What is UL? How important is it?

UL stands for Underwriter Laboratories, a non-profit organization founded in 1894 that is trusted to set standards for the manufacturing of products in various industries, especially electrical appliances, electronic equipment, fire protection equipment, medical equipment, scientific instruments, plastics, industrial machinery, building materials, and electronic components such as wiring.

The UL mark is usually seen on industrial equipment and home appliances, including fuses, electrical panels, circuit breakers, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers. UL testing ensures that standards regarding material and performance specifications are met and that devices are constructed to provide the highest levels of safety for personnel and end-users.

Products that Need a UL Certification

Some products require UL certification to protect the retailer and make sure consumers have all the safety information necessary for the proper use of the product. 

There are certain types of products that require UL Certification, including:

• Electric appliances, such as cooking appliances, personal grooming appliances, animal care appliances, heaters, and fans
• Lawn and garden equipment, such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers
• Consumer electronics, such as televisions, PCs, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, and speakers

What Is the Significance of a Ribbon Being Ul Certified?

Industrial and consumer electronic products certified by UL are required to have a UL certified label and ribbon that provides product and date of manufacture information. A UL certification on ribbon indicates that UL has tested the ribbon to meet their durability requirements. 

The UL approval is recognized for the combination of Ricoh Thermal transfer ribbon and various of receiving materials. Ricoh Wax Resin (B110CR, B120EC and B110C are UL certified).

View a list of UL certified labels and RICOH ribbons visit http://www.ul.com