With all the news about hoverboards catching fire, it is clear that we all need to think more about product safety. Something catches the consumers’ eye, becomes the hot new thing and then literally becomes the hot new thing. Suddenly there are concerns over safety, liability and insurance coverage. The case with these hoverboards became acute very quickly. Now the FAA forbids them on airplanes and the USPS will not accept them for shipment.
Not one of these popular products is UL Listed. Consumers are often shocked that products can be sold without proper safety review and certification. It’s only after a fire breaks out or someone shocks themselves does the lack of safety testing become acutely important.
Those of us that make UL Listed products take the time and make the investment to produce the safest products possible. Just like as with hoverboards, there are cheap non-certified PDUs (Power Distribution Units) you can purchase. It’s shocking (forgive the pun) to me that these are sold by vendors that are counting on your ignorance.
Please be safe and purchase only UL or other NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) certified power products. Dataprobe and our legitimate competitors that use these labs make professional products for commercial and residential purposes.
While it’s is not required to put UL Listed products in your home, it is for your organization. OSHA requires that only NRTL certified electrical equipment be used in the workplace. Non-compliance can result in fines, lawsuits and insurance claims denied. A list of NRTLs can be found at the OSHA NRTL List. If you don’t see one of these logos on your power distribution units, you should inform your employer to have them replaced. For more information on these OSHA requirements visit www.osha.gov
More information about Dataprobe’s UL Listings and why it is important at dataprobe.com/ul