Introduction

In today’s globalized and safety-conscious electrical market, compliance with UL standards is more than just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a critical gateway to entering and succeeding in the U.S. and North American power distribution market. For manufacturers and distributors of switchgear equipment, ensuring UL compliance—particularly with UL891 for low-voltage switchboards and UL67 for panelboards—is key to gaining customer trust, securing large-scale projects, and maintaining long-term product reliability.

At FATENG ELECTRIC, we specialize in developing medium and low-voltage switchgear that aligns with American standards, including products currently under development for UL certification. In this blog, we will break down how to ensure your switchgear products meet UL standards, covering design, testing, documentation, and common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Understanding UL Standards for Switchgear

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) develops standards that verify the safety, reliability, and performanceof electrical products. For switchgear manufacturers, the most relevant standards include:

•  UL 891– Applicable to Dead-Front Low-Voltage Switchboards, typically used in commercial and industrial buildings.
•  UL 67– Covers Panelboards that distribute power to branch circuits.
•  UL 1558– Applies to Metal-Enclosed Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breaker Switchgear.
•  UL 508A– For Industrial Control Panels, often incorporated within switchgear assemblies.

These standards are designed to protectpeople, property, and systemsby ensuring equipment functions safely under normal and fault conditions.

2. Why UL Compliance Matters

Complying with UL standards brings numerous benefits, including:

•  Market Access: Essential for selling in the U.S., Canada, and other UL-recognizing regions.
•  Customer Trust: UL Listed products are widely recognized and preferred by EPCs, OEMs, and end users.
•  Safety Assurance: Reduces risk of fire, shock, and operational failures.
•  Project Eligibility: Many public and private tenders require UL-compliant equipment.
•  Brand Reputation: Positions your company as a responsible, globally competitive manufacturer.

For FATENG ELECTRIC, adherence to UL standards reflects our dedication to quality, precision, and customer safety—especially as we expand into international markets.

3. How to Begin: Product Design and Specification

Meeting UL standards starts with designing products with compliance in mind.

Choose Certified Components

Use only UL-recognized components such as circuit breakers, busbars, and relays. Mixing non-compliant parts may invalidate your certification process.

Follow Standard Construction Guidelines

Ensure correct clearances, creepage distances, and short-circuit withstand ratings. UL standards define strict parameters for:

•   Busbar spacing
•   Insulation strength
•   Enclosure ventilation
•   Grounding & bonding
•   Apply the Correct Standard

Different products fall under different UL standards. For example:

Product Type               Relevant UL Standard

Switchboard                  UL 891

Panelboard                   UL 67

Power Circuit Breaker   UL 1558

Control Panels              UL 508A

Knowing your product category helps you target the right certification path from the beginning.

4. The UL Certification Process: Step-by-Step

At FATENG ELECTRIC, our UL development process follows a methodical approach:

Step 1: File Establishment

Work with UL to create a certification file for your product. You can choose between:

UL File Establishment: A custom file under your company’s name.

Listing under an OEM’s File: Faster, but limited control.

Step 2: Type Testing

UL requires type tests under worst-case scenarios to validate performance. These include:

• Dielectric testing
• Temperature rise test
• Short-circuit withstand test
• Mechanical operation test

Step 3: Construction Review

UL engineers will inspect your prototype for:

• Component selection
• Wiring layout
• Enclosure design
• Labeling

At FATENG, we ensure all technical drawings and assembly documentation are aligned with UL’s requirements.

Step 4: Factory Inspection

To maintain certification, UL will periodically inspect your production facility. This ensures that every unit matches the tested sample.

5. Documentation and Labeling Requirements

UL certification is not complete without proper documentation and labeling. Your switchgear must display:

• The UL Listing Mark
• Product voltage and current ratings
• Manufacturing serial number
• Short-circuit withstand values

Additionally, you must keep updated control drawings, bill of materials, and test reports accessible for UL audits.

6. Common Challenges in Achieving UL Compliance

Many manufacturers struggle with UL compliance due to:

• Using uncertified components
• Poor thermal or mechanical design
• Inadequate documentation
• Inconsistent factory processes
• Misinterpreting applicable standards

At FATENG, we’ve addressed these challenges by building a UL-focused engineering team, streamlining internal QC processes, and collaborating with experienced UL consultants.

7. How FATENG ELECTRIC Ensures UL Compliance

As a global switchgear manufacturer, FATENG ELECTRIC integrates the following practices:

Modular Cabinet Design

Our UL891 and UL67 switchgear use modular designs, ensuring easy adaptation to project requirements and high compatibility with UL construction guidelines.

Certified Supply Chain

We work with UL-recognized component brands such as Schneider, ABB, and Eaton to ensure full system integrity.

In-House Type Testing Capabilities

Our Jiangsu factory features busbar processing centers, temperature rise simulation systems, and dedicated electrical test labs to conduct preliminary checks before UL submission.

UL Certification in Progress

We’re currently applying for UL891 and UL67 certification under the File Establishment path way, ensuring full brand ownership of our UL products.

OEM/ODM Support

FATENG also provides OEM solutions for partners needing UL-certified switchgear with their own branding and technical customization.

8. Looking Ahead: UL-Ready Products “Coming Soon”

We’re excited to soon launch a range of UL891 and UL67 compliant products, including:

• UL891 Low-Voltage Switchboards (600V, 3000A)
• UL67 Panelboards with plug-on and bolt-on branch breakers
• Future UL1558 and ANSI/IEEE medium-voltage developments

Stay tuned for announcements on our UL certification milestones and product releases.

Conclusion

Ensuring UL compliance for switchgear products is a comprehensive process—but one that pays off in market access, safety, and global credibility. By following proper design protocols, understanding the certification process, and committing to ongoing quality assurance, your company can confidently expand into the UL-regulated market.

At FATENG ELECTRIC, we’re not just building compliant switchgear—we’re building a brand that customers can trust incritical infrastructure projects across the world.

If you’re looking for a UL-compliant partner for your next switchgear project, or want to explore OEM/ODM cooperation, get in touch with our technical team today.

Contact Us Today

Website: www.fatengelectric.com

Email: info@fatengelectric.com

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