FOLLOW-UP SERVICES

Representatives and factory inspections | maintenance fees |  What would ULC do

Is the presence of the Listing Mark the only means to identify a product that has met ULC requirements?

Yes, the presence of a ULC Listing Mark on a product or device is the only means to identify that particular product or device is ULC Listed.

How does ULC verify that a manufacturer is still producing a product in accordance with the requirements after a ULC Listing is obtained?

ULC has a Follow-Up Service Program designed to check and verify that the manufacturer continues to produce products in compliance with the requirements of ULC. ULC's field representatives make periodic tests and/or examinations at the factory, and may from time to time, select samples from the factory, the open market or elsewhere for further determination of compliance. In addition, if a problem with a ULC Listed or Classified product is reported to ULC, ULC typically opens up a field investigation. For information on Field Investigations or to report a malfunction with a ULC Listed product, please contact us.

Can you tell me about your Representatives and factory inspections?

ULC Representatives audit a manufacturer periodically to make sure that a product continues to be manufactured the same way it was manufactured when it obtained ULC certification. Factory inspections are unannounced and are conducted on a periodic basis. The ULC Representative typically checks random samples of the customer's current production against the product description (Follow-up Service Procedure) written by the engineer who originally evaluated the product. If the product contains materials that are not readily identifiable, ULC may conduct sample testing.

What is the Follow-up Service (FUS) Agreement?

The FUS Agreement is a contract which explains the terms under which the ULC Mark may be used. It also explains manufacturers' obligations to continuously monitor their production so their products continue to meet ULC's requirements.

The Follow-up Service Agreement also describes the terms under which Follow-up Service inspections are conducted. For example, the manufacturer agrees to allow ULC personnel immediate, unannounced and unrestricted access to any part of the facility in which Listed products and components may be fabricated, assembled or stored.

How much are the FUS inspection costs? What are the annual file maintenance fees?

Several factors determine FUS inspection costs. First, there is an annual file maintenance fee, with a base charge for the first file a client has with ULC and a smaller fee for each additional file. For five or more files, ULC sets a maximum fee.

Second, in-plant inspections are either billed at a fixed task rate or, for product categories, at a per-label service charge. These fees vary depending on the product category and should be discussed with the FUS Label Group staff to get an estimated cost.

Third, follow-up sample fees may apply. Some clients may be subject to annual follow-up testing for their products and/or sub components. Again, these vary depending on the tests required.

If a UL or ULC Listed, Recognized or Classified product does not appear to be safe to whom should I report this?

We investigate all reports of problems with UL/ULC's Listed products.

What would ULC do if the manufacturer was not in compliance once the ULC Listing was obtained?

If the examination discloses that the product is not in compliance with the requirements, the manufacturer is required either to correct such items or to remove the Listing Mark from the product.

If I get a UL Mark for my ULC product, what will happen to my follow-up costs?

You will be covered by a single follow-up program. When ULC field representatives visit your facilities to countercheck products intended for the ULC's Mark, they will also be able to conduct the follow-up for any UL Marked products. The only additional charges you may incur will be based on the additional time the field representative spends at your facility to countercheck the UL Marked products. In many cases, no additional time will be needed.

Please click on Resolving Variation Notices and What Happens After Testing for more information.