Listing

Submitted by Mike Miller, Curriculum & Training Manager

Listed you ask? What exactly does that mean? Stay tuned and let’s talk about that because whether you know it or not, there is a significant degree of importance associated with the requirement.

There may not be too many manufacturers reading this column, but if we were to chat with them about the importance of having an electrical product listed, they would be quick to let you know that a listing agent is an important partner in the success of product sales, but more importantly, their input is one of the best investments a business can make to ensure their product doesn’t cause the company to completely fail. And it’s required.

In most states, vendors who sell products to the public are legally obligated to ensure those products meet safety standards that end users can trust. This is typically accomplished through a listing agency, which rigorously evaluates the product for potential hazards and verifies that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent injury or property damage.

Interestingly, not all products submitted pass inspections the first time because very well trained and experienced agents use state of the art test apparatus  and have many years of experience building criteria for testing so that no potential risk associated with an electrical product  goes unnoticed. Initial test results are reviewed, and the product creator may correct and resubmit his product for retesting, maybe more than once depending on its complexity.  It’s a great deal of work on behalf of all parties involved. but worth every penny of cost and effort to ensure that an injury or incident doesn’t result from the product usage. Courts are not too sympathetic when injured parties can prove product negligence. One lawsuit could wipe out a manufacturer very easily based on the extent of the loss.

From time to time, we hear of electrical inspectors  not  allowing electrical products to be energized because there is no evidence of a listing. What do we do then? Depending on who owns the product, they bear the responsibility of listing. I have heard of a situation in the past where large machine tools are moved into the state and have come from foreign manufacturers. They may be listed in the country of origin, but the listing  may not be a National Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) in the United States. In this case most persons in this position contact a Field Evaluation Body to go to the site of the equipment and inspect it for compliance. In this state, Minnesota Rules Parts 3801.3619 and 3801.3620 would apply as well as NFPA 791 that provides recommended practices and procedures for evaluating unlabeled electrical equipment. Applicable Product Safety Standards that field evaluators use often are provided by Underwrites Laboratories. Evaluators examine technical documentation, schematics, and manufacturer specifications also. Upon a successful evaluation, the evaluator places a label of acceptance on the equipment.

It's nice to know that so much goes on behind the scenes to ensure our safety and can also account for a small portion of the cost for the equipment.