Caution concerning non-UL listed equipment

[HippieSmell]

I would like to caution those of you who use equipment, such as pumps and controllers, that aren't UL listed. It might be tempting to buy stuff directly from China or hobbyists, but be careful. These products are almost never UL listed, and because of that may not be covered by fire and homeowners insurance.

Something to consider when trying to save a few bucks.

 

[moondoggy4]

Thanks for the heads up. I have heard that there is counterfeit UL badges that they put on some equipment also.

 

[ganjero]

UL doesn't always mean 100% safe. A lot of the equipment, even recognized brands, are not UL listed. To be UL listed for use in saltwater applications products have to meet special requirements for use in saltwater environments and if I recall correctly one of them is being splashed with saltwater without major consequences.

Some products are UL listed on their power supply but most likely those power supplies might have received the UL stamp for use in dry applications. You will also find aquarium products that received the UL stamp for use in freshwater aquariums.

With this information insurances can get finicky and not cover loses.

I think buying from reputable manufacturers that follow American quality standards is a good advice but the UL listing is not always there or not there for the application where we use them. Buying products straight from china usually means buying lower quality so it also advisable to do your homework and take preventative measurements such as using GFCI outlets.

 

[PrangeWay]

Looking for the CE label is probably more likely in the bulk of our aquarium equipment, it's the European conformity marking and more likely in use as UL is pretty meaningless outside the US.

 

[HippieSmell]

UL doesn't always mean 100% safe. A lot of the equipment, even recognized brands, are not UL listed. To be UL listed for use in saltwater applications products have to meet special requirements for use in saltwater environments and if I recall correctly one of them is being splashed with saltwater without major consequences.

Some products are UL listed on their power supply but most likely those power supplies might have received the UL stamp for use in dry applications. You will also find aquarium products that received the UL stamp for use in freshwater aquariums.

With this information insurances can get finicky and not cover loses.

I think buying from reputable manufacturers that follow American quality standards is a good advice but the UL listing is not always there or not there for the application where we use them. Buying products straight from china usually means buying lower quality so it also advisable to do your homework and take preventative measurements such as using GFCI outlets.

Safety is never guaranteed, to be sure, but UL listing can be an issue with insurance, which is all I'm trying to say.

The different rating for aquarium use is important. I have a Jager heater that was CE listed, but not UL because it hadn't been approved for full submersion in the US. It was really just a technicality, and those heaters now have UL aquarium listing and is approved for full submersion. Marine ratings are different and I'm not aware of any aquarium equipment that gets a full UL marine rating.

UL is pretty meaningless outside the US.

It's not useless if you're dealing with US insurance. But CE listing is a very good sign if it only has that.