved ranking has widened the gap from its nearest competitors, the company added.

IECEE signed a multilateral agreement with several national and international certification bodies. Currently 52 member bodies and 65 national certification bodies (NCBs) are the part of IECEE. Together they operate 276 CB test labs (CBTL) and issue CB Test Certificates and associated CB Test Reports. Under CB scheme, a single certification ensures that products tested and certified in one country will be accepted in all other IECEE member countries. IECEE CB Scheme also ensures that CB Test Certificates and associated CB Test Reports are effective in countries that are not part of the IECEE community. Thus, a CB Test Certificate can be a global passport for a product.

The entire scheme is designed to give users assurance that tested and certified products meet the strictest levels of safety, reliability and performance as per the requirements of the relevant IEC (News - Alert) International Standards. By eliminating the needs for duplicate or multiple testing, this scheme helps reduce costs and time to market. Above all, it helps build up a high level of confidence for manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike.

The IECEE metrics revealed that UL commands an impressive 45 percent share in the BATT category. With this huge amount of market share, UL comfortably leaves its closest competitor far behind.

In the TRON (Consumer Electronics, Entertainment) category, UL has progressed from fifth to third place.  Having a share of 17 percent of the overall certificates issued within the scheme, UL is behind the first issuer by just less than 2 percent.

In the upcoming days, UL plans to put more emphasis on the categories including MED (Electrical Equipment for Medical Use) and HOUS (Household Appliances).

Recently, UL warned the consumers and retailers of counterfeit UL mark on some compact fluorescent lamps. The compact fluorescent lamp has not been evaluated by UL to the appropriate Standards for Safety and it is unknown if this compact fluorescent lamp complies with the UL safety requirements for the United States and Canada.