How can you verify if a solar light is actually UL certified?
A UL mark on a solar light doesn’t tell you everything you need to know. Before a fixture is approved for a project, it’s worth verifying that the certification is legitimate and applies to the product you’re purchasing.
Why should you verify a solar light’s UL certification before installation?
For contractors, engineers, specifiers, and purchasing teams, taking a few minutes to verify a product’s UL certification can help prevent problems during inspection and avoid replacing products that don’t meet project requirements.
What information do you need to verify a solar light’s UL certification?
The process is fairly simple. With the product’s UL file number and UL’s Product iQ database, you can verify the certification before the fixture is purchased or installed.
What Is UL?
What does UL certification mean for solar lighting products?
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a globally recognized organization that tests and certifies products against applicable safety and performance requirements.
Do all UL Marks mean the same thing?
A UL Certification Mark indicates that a product has been evaluated to the applicable requirements for its certification. Different UL Marks serve different purposes, so it’s important to understand what you’re looking at when reviewing a product for your project.
Common UL Marks
You’ll see several different UL Marks on products sold in the U.S. and they don’t all mean the same thing.
The infographic below highlights some of the common UL Marks and labels you may come across when reviewing electrical products.
What is the difference between UL Listed and UL Recognized solar lighting products?
UL Listed and UL Recognized marks serve different purposes. The infographic below highlights the key differences to keep in mind when reviewing a product for your project.
Don’t Solely Rely on the UL Mark
Can you verify UL certification just by looking at the UL Mark?
Seeing a UL mark on a product is a good starting point, but a visual check alone doesn’t confirm that the mark is legitimate or that the certification applies to the product you’re purchasing.
Can a UL Mark on a solar light be counterfeit or misused?
Counterfeit or misused certification marks can create problems during procurement, installation, and inspection. That’s why it’s worth taking the extra step to verify the certification information directly through UL’s database.
What is a UL File Number and where can you find it?
Start with the UL File Number. This identifier is typically found on the product label or certification documentation and can be used to look up the product’s certification information in UL Product iQ.
How do you verify a solar light using UL Product iQ?
- Find the UL File Number
Start by locating the product’s UL file number. Depending on the manufacturer and product, you may find it on the product label, certification documentation, or other product records.
If a supplier says a product is UL Listed but can’t provide the information needed to verify the certification, ask for clarification before the product is purchased or installed.
- Search Using UL Product iQ
Once you have the UL file number, use UL Product iQ to search for the certification record.
You can search using the UL file number or other available identifiers, such as the manufacturer or model number.
- Review the Certification Information
Once you’ve found the certification record, review the information carefully.
What information should you check in a UL certification record?
- Manufacturer or certification holder
- Product or model information
- Applicable UL standard
- Product category
- Certification scope
- Any limitations or conditions that apply
Make sure the information matches the product being proposed for your project. If key details don’t line up, ask the supplier or manufacturer for clarification.
- Does a UL Listed product automatically meet your project’s requirements?
Finding a product in Product iQ doesn’t automatically mean it meets every requirement in your project specification.
If the specification requires a UL Listed solar light, verify that the certification applies to the complete fixture rather than a component used inside it.
Compare the certification information with the project’s specifications, applicable codes, and installation requirements. If you’re unsure whether the certification meets the project requirements, resolve the question before installation.
How can you tell if the complete solar light fixture is UL Listed?
A few questions can help you verify the product before it reaches the jobsite:
- Is the complete fixture UL Listed?
- What is the UL file number?
- Can you provide the certification documentation?
Having this information during procurement gives your team a chance to verify the product and keep the certification records with the project documents.
When should you verify UL certification for a solar lighting project?
UL certification is only one part of a successful solar lighting project, but certification questions are much easier to resolve before the fixtures arrive at the jobsite.
For contractors, engineers, and project teams, the process is straightforward:
Check the mark → Get the file number → Verify it in Product iQ → Review the certification → Compare it with the project requirements.
Taking these steps during specification or procurement can help prevent certification issues from showing up when you’re already at final inspection.
How can you tell if the complete solar light fixture is UL Listed?
If UL certification is part of your project’s requirements, it’s worth verifying the certification before the fixtures are purchased and installed.
SOLTECH’s team can help you review product specifications, certification information, and the right solar lighting solution for your application.