{"id":20323,"date":"2020-05-01T05:20:25","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T10:20:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iaeimagazine.org\/?p=20323"},"modified":"2021-12-15T10:20:25","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T16:20:25","slug":"the-importance-of-being-involved-in-ul-standards-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iaeimagazine.org\/issue\/may-june-2020\/the-importance-of-being-involved-in-ul-standards-development\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Being Involved in UL Standards Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

Inspectors and contractors are critical stakeholders in electrical safety, with their input essential to the development and maintenance of safety standards developed in the United States and Canada. The National Electrical Code <\/em>(NEC<\/em>) states in Section 110.3 that product testing and listing shall be in accordance with applicable product standards for equipment installed to comply with the Code<\/em>. Over three-hundred product standards are referenced in the Code<\/em> with informational notes, and Annex A. Participation in developing and maintaining UL standards is just as critical as involvement in the NEC <\/em>code-making process in ensuring safe electrical installations.<\/p>\n

The NEC<\/em> and UL Standards are the foundation of the work performed each day as an inspector or installer. Involvement in the standards development process allows participants to become a critical part of improving safety and also facilitates their professional growth. Membership in a UL standards panel can lead to NFPA code-making panel memberships, partnerships with other industry stakeholders, and increased access to resources that help address complicated issues in your daily job responsibilities. Participation in UL standards development is straightforward using UL\u2019s online Collaborative Standards Development System (CSDS).<\/p>\n

UL Standards needs the unique perspectives that electrical inspectors and contractors can bring to the standards development process. In turn, participation can offer multiple professional growth opportunities for those who volunteer.<\/p>\n

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UL Standards Technical Panels (STPs) and ULC Technical Committees (TCs)<\/h2>\n

Stakeholder input is an essential part of the process by which UL develops and maintains its standards. This consensus process is achieved via a group of individuals representing a variety of interests who are responsible for reviewing proposed standards or changes or additions to existing standards. UL Standards refer to these groups as standards technical panels (STPs), and ULC Standards (operating in Canada) refers to them as Technical Committees (TCs).<\/p>\n

It is beneficial to have broad, diverse opinions and interests represented during standards discussions to maximize the standard\u2019s effectiveness, applicability, and sustainability. Stakeholders typically include authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), installers, manufacturers, retailers, consumers, trade associations, regulators and other authorities– and other varied and vested interests. This participation enables diverse interests to provide input, review proposals, and meet to discuss issues \u2014 all facilitated by UL\u2019s standards development organization. Members represent a balanced group of interest categories, in which the goal is to have no interest group over one-third of the entire group. There is no cost to become an STP member.<\/p>\n

In meeting the core elements of consensus standards development, anyone can apply to participate. Participation occurs through UL\u2019s Collaborative Standards Development System (CSDS), which provides online access to review, comment, and submit proposals for UL\u2019s Standards development process. General access to CSDS is also available for information on STP meetings, submitting proposals, and access to proposals.\u00a0 STP\/TC membership is not required to participate. A non-member participates without voting privileges. STP\/TC meetings take place on an as-needed basis to develop standards or review proposals. These can take place live or via teleconference.<\/p>\n

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Become a Standards Technical Panel Member<\/h2>\n

Membership in standards development activities provides you with insights into future requirements and improves your ability to assure compliant installations. This unique perspective provided early in standards writing activities is essential for the inclusion of appropriate provisions for installation instructions, markings, and nameplate information. Perhaps most importantly, your participation can reduce the risk of inadvertent oversights that impact installations.<\/p>\n

Two questions are typically asked about panel membership:<\/p>\n

How much time is involved in being a member?\u00a0 <\/strong>The best answer is that it varies and can be addressed by the STP\u2019s project manager. Reach out to the project manager of the STP you are interested in and ask how much time is typically required to be a member of the STP. You may learn that the STP primarily meets online or simply with email correspondence.\u00a0 If there are face-to-face meetings, all proposed changes, comments, and voting are done online. The STP manager will be more than happy to address your concerns and questions on time commitment.<\/p>\n

How do I apply for membership? <\/strong>To apply, go to the CSDS home page at csds.ul.com and select the link \u201cApply to be a member today!\u201d found at the bottom of the page. Then select \u201cUL STP Application\u201d for US Standards or \u201cULC TC Application\u201d for Canadian Standards. A seven-step application is required to be completed when applying.\u00a0 Before applying, you will need to determine the STP(s) you wish to apply for membership. To find information on STPs, go to the CSDS home page at csds.ul.com. Once on the CSDS home page, select \u201cSTP Info\u201d from the top dropdown menu, and then select \u201cStandards Technical Panel (STPs).\u201d The \u201cSTP Chart\u201d found here provides a complete list of UL Standards, the corresponding STP number, and if there is a current call for members.\u00a0 When applying for membership, you will also need to be prepared to describe your general knowledge and competence in the scope of the STP, provide the perspective you will offer, and submit a resume if available.<\/p>\n

Participate without becoming an STP Member<\/h2>\n

If you are not ready to become a member or membership is full, there are other ways in which you can take an active role in the standards development process. You will be able to make proposals, provide comments, and attend meetings. This access is available after creating and logging into your free user account at CSDS.ul.com. These alternate means of participation include the following:<\/p>\n