Light Fixtures Look Nice, But Are They Listed?
You may have noticed that on every electrical appliance or device you buy, somewhere on that device or appliance there is a tag telling you the make and model number, serial number, and electrical characteristics such as amperage and voltage. Pictured is my computer's charger, among all of that information, the UL listed logo is circled in red.
"UL Listed" means that Underwriters Laboratories has tested this product and found it to meet its safety standards. Underwriters Laboratories is one of OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL). These are third party laboratories that have the necessary certifications to test and list all kinds of equipment for use in the workplace and at home.
Other common examples of NRTLs:
OSHA maintains a list of devices and equipment that are required to be listed and labeled in order to be used in the United States. #1 on the list is "Electrical conductors or equipment."
So, what does that mean? The National Electric Code NFPA 70 requires that certain electrical devices be "listed" and "labeled" for use by a NRTL in order to be installed in an electrical system:
Luminaires, Lamp holders and Lamps
Appliances
Electrical Conduit (Pipe)
Wire
The problem: Many light fixtures, ceiling fans and chandeliers for sale on Amazon, Wayfair, Temu appear to have no listing by an OSHA accredited NRTL and shouldn't be installed. These light fixtures may or may not conform to the safety standards set by OSHA and the NRTLs.
It is much safer to buy light fixtures or any electrical device from national retail chains like Lowes, Home Depot, or Ferguson. These retailers typically only sell Listed equipment, and you can check for yourself on the box. As seen here on this Halo Recessed LED Light. The listing will typically be proudly displayed on the box and in the instructions.
Be on the lookout for these NRTL certified logos when buying electrical devices such as light fixtures.
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