UL On Alert!

UL Alert – Safety Standards Update for Fan Power Cords

Important UL Compliance Information for GardTec Products

It’s estimated that in excess of 85% of customer applications require some type of safety agency approval, such as UL/CSA. The cost to complete this process can reach well into the $10,000s, even for basic product approvals, and may be significantly higher depending on the application.

The normal process involves customers designing specific components into their products based on defined materials, electrical ratings, manufacturers, and assembly methods that meet UL/CSA requirements. These components are incorporated into applications that undergo safety agency approval at considerable cost and time.

What GardTec's UL Alert Means for Fan Cord Compliance

Understanding Component Changes and Safety Agency Approvals

Once a product has been approved by a safety agency, changes to components, manufacturers, or materials can affect the validity of that approval. If an unauthorized change is discovered, a product recall may be required by UL, with associated costs potentially affecting the supply chain.

This market alert highlights a material change identified within the plastic fan filter market. The fan accessory market has traditionally used UL 94V-0 as a product rating for resistance to flaming combustion. Some current products have been identified with a reduced UL 94V-2 rating, which may make previously approved applications non-compliant with their safety agency approvals and potentially subject to recall. New applications requiring UL 94V-0 may also not accept products carrying a 94V-2 rating.

GardTec uses UL 94V-0 material for all plastic filter assemblies, providing customers with confidence in product quality and compliance requirements.

GardTec Fan Cords and UL/CSA Approval

Although fan cords are not part of this specific market alert, they are covered under specific UL/CSA approval files. As the actual manufacturer, GardTec maintains its safety agency files on site and makes them available for customer review.

Applicable GardTec part numbers: