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Trade show coming, need info on UL — Parallax Forums

Trade show coming, need info on UL

T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
edited 2009-04-04 23:59 in General Discussion
I am negotiating with a trade show at the Los Angeles Convention Center to display a product I have been working on in June. The product includes a power supply(120VAC rated 2amp torodial transformer, switching 5VDC regulator, unregulated 26VDC), Propeller motherboard, motor, motor driver, various sensors, etc).

The manual for the trade show is rather complex, and has many convoluted rules that have to be sorted out. In particular, I am wondering if the following would suggest that someone at the show would bother to inspect my boards and overall product to determine if it is UL certified. I have submitted the initial forms to get UL certified, but have no idea if that can be done in time by June 26.
Trade Show said...
Department of Building and Safety Permit Requirements

All electrical equipment used or exhibited must be approved by Underwriter’s Laboratories or by
the Department of Building and Safety Electrical Test Lab.

Would you guys conclude that I would need to either get UL certified or have Building and Safety over to inspect my product based on the above?

Comments

  • Carl HayesCarl Hayes Posts: 841
    edited 2009-04-04 20:38
    Yup, that's the way I'd read it. The Dept of BS -- wonderful short name -- may be quicker.

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    · -- Carl, nn5i@arrl.net
  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-04-04 20:55
    I don't know about UL but had the CSA make a house call once to certify a costume build compressor rig for a large grocery store I built. Only took them 1 day. No clue how much it cost the bill was sent to the company doing the refrigeration.

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  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2009-04-04 21:07
    You'll probably have to hire a union electrician to plug it into the wall socket for you, too! Exhibit regs are nothing short of a subsidy for the trade union cartels.

    -Phil
  • rjo_rjo_ Posts: 1,825
    edited 2009-04-04 21:14
    TChapman,

    The key is in the phrase "used or exhibited." "Used" means anything that you actually "use" in your booth... power supplies, VCRs, etc. to actually display your product. Exhibited does not mean "display." Exhibit means to display in full or partial working order.

    You won't be allowed to turn on your product... but there shouldn't be a problem displaying it. To be safe, you should have your product displayed in your booth so that it would be impossible to turn it on...obviously it shouldn't be plugged in and to be easy on the guys running the meetings, if you put it into a display case, where it is clear there is no power going to your product and it could not be easily plugged in, you should be fine.

    If you put a sign next to your product ("awaiting UL listing") it will be clear to everyone why it isn't plugged in ... so you won't have to answer the same question a thousand times.
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2009-04-04 22:28
    rjo. The device has to be running, so I will have to get the city to inspect it I suppose assuming UL will take longer than the time I have.

    Phil, yes the show is nothing but a giant union gig, I can't even carry my own stuff into the show or remove it on my own. A union guy must do everything, quite a scam but I think they are effective to some degree depending on what you are trying to sell.
  • Craig EidCraig Eid Posts: 106
    edited 2009-04-04 23:34
    TChapman,

    Aside from the requirement from the Los Angeles Convention Center, do you need UL certification or is·CE certification acceptable?·You can do a portion of the prequalification for both standards if you have the·skillset and test equipment. The major certification cost driver, for both UL and CE, is the EMI/EMC testing and certification and the cost can range from $5K - $20K.

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    ························ Craig Eid


    ··········· Triad Research and Development
    Electical Engineering Design and Consulting Services

    ··················· www.TriadRD.com
  • StarManStarMan Posts: 306
    edited 2009-04-04 23:59
    I have exhibited at dozens of trade shows with the same jargon in the manuals.· I don't have UL on my products.· No one at the show has ever asked.·· However, any fabrics you use in your booth (cutains or tablecloths) will probably get inspected by the local fire department after hours to see if they are certified flame retardant.

    I also set up my own booth.· If the union really presses me, I'll hire one of their workers for 1 hour.· That usually appeases them.· You don't want to upset those guys.· They have access to your booth when you're not there.· You can also usually carry you own stuff onto the floor but don't use any wheels.· It has to be carried.·

    Play it by ear when you get there and comply with whatever the show officials say and you'll be OK.

    Chris I.
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