Power supply not UL listed, does it matter?

[ironk]

I looked through the description of a Seasonic power supply, but I didn't notice the UL logo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151119

(Scroll down to the Safety heading)

Does this matter? I am seeing the "TUV" and others.

Here is just the picture it self:

http://i.imgur.com/W9ScER9.jpg

 

[lehtv]

What is UL?

Short answer: No, it doesn't matter.

Long answer: UL is just another safety-related testing company. The Seasonic unit is tested by a couple of different TUV's instead.

 

[VirtualLarry]

If you care about homeowner's insurance, don't buy a PSU without an UL seal.

Edit: Those may be grey-market Euro imports that Newegg is selling.

AFAIK, any PSU that is legally sold in the US, must have UL and FCC markings.

 

[ironk]

If you care about homeowner's insurance, don't buy a PSU without an UL seal.

Which PSU are UL listed? I would like a 450 watt to 550w, and a lot of people recommended seasonic.

I don't see any UL or FCC logos on the picture either.

 

[coffeejunkee]

If you care about homeowner's insurance, don't buy a PSU without an UL seal.

Edit: Those may be grey-market Euro imports that Newegg is selling.

AFAIK, any PSU that is legally sold in the US, must have UL and FCC markings.

Are you sure? If I look at Corsair psu's on Newegg I see only the more expensive ones have a UL seal (AX, TX series). The cheaper ones like CX and RM series or older HX series have FCC and CE but no UL.

 

[ironk]

lol, looks like everyone has been buying PSU's that are not UL listed.

I looked at this brochure, and after zooming in, I do see FCC on the far right:

http://www.seasonic.com/pdf/datasheet/NEW/Retail/S12II Bronze.pdf

Looks like it at least has FCC...I wonder if the TUV logo has a tiny UL symbol inside of it.

I looked a little closer, and the Logo looks to be like this:

TUV
c ntrl us

I googled the words, and came accross this page:

http://www.tuv.com/en/usa/services_...us_certification_us/ctuvus_certification.html

Anyone want to decipher it? Is UL not necessary if its a TUV?

Ah, found the answer (click on "Additional Information" tab on the above page):


cTUVus Certification and OSHA

The cTUVus mark is officially recognized as an equivalent and direct replacement of the UL and CSA marks. UL is both a US standards body and a laboratory. National Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) like TÜV Rheinland can test to the same standards and specifications as those defined by UL as US standards.

In 1984, OSHA created the NRTL program. Currently, there are more than 15 registered companies on the OSHA list. To operate in the US, NRTLs must be accredited by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in an exacting process. This process ensures that the testing laboratory has the necessary equipment, technical skills, physical facilities, and quality management systems to conduct proper testing and certification for each product category in its application.

TÜV Rheinland is also officially certified as a National Certification Bodies (NCB) as part of the International Electro-Technical Commission’s (IEC) Certification Body Scheme. This international program is based on peer-to-peer review audits and mutual recognition of CB certificates and reports to achieve an equally high technical level.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Interesting. I did not know that TUV was considered an equivalent certification, in the US of A, to the UL mark. I thought that it only applied to Euro nations.

 

[ironk]

Yeah, its news to me also. I think they should make it more clear in the logo though since not many are familiar with TUV. It looks like if someone had a company and wanted to sell the product in Canada/US then why pay twice to UL and whatever is used in Canada? Not sure what TUV certification costs, but its easier to get it once I guess.

 

[ironk]

Are you sure? If I look at Corsair psu's on Newegg I see only the more expensive ones have a UL seal (AX, TX series). The cheaper ones like CX and RM series or older HX series have FCC and CE but no UL.

I think the CX has UL:

http://www.corsair.com/en-us/builder-series-cx430-v2-80plus-certified-power-supply

Safety Approvals: UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TÜV, CCC, C-tick

 

[coffeejunkee]

I think the CX has UL:

http://www.corsair.com/en-us/builder-series-cx430-v2-80plus-certified-power-supply

Safety Approvals: UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TÜV, CCC, C-tick

I guess it does then, but it's hard to see on the label. Maybe it's combined with the TüV label like mentioned above.

TüV is well known in Europe. It's generally safe to leave the testing to the Germans, they're pretty gründlich.

 

[imagoon]

UL is definitely not required for insurance. They are just one company the does safety certification. I have a pile of stuff here at my desk that CE but not UL.

 

[ironk]

I guess it does then, but it's hard to see on the label. Maybe it's combined with the TüV label like mentioned above.

TüV is well known in Europe. It's generally safe to leave the testing to the Germans, they're pretty gründlich.

lol, what is gründlich?

UL is definitely not required for insurance. They are just one company the does safety certification. I have a pile of stuff here at my desk that CE but not UL.

Yeah, I think UL is just well known and to counter their "monopoly" we have all the rest of the agencies now.

 

[lehtv]

lol, what is gründlich?

thorough in German

 

[bryanl]

AFAIK, any PSU that is legally sold in the US, must have UL and FCC markings.

For many products sold in the US, including computer power supplies, there is no requirement for UL approval or any other safety approval. Some exceptions include building materials, like wiring and roofing shingles, and equipment intended for commercial/industrial use or for fire protection devices and fire detection systems.

It's possible all electrical devices sold in Canada are required to be certified by their CSA or another organization that tests for the same standards, including UL and its "C" (Canada) standards.

Corsair CX series power supplies are some others that are not UL approved but are instead certified by TUV, a German company

FCC certification is required for US sale, but cheating is widespread, ranging from submitting specially built products to approved testing labs to simply falsifying the FCC logo.

Safety testing organizations like UL, TUV, and CSA are concerned about the hazards of electrical shock and fire, meaning it's possible to purchase an approved product of low quality that is perfectly safe to humans but not necessarily to computers.

Corsair's CX430 is frequently available for $20, after a $20-25 rebate. It's a high quality power supply with TUV approval that can easily meet its power rating.