Posted on by Carl Marchese
What Is cUL?
Understanding UL Certification for the United States and Canada
cUL commonly refers to a UL certification mark indicating that a product has been evaluated for the Canadian market. A product marked for Canada has been assessed to applicable Canadian safety requirements; a product marked for the United States has been assessed to applicable U.S. requirements. A combined mark may indicate certification for both countries.
What does UL mean in electrical equipment?
UL is closely associated with electrical product safety testing and certification. Today, the organization is known as UL Solutions. It evaluates products against applicable standards and authorizes qualifying manufacturers to apply a certification mark. Certification is not simply a one-time laboratory test: programs can also include factory audits and ongoing surveillance intended to confirm that production continues to match the certified construction.
What does the small “c” mean? 
On traditional UL marks, a small “c” identifies certification for Canada. A small “us” identifies certification for the United States. When both appear, the product is certified for both markets. Newer enhanced UL marks may instead use country identifiers such as CA and US. The exact artwork has changed over time, so buyers should read the complete mark rather than rely on the letters UL alone.
Is cUL the same as ULC?
Not exactly. The terms are often mixed together, but they refer to different mark systems. A cUL mark is a UL mark used to indicate certification to Canadian requirements. The ULC mark is owned and controlled by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada and is also used for products certified under Canadian safety requirements. Both can support Canadian market acceptance, but they are not interchangeable names for the same graphic mark.
UL Listed versus UL Recognized
UL Listed generally applies to a complete product evaluated for its intended use. UL Recognized Component status generally applies to a component intended to be built into another product or system. For enclosure buyers, that distinction matters: a Recognized Component enclosure is not automatically the same thing as a completely Listed control panel. The finished assembly, components, modifications, wiring and intended use must all be considered.
Does a UL-listed enclosure make the finished panel UL listed?
No. The enclosure can help a panel builder select an appropriate certified housing, but the certification of an empty enclosure does not automatically transfer to the completed control panel. Added holes, windows, cable glands, ventilation, components and wiring can affect the environmental rating and the compliance of the finished assembly. Panel builders should follow the applicable standard and certification program and consult the authority having jurisdiction when necessary.
What should a buyer verify?
Check the complete marking and the product documentation. Confirm the country designation, certification category, applicable standard, enclosure type rating and any conditions of acceptability. Also verify the exact catalog number; certification for one model or material does not necessarily cover every variation in a product family.
Choosing an enclosure for North American projects
For equipment intended for both the United States and Canada, specifying an enclosure carrying certification for both markets can simplify sourcing and documentation. Fibox offers polycarbonate enclosure models with UL and Canadian certifications and NEMA Type ratings for demanding indoor and outdoor applications. Always confirm the markings and ratings on the specific model selected.
Need help matching an enclosure’s certification and environmental rating to your application? Contact Fibox for product-selection support.
UL Solutions Marks and Label Hub: https://markshub.ul.com/learn-about-ul-marks
UL Solutions: Product Certification for the Canada Market: https://canada.ul.com/ulcprograms/ul-mark-product-certification-for-the-canadian-market/
ULC Mark Safety Scheme: https://canada.ul.com/aboutus/ulcmarkproductcertification/