When sourcing wires and cables for your application, you’ve likely come across terms such as UL approved cable, UL wire, UL certified cables, and more specifically, UL Listed wires and cables, and UL Recognized wires and cables.
These designations often cause confusion, but understanding the differences between UL Listed vs. UL Recognized wires and cables is essential when selecting components and choosing a cable assembly manufacturer that can meet your application’s requirements.
UL Solutions, formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, is a global safety science organization that evaluates products and components against applicable safety standards. For wires and cables, these evaluations may address electrical, mechanical, and environmental performance requirements, depending on the applicable standard.
Industries that might receive testing include energy, healthcare, industrial systems, security, chemicals, consumer electronics, and automotive.
Two common UL certification designations are UL Listed and UL Recognized. While both indicate evaluation against applicable requirements, they serve different purposes. Understanding these distinctions can help manufacturers select appropriate wires and cables for their applications.
UL Listed Cables and Wires
UL Listed certification generally applies to standalone or consumer products that have been evaluated for a defined use under applicable safety standards. This is the UL mark most familiar to consumers and is commonly found on finished products.
When a product carries a UL Listed mark, it means that representative samples have been evaluated against the applicable requirements, and the product is subject to ongoing certification oversight.
For example, UL Listed cables may be used in building wiring, appliances, and industrial equipment, depending on the cable type, certification, and intended installation conditions.
UL Recognized Wires and Cables
UL Recognized is different than UL Listed because it typically applies to components intended for incorporation into larger products or systems rather than complete, standalone products.
For example, UL Recognized wires or cable components may be used within electrical equipment, electronic devices, or industrial assemblies that undergo additional evaluation as part of a complete system.
Because UL Recognition focuses on individual components rather than the complete finished product, it can simplify the evaluation of components used in larger assemblies. However, recognition does not automatically mean the finished assembly is UL Listed or certified.
Requirements for UL Wire and Cable Certification
For cables and wires to achieve UL certification, they must meet the requirements of the applicable UL standard and certification category. These requirements vary depending on the wire or cable construction and intended application.
The characteristics of the wires and cables that are examined include:
- Temperature dry and temperature wet
- Voltage rating
- Outdoor use
- Sunlight resistance
- Cable tray use
- Oil resistance
- Gasoline resistance
- Direct burial
- Submersible pump use
Not every UL-certified wire or cable is evaluated for all these conditions. It’s important to verify the specific ratings and permitted uses of the product before selecting it for your application.
Be sure to check out the UL cable and wire guide for detailed specifications on UL certification!
Our Wire and Cable Assemblies
At MJM Industries, we manufacture custom wire and cable assemblies using a wide range of materials, including UL-certified wire and cable products. our manufacturing capabilities allow us to process a variety of material types, including ETFE, PTFE, FEP, EPDM, PUR, CPE, Silicone, XLPE, PVC, and Fiberglass.
Because of all the different cable jackets that are available, we have several pieces of equipment designed to accommodate both high– and low-volume production requirements across these materials.
The MJM Industries process includes:
- Cutting
- Stripping: Thermal, laser, and mechanical processing
- Termination: Crimping, welding, and soldering
- Encapsulation: Insert molding, hot melt, and potting
- Additional capabilities: Coiling and printing
Our state-of-the-art facility follows 5S principles, ISO 9001 quality management standards, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards.
Industries We Serve
MJM Industries is a leading contract manufacturer of overmolded wire and cable harnesses, cable assemblies, flat flex assemblies, and box builds. Our custom manufacturing capabilities support applications across a wide range of industries, including:
- Defense and military
- Consumer products
- Industrial automation
- Communication
- Medical equipment
- Mass transit
- Water equipment
- Commercial off-road
- Utilities
- Heavy equipment
- Appliance
- Test and measurement
- Transportation
About MJM Industries
At MJM Industries, we are a world-class, custom contract manufacturer specializing in wire and cable assemblies, overmolding, and engineering services. Our team is committed to quality assurance and to delivering the best value to our customers.
We work closely with customers to understand their application requirements, identify appropriate materials, and manufacture reliable assemblies designed for their specific needs.
Choose MJM Industries for Custom Wire and Cable Assemblies
Understanding UL Listed vs. UL Recognized certification is an important part of selecting the right wires, cables, and components for your application.
If you are searching for a reliable custom cable assembly manufacturer experienced in working with UL-certified wire and cable materials, MJM Industries is here to meet your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our manufacturing services! We’d love to hear from you and are ready to make your job easier.
