Your Power in Knowing
For years I have been installing and purchasing electrical products; everything from circuit breakers, electrical panels, mounting boxes, switches, dimmers, light fixtures and ceiling fans to common household items like large or small appliances, light bulbs, extension cords, batteries and all types of chargers. Along my path as a professional providing decades of service to thousands of satisfied customers I learned how to identify and provide exceptional quality by using and installing the best products, specifically using and providing ONLY a UL ESFI approved and Listed item of all types. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories and ESFI for Electrical Safety Foundation International, both are non-profit organizations that aim to make sure reputable products are available to consumers in the US. Early on in my career as my job-sites were inspected by the local AHJ, the importance of using only Listed products was not easily understood. Inspectors were sticklers for ensuring that a stamp from these organizations was present on any installed items. But I could look at a product, compare it to one less expensive and just as effective and become frustrated as to what political affiliations resulted in mandating my use of only these Listed products. But with time and experience came wisdom, as does with just about any routine. I realized in fact it’s not political at all but maybe just American or at least Star Trekkian helping one another to “Live long and prosper”.
Last week I met to have breakfast with two of my life long friends, one of which is a professional household insurance auditor. Our conversation led to the topic of household fires becoming more common and losses affiliated with it. Considering house fires being on the upward trend lately this had gotten me thinking about two things that affected me recently. One being with inflation at an all time high everyone needs to cut costs somewhere, and second that knowledge is power.
On a recent electric vehicle charger job a homeowner had provided some of the materials. My trained eye realized that while the parts I was asked to install would work if I installed them with certain abnormal techniques (rigging); the integrity and longevity of using the parts could result in failure. So I remembered to look closer to realize there was no UL Istamp of approval. While there was a “stamp” on the product it was not a UL or ESFI trusted one. I had to decline installing the products and purchase better ones that I could sleep at night knowing they were installed.
Later I thought and realized, I too am guilty of letting my guard down to save a dollar. As a subscriber to Amazon services I stand guilty of buying items as simple as phone chargers that are not UL or ESFI listed. Problem is I’m aware of what a Listed item is, and I still picked the lowest priced quality item available, delivered to my door. This leads me to believe that thousands of products are being purchased online without thought or knowledge of US safety protocols and standards. Right now you may be using a phone charger or surge protector strip that is not Listed, and could easily overheat and ignite any combustible‘s that are close by. Or perhaps you’re a business purchasing products like light fixtures wall switches or ground fault receptacles that are not Listed, but are least expensive choices online. As a contractor or licensed professional you have a duty to install only reputable products that bare a Listed stamp. I miss out on contracts daily because my estimates are higher than competitors using sub-par materials. Whether consumer or contractor, these products could easily result in a house fire that could leave you stranded or even worse result in the death of you or a family member.
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, look for those stamps of approval. Look for the UL or the ESFI stamp on the products you buy. If it’s not there insist on finding something that has it. While purchasing options online are easy, convenient and usually less expensive you have to do more investigation to find that Listed stamp (not imposter stamps). Also shopping brand names online or in person at a big box store will allow you to stimulate the economy but more importantly ensure that you’re getting a product that is Listed and safe for use in your home or business. Sure you might spend a few dollars more but the peace of mind, longevity and fire prevention is worth every cent. I’m not getting paid by these organizations, I’ve just been in the industry long enough to know that this knowledge is valuable for every consumer.
Below is a link for more information about UL and ESFI listed items..
https://besafebuyreal.ul.org/
