If you work with industrial control panels, chances are you’ve seen a UL508A label on some. But what exactly is it, and why should you care? Whether you’re an engineer, panel builder, or facility manager, understanding UL508A is essential for ensuring your equipment is safe, code-compliant, and trusted by inspectors and end users alike.
In this pose, we’ll break down what UL508A is, how it applies to your control panels, and what it takes to become a UL-certified panel shop.
What Is the UL508A Standard?
The UL508A standard is a safety standard developed by Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety certification organization. This standard applies specifically to industrial control panels in the United States, including those used in:
- Manufacturing equipment
- HVAC systems
- Water treatment facilities
- Conveyor systems
- Other industrial machinery
The standard covers things like proper component selection, enclosure types and ratings, overcurrent protection, writing methods, and more. The main purpose of the UL508A standard is to ensure that industrial control panels are designed and built to prevent electrical fires, shock hazards, and equipment damage.
UL508A Requirements
In order to be UL508A certified, a manufacturer must design, build, and test their control panels to specific standards. These requirements include:
- Component selection: All components must be UL-listed or recognized and meet specific performance standards.
- Overcurrent protection: Panels must have proper fuses or circuit breakers to protect wiring and components from overcurrent conditions.
- Short-circuit current rating (SCCR): Every panel must have a clearly marked SCCR label, which is based on the weakest component in the power circuit.
- Wiring: Wires must be sized for their function (such as power vs control), using correct insulation types and wire routing. Additionally, wires must be labeled and color-coded.
- Enclosure: Enclosures must meet NEMA or UL enclosure type ratings based on the environment.
- Labels: Panels must have a permanent UL Label that shows manufacturer info, supply voltage and phase, full load current (FLA), SCCR, and short circuit protection device ratings.
- Electrical spacing: Minimum clearances must be maintained between live parts and grounded or uninsulated surfaces.
- Documentation: A wiring diagram must be included inside the panel, along with instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance. Some panels also need component lists and terminal labeling schemes.
How to Get the UL508A Certification
While there is no law in the US requiring control panels to be built to the UL508A standard, getting this certification can give you a competitive edge. To get the UL508A certification, you’ll need to start an application online or by contacting UL. Your shop will need to have a dedicated panel-building area, qualified staff who understand the requirements, a quality control process for inspecting panels before shipping, and access to all necessary documentation. You’ll also need to go through mandatory training on the UL508A standard.
After your application is complete, UL will send a Field Engineer to inspect your facility, processes, tools, and sample panels. They’ll review component usage and design, check wiring and labeling, confirm SCCR calculations, and evaluate your understanding of the standard. If everything meets UL requirements, you pass the audit and become a UL-listed panel shop. From there, UL will regularly inspect your facility to ensure that your shop still complies with the standard.
How It Applies to Industrial Control Panels
The UL508A standard defines how to design, build, and label industrial control panels safely and consistently. It ensures that wires are the right size and correctly routed, overcurrent protection is adequate, and that components are UL-listed or recognized.
Additionally, the standard requires clear labeling of voltage, current, and SCCR ratings. Following the standard ensures that your panel won’t overheat, short out, or fail under load. It also reduces the risk of fires, electric shock, and equipment damage.
How It’s Different from UL698A
While UL508A and UL598A are both standards related to industrial control panels, they apply to very different environments and risk levels. The main difference is that UL508A is for general industrial control panels, while UL598A is for control panels used in hazardous environments. This can include areas with flammable gases, vapors, or dust. The focus on the standard is to prevent explosions and create intrinsically safe circuits.
How to Get the Labels for Your Industrial Control Panel
To get UL labels for your industrial control panel, you need to be part of UL’s certified panel shop program. You can’t just buy UL labels. You must earn the right to apply them by meeting the UL508A standards. Once certified, your shop will get access to a UL portal or rep where you can order the labels.
Labels are serialized and trackable, so UL knows exactly which shop used each one. Misuse of labels, such as placing on a non-compliant panel, can lead to your shop losing its certification.
How to Apply Them
Place the label in a visible location, usually on the outside of the enclosure door or near the nameplate. Before you apply the label, make sure the surface is clean and dry. You can wipe with alcohol if needed. Press the label firmly and evenly to ensure that it adheres. Do not cover it or obscure it with paint, wiring, or other labels.
Once applied, make sure to track and log the label number. Include the customer name, project/job number panel specs in your log. This helps with traceability and UL audits.
UL508A Conclusion
Part of the UL508A standard is labeling the control panel with your information, the SCCR rating, and supply voltage and phase, among other components. But not just any label will do. You need labels that will last through tough conditions and remain legible.
That’s where Coast Label comes in. We can manufacture custom safety labels for your industrial control panels. We only use the best materials and the best processes, so you can be sure that our labels will last. Contact us today to order custom control panel labels.