Are Electrical Labels and UL Labels Interchangeable?

If you are selling labels into accounts selling household and major appliances, consumer electronics, and any other type of electrical device, you know how important labels are. These labels identify the product, provide details of its specifications, and alert users to potential hazards. If you look on the Wise website, however, there are two types of labels used on these products: “electrical labels” and “UL labels.” Are the two interchangeable? If not, what’s the difference between them?

Electrical Labels Defined

An electrical label is a generic label that provides information about the electrical characteristics of a device. It typically includes details such as the voltage, current, wattage, frequency, and other specifications that are relevant to the safe and proper use of that device.

Examples include:

• Power strip or surge protectors that provide multiple outlets for plugging in electronic devices. An electrical label on the power strip provides information about the maximum voltage, current, and wattage that the device can handle, as well as any other relevant information.
• Electric motors used in a manufacturing process. An electrical label provides information about the voltage, current, horsepower, and other specifications of the motor that are important for selecting and operating it safely.
• A computer or other electronic device that uses AC power. An electrical label on the device provides information about the voltage and frequency of the power supply, as well as any other electrical characteristics that are relevant to its safe and proper use.

In most countries, electrical labels are required by law. The specific requirements for electrical labels may vary by country or region, but, as stated above, they typically include information such as the product’s voltage, current, power consumption, and safety certifications. In some cases, the label may also include instructions for proper use and maintenance of the product.

In the United States, for example, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires that most consumer products, including electronics, have permanent labels that include the manufacturer’s name, model number, and warning statements if necessary. Additionally, electronic products sold in the U.S. must comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations regarding radio frequency emissions.

The Next Step: UL Labels

A UL label is a separate label that indicates that a device has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety consulting and certification company. UL is an independent organization that tests, inspects, and certifies products for safety and compliance with applicable standards. A UL label indicates that the product has passed UL’s rigorous safety testing and meets applicable safety standards.

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For more on UL labels, see our blog post, “Selling UL Labels: Spreading Consumer Confidence.”

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UL labels can be found on products such as

• Kitchen appliances such as toasters or blenders. The UL labels on the appliance indicates that it has been tested and certified for safety and compliance with applicable electrical and fire safety standards.
• Power cords or extension cords. The UL label indicates that the cord has been tested and certified for safety and compliance with applicable standards.
• Electrically powered tool such as drills or saws. The UL label indicates that the tool has been tested and certified for safety and compliance with applicable electrical and mechanical safety standards.

Electrical labels and UL labels may both be used on the same product, but they are not one and the same. While an electrical label provides information about the electrical characteristics of a device, a UL label indicates that a device has been certified by a reputable independent organization for safety and compliance.

Obtaining a UL certification is costly — from several thousand dollars for small, simple products to tens of thousands of dollars for larger, more complex products — but it protects the manufacturer from litigation if property damage or personal injury occurs as a result of a defect product. While UL labels are not required, many retailers in the United States will not sell electronic products that are not UL certified.

Need help creating the appropriate label to use in your electronics applications? Contact us!

Wise is a UL Authorized Label Supplier with more than twenty years of experience as an industrial label manufacturer. Our familiarity in the UL inspection process in label manufacturing and our knowledge of materials allow us to help you offer the ideal label construction for your customers on a short lead time. Because UL continuously inspects our work, we can assist your customer in fully complying with UL requirements.