UL Component Yes or No

[Erik Sine]

I was curious about something so I thought I'd pop it here.

Over the last few years doing sign supply sales here on the SS a few things always got thrown at me. A lot of sign companies that still do Neon don't necessarily care if some of the components are UL or not, as long as they appear durable.

Things such as Glass/polycarb tube supports, Silicone GTO, caps & boots, Neon housings (100's, 200's, 300's), even magnetic transformers (after all it's just a cord and coil). Transformer & LED power supply boxes.

I've seen UL recognized or classified Silicone GTO, but it may not necessarily be the new 814, but still rated the same.

Most of the reason for the non-UL stuff is because those costs have gotten higher, well.....because of UL and over inflating costs by suppliers and manufacturers coupled with the fact that the UL inspector that visits your shop now doesn't even know what the hell their looking at anymore when it comes to Neon. Same goes for the Inspectors.

I'm not talking about cheap electronic transformers, something that can catch fire etc, just the smaller component supplies

[paul321]

This goes back to a statement I made a while ago. If you order enough products from any manufacturer, they will print any logo on it you want. Who really knows if it is made to any specifications. UL tested or boxed up for a bowl of rice. Is it our job to open up the product and investigate if it really what it is ? We rely on reliable and respected suppliers who should be doing this. Im not a detective.

Last week there was a fatal fire near me involving a commercial business and multiple residential units above. The priliminary Investigation is saying the fire started in

a neon sign in the storefront window. Was it the transformer ? The wiring ? The electrical hook up ? Was the sign manufactured or installed by a Licensed Sign Co. ?

Was the product UL ?? In the end someone will be hauled into court and maybe charged. Someone will be held accountable.

If we buy and install UL or other recognized components, ( as far as we know of ) we can sleep better. OR do we knowingly buy other products that may fail and we save a few dollars ?

I would rather sleep better.

[gvidas]

Just spent half an hour on the phone with my insurance co. I have product and completed work liability coverage thru The Hartford. My policy is contingent on exclusively using UL listed components. They refuse to make any exceptions, or to define the difference between a critical and non-critical component, because they don't want to set a precedent. The underwriter basically said that if there were a claim, and if they refused to cover it, the technicalities would be settled in court.

I was an insomniac before I got into this line of work. I'll keep buying the UL parts.

[alltex]

I can tell you my UL inspector knows his neon components. We follow code 100%. When we have a question, we call him. He gets us the answer. Thankfully we don't bug him too often. But being a small shop. I have the luxury of employing knowledgeable people, who follow rules and codes. They are professionals, and know their paychecks depend on everyone here doing the right thing. It costs more to be compliant. This cost does get passed on to the customers. I don't get every job I bid. But I will not cut corners, or use cheap products.

[tleaf28]

For the record I voted "What's neon?". I think we did two signs with neon last year.

Our UL reps that visit us are usually very knowledgeable about how neon signs actually work. Of course they do check the components to look for their UL symbol but they also can answer any questions we might have about the "best" way of making something so it both meets their standards but also is installer friendly.

[Erik Sine]

I was just tipped off on something about this thread, and my bad.

I forgot a few UL folks monitor this site so if you do use products that are NOT listed I suggest you not chime in but just poll as you like. Maybe this thread should have been put in the pvt forum.