Tools for achieving code compliance: UL Certifications and UL Evaluation Reports

Authored by: Dwayne E. Sloan, Technical Director and John K. Taecker, Senior Regulatory Engineer

Most products used in building construction are required by the model building, fire, mechanical, electrical and energy conservation codes to be tested and/or certified by an approved third-party certifier in accordance with specific standards. Code compliance can be determined by using UL certified products as shown in UL’s Product iQ^TM certification database. “Installation Code Search” is one of the IQ Plus Search Tools in Product iQ under “Building Materials, Systems, and Installation Codes.” This search correlates specific model code section numbers with applicable UL certification information.

However, some products are not addressed in the model codes; the model codes do not identify specific and clear requirements for certain products; or model codes have multiple requirements for a product not covered by a single standard. In these situations, additional technical evidence may be needed to determine if a new or alternative material, product, design or method of construction complies with the intent of the model codes. UL evaluation reports are intended to provide that technical evidence. UL evaluation reports provide guidance to code authorities, architects, designers, contractors and installers in determining code compliance of products to model codes when code requirements exceed the scope of individual UL product safety certifications. UL also provides evaluation reports to assist in determining code compliance of products to specific state codes when a state has defined additional requirements such as California and Florida. These evaluation reports do not address building commissioning or field inspections of buildings.

Requirements Used for Evaluation

The overall purpose of an evaluation report is to provide sufficient information so Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) can determine that a product or system is found to be at least equivalent to what is prescribed in the code in respect to quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. UL evaluation reports are based on the requirements in the model installation codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Residential Code (IRC), Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), and National Electrical Code (NEC) and other standardized installation requirements.

When a product is not addressed in the model codes and/or the model installation codes do not identify specific and clear requirements for a product, the applicable International Code Council (ICC) Acceptance Criteria (AC) is used and identified in the UL evaluation report. If acceptance criteria do not exist, UL will review the codes and available product standards to determine applicable requirements.

When the model codes have clear, but multiple, requirements, i.e., not covered by a single standard, or the requirements are contained in various sections of the code, the appropriate codes and standards referenced in the model installation codes are used and identified in the UL evaluation report.

The test methods used are considered to meet the intent of the provisions of the model codes identified in an evaluation report. Wherever possible, the test methods are those specified in the model code or derived from a recognized test standard.

UL uses our vast testing experience, knowledge of products and test standards referenced within the model codes, and full involvement with the model code development processes in evaluating products. Throughout the lifetime of an evaluation report, UL regularly audits a manufacturer’s production facilities and products to determine continued compliance with the requirements.

Report contents

Each UL evaluation report contains the following information:

• Report holder name and contact information
• Scope of evaluation, including the model code(s) and the properties evaluated
• Referenced documents, including a list of the codes, standards and acceptance criteria used to evaluate the product
• Description of a product and how it is used
• Performance characteristics covering a summary of the testing performed and the results of the tests
• Information on how the product is to be installed and any limitations on its use
• Supporting evidence which cross references product certifications and reports reviewed to determine compliance
• A summary of product markings for identification of these products

The products described in each UL evaluation report are identified by a marking bearing the

manufacturer's name, the product type and the UL evaluation report number.

Reviewing UL Reports

UL evaluation reports can be found in UL’s Product iQ certification database. One of the IQ Plus Search Tools in UL’s Product iQ under “Building Materials, Systems, and Installation Codes” is for UL evaluation reports. General information is covered under the product category for UL Evaluation Reports (ULER).

The individual categories for specific evaluation reports in the United States are:

For more information on UL's evaluation service, please visit www.ul.com/evaluationreports

ULC Evaluation Reports for Canada 

ULC Evaluation Service is specifically geared to the requirements of the Canadian National Codes, to assist Regulatory Authorities in determining suitability and compliance of existing, new or innovative products, materials and systems for use in Canada. ULC’s Evaluation Reports help to bridge this gap by providing performance requirements for new and innovative construction materials and assemblies. These Evaluation Reports provide technical evidence that alternative material, product, design or method of construction comply with the intent of the building codes. ULC’s technical experts have full involvement in the code development process and complete knowledge of the product and test standards referenced within the codes.

ULC Evaluation Reports can be found in UL’s Product iQ. General information is covered under the product category for ULC Evaluation Reports (ULER7). 

The initial individual categories for specific ULC Evaluation Reports are:

For more information on ULC’s Evaluation Service, please visit https://canada.ul.com/ulcprograms/evaluationreports/. 

Most products used in building construction are required by to be tested and/or certified by an approved third-party certifier in accordance with specific standards. Code compliance can be determined by using UL certified products as shown in UL’s Product iQ^TM certification database.

Determine code compliance using Product iQ^TM database to source UL certified products.

For additional information about UL Evaluation Reports, please contact the Codes and Regulatory Services Team at ULRegulatoryServices@ul.com.