Understanding UL Safety

Why does my Lithium UPS Battery need to be UL Tested and Approved?

Most all commercial insurance carriers and building inspectors require UL Approval on electrical equipment installed into a facility. If you experience a claim and the cause was a UPS that was not UL Certified there is a good chance your claim will be denied. There is only one UL Testing and Approving agency, and ETL does not qualify.

Lithium batteries can be used with a UPS System and are extremely safe and effective when properly applied. The Lithium UPS System you choose must be UL Tested and Approved otherwise there are serious safety, health, and financial risks you could incur. UL (Underwriters Laboratory) is the standard for safety, it is important to know that there is only one UL, ETL or any other testing agency is NOT THE SAME AS UL.

The 2018 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Code 1 references UL 1973 standard for lithium-ion batteries used in data center applications. Today, UL has standard testing and qualification processes to verify a safe solution for industrial lithium ion battery UPS applications. The individual lithium battery cells are covered under UL 1642. UL listing covers both cell construction and the battery management system.

UL1973, the standard for batteries used in stationary applications, incorporates the battery system as a whole. It covers battery cabinet safety and it is required by almost all electrical inspectors and building insurance carriers.