Subject: custom light fixtures & U.L.approval

From: [email-masked] (Roger Olsen)
Date: Sat, 15 Jun 1996 05:55:27 -0800

i would be interested to know about the experiences of those of you which
have built custom light fixtures and then taken them for U.L. approval.

how did you find the business that could offer approval?

how much for a typical floor lamp, table lamp, hanging fixture?

how did the lab base their charges?

if you built 3 exactly alike would only one have to be sent for approval?

how long of a turn-around time?

thanks for your comments

roger olsen

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From: [email-masked] (Lee Pavlica)
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 1996 09:40:56 -0600

>As I understand it, UL approval is voluntary and EXPENSIVE to obtain. 
> They often destroy the piece(s) they are testing.  From my own work 
>expirience I know that UL approval is only required "code" for 
>hospitals or commercial buildings in some cities (like Chicago.)  
>Whenever you make a lamp you are taking a risk.  You can use UL 
>approved parts.  You can saftey test (check the ground) of the lamp 
>and fuse protect the circut.  But if something goes wrong, UL 
>approved or no, you can be a legal poptart.  The lawyers will like 
>their lips and grin when they see the brief.  Product liability laws 
>will have a much greater effect on you than UL listing.  And from 
>what little I know of UL's methods, I doubt they would be able 
>to approve a single item at a time.
>
>If anyone else knows more about this, I would certain be eager to 
>hear (er..read) about your expirience.
>
>Thnaks
>
> 
>
>=================================================
>Franklyn D. Garland                         
>The Celtic Knot Forge                       
>[email-masked]                                 
>http://www.mcs.net/~frnklyn/homepage/
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Lee Pavlica
Rampart Forge
As I understand it UL aproval is not needed on one of a kind or short run
items.  Also our lights are considered artwork and UL aproval is not
required.  If you do the wiring, use UL aproved parts and fixtures.  I give
my clients the option of having the wiring done by an electrician or having
it done at a good lighting shop.  usually this is more expensive, but it
becomes their choice
                             Lee Pavlica
                             [email-masked]