Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) product
certifications are equal.
SAFTI FIRST’s SuperLite products are currently listed and marked by WHI rather than by UL. This has caused some confusion among our customers. Below we summarize and answer frequently asked questions about the SuperLite listings.
Building products must be tested, approved and listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) recognized by OSHA. There are several NRTLs, including Intertek/Warnock Hersey (WHI) and UL. SAFTI FIRST’s products have been tested, approved and listed by WHI. These marks are the legal equivalent of the UL mark and serve as proof of product compliance with nationally adopted IBC code standards.
Q. Why are SAFTI FIRST’s SuperLite products no longer UL Listed?
A. SAFTI FIRST’s SuperLite products were UL tested, approved and listed through 2007. Our products would continue to pass the UL tests if administered today. Last year, SAFTI FIRST was forced to file a lawsuit to protect its patent on SuperLite I-W. UL was among those named in the lawsuit partly due to having provided product listings to companies infringing on our patent. UL demanded it be dropped from the lawsuit, and when that did not happen, UL retaliated by unilaterally cancelling our contract. The termination of our UL listings in no way reflects on the fire safety or quality of SAFTI FIRST’s products.
Q. Are SAFTI FIRST’s SuperLite products certified and safe to use in my project?
A. Absolutely. SuperLite products have been tested by Intertek/Warnock Hersey and bear the WHI mark. According to the Intertek website: “The Warnock Hersey Mark is North America’s most recognized product safety and performance mark for building products. Today, the mark appears on more than 4,000 building and construction products.”
Q. Are the WHI and ETL Listed Marks the legal equivalent to UL Listed Marks?
A. Yes. The legal requirement to test and certify products for sale in the United States is a designation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Qualified labs function to provide independent evaluation, testing, and certification of various products. Like UL, Intertek/Warnock Hersey (WHI) is recognized as an NRTL in the United States in accordance with International Building Council (IBC) model codes adopted throughout the country. Intertek is also accredited by ANSI as a Certification Body. Both the WHI and the UL marks demonstrate that the product has met the requirements of widely accepted product safety standards as determined through the independent testing of a NRTL. And, as part of that testing regimen, manufacturers agree to periodic follow-up inspections to verify continued compliance.
Q. Aren't manufacturers required to use UL for compliance testing?
A. No. In fact, this misconception has misled many manufacturers to believe that they don’t have a choice in their third-party testing partner. To satisfy the requirement of having products tested by an independent organization, the IBC code requires that the laboratory which performs the testing is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) recognized by OSHA. Intertek is a NRTL and is recognized by OSHA and worldwide as a competent testing, inspection, and certification organization. The WHI and ETL Marks serve as proof of product compliance with nationally adopted IBC code standards.
Q. Is a UL listing mandated by existing codes and standards?
A. No. There are no codes or standards requiring UL to be the third-party listing agency. On its own website, UL states: “Manufacturers submit products to UL for testing and safety certification on a voluntary basis. There are no laws specifying that a UL Mark must be used.”
Q. Do local inspectors know the WHI and ETL Listed Marks?
A. Yes. The WHI and ETL Listed Marks are recognized by local inspectors and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) throughout North America. Because Intertek is a NRTL recognized by OSHA, the WHI and ETL Marks—just like the UL mark—are recognized and accepted by inspectors and AHJs as proof of product compliance in accordance with adopted IBC code standards.
Q. Can a fire-rated glazing component labeled and listed by WHI be used in a door or window frame labeled and listed by UL?
A. Yes. NFPA 80 allows glazing certified by WHI or ITS (or any other NRTL) to be part of a of a UL listed frame. UL confirms in its Guide Information (GSYX) that, “glazing materials are intended to be installed in fire doors in accordance with ANSI/NFPA 80 and the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of the door, glazing frame members or glazing materials.” According to NFPA 80, "a fire door assembly may be permitted to consist of the labeled, listed or classified components of different organizations, that are acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction." NFPA 80 (2007), Appendix K.1.
UL further clarifies that “a door prepared at the factory for a light includes the glazing frame members, but generally does not include the glazing material. The glazing material (glass) is usually provided by other than the door manufacturer and is installed in the field at the time of the door installation.” Likewise, “the window frame prepared at the factory for the glazing material does not normally include the glazing material. Classified glazing material is usually provided by other than the window frame manufacturer and installed after installation of the window frame in the building . . . . Authorities Having Jurisdiction should be consulted as to which door type, door frame, window frame, glazing, hardware and other Classified or Listed accessories are acceptable for any given location.” Source: UL Guide Information (GVTV).