Ul

[lonepine]

I know that there are a lot of tools imported from overseas, and some of the major brands are represented. But the off brands,are they UL listed?
Thanks Bob

[GrayBeard Phil]

Bob:

From What I know, a company voluntarily submits it's products, and by extension it's management and production methods, to Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. (UL) for product testing for safety.

Back before OSHA, and the Federal Product Safety Commission, insurance companies offering product liability insurance would insist their clients on submitting products to UL. Lawyers, courtrooms, lawsuits, and jury emotions about non-UL listed products, and settlement claims? or submit to UL? Your choice.

A company which is located in a country where there is no enforcement of a US Court decision on Product Liability lawsuits, and there is no direct financial penalty for unsafe products, their products may not be UL listed.

Course, that don't mean company might build a few samples for submission and then subcontract out the major components overseas, where production methods and techniques are vastly different. This just might nullify the UL listing, but the information is never sent to UL. Just think of Mattel toys and lead paint.

Phil

[lonepine]

Phil; If a mishap occured from one of those tools(not UL listed) and it was confirmmed that it was responsible for a fire...would that have any effect on the fire insurance carrier not covering the loss...and or damage?
What do you think?
Thanks, Bob

[GrayBeard Phil]

From What I Know:

UL is only for manufacturer's liability insurance. If a device is not UL listed, and it directly causes a fire in your house, you, and your lawyer, should seek legal recourse from the seller and manufacturer of the device. Unsafe product and all that. Your homeowner's insurance should not come into play. Recovery would take lots of time.

IMHO, if you did file a claim against your homeowner's policy, you would have to refund the money when you collected any claim from your suit against the maker of the device. Only a Lawyer in your state can answer that question with authority.

If the device was UL listed, and you were using the tool in a normal manner, then your homeowner's insurance would be the quickest and easiest way to get your house back together. If UL listed, the insurance companies will close ranks to prevent you bringing any legal action against the maker, or seller, of the device. That was the deal THEY made when UL came into existence. {the infamous THEY}

Now that all being said:
A table saw may not be listed with UL, but the motor, and the ON/OFF switch may be listed.
A battery operated import may not be UL listed, but it most likely won't cause a fire. Battery Acid damage? I don't know.
I would never buy a router, Chop Saw, or skill saw(circular saw?) with out UL listing. (personal opinion!)

Phil