The Benefits of Using a UL Listed Conduit

UL listed electrical items in conduit refer to the item being tested and evaluated by the Underwriters Laboratory. It is beneficial to buy conduits with the UL symbol printed on them as they have gone through a rigid testing procedure. UL Laboratories have set procedures in place for testing and certifying electrical products. Electrical conduit protects and routes electrical wiring therefore safety is of utmost importance. Conduit can be made of many materials, including metal, plastic, fiber or fired clay. All of these can carry a UL listing. There is flexible and rigid conduit available and these, as well, can be UL listed. Look for the UL symbol on the manufacturer’s tag. 

The benefits of using UL listed conduit far outweigh the use of non-UL listed conduit. As a basic premise, when working with electricity and electrical products, it is important that you work with the best materials available for your installation as well as the ones which will provide long term safety to your home and family. Saving a few dollars in purchasing a non-UL listed conduit that is not properly tested may in the long run cost you thousands of dollars. When working with electricity, it is always vital to remain as safe as possible. Since your wires run through your conduit, it is your first line of defense against sparks and shorts caused by wiring problems. It pays to be sure that the manufacturer and the specific product as been tested and found to be safe.

Who are UL Laboratories?

UL Laboratories is an independent and non-profit organization. They have set guidelines for fire and shock and test electrical related items to be sure that their results fall within their guidelines. It is a very good assumption, although not a guarantee, that what you purchase will be safe when used for its intended final use.  

You will find the UL Laboratories logo on items ranging from conduits, as in this article, to wires, to appliances, and all the accessories needed for installation of an electrical project. They are the main overseeing body in the electrical industry and highly respected.

Insurance

Some insurance will not insure installations that are not completed with UL listed conduit or other materials. Be sure to check any relevant insurance policies before installing non-UL listed conduit. You wouldn’t want an inspector to come in and make you remove it all.

A Guide and Not the Law

UL listing on an electrical item, such as a conduit, is a guide rather than a law. UL listings are not required by law and installations of non-UL listed items are perfectly legal. Once again, using a UL listed conduit will help to insure that your installation will be as safe as possible. 

NEC Requirements

NEC requirements may state that all items in an electrical installation be UL listed. What this means to you is that if you use a non-UL listed conduit, a building inspector may flag it. You will then be denied an occupancy permit if the regulations state that the articles, such as the conduit, be UL listed.