Posted by DDH Staff on 10/5/2023 to Tips

For door hardware, UL Listing is basically saying that it's been tested and meets safety requirements in case of fire. In other words, it will maintain it's integrity for 3 hours if there were a fire and after that it's probably destroyed. You will find that Commercial buildings usually require UL listed for 3 hour fire.

Why does a UL Listing Matter?

UL Listing (aka Underwriters Laboratories) is an independent product safety certification organization that was established in 1894. The importance of safety and quality is unmatched, and when it comes to door hardware, ensuring that your products meet the right safety standards is essential.

Is a UL Listing Required for All Door Hardware?

Commercial buildings usually require a UL listing for the duration of a 3-hour fire. The product safety tests make sure that door hardware will hold up long enough to maintain door positioning that allows people time to exit the building if you are inside when/if there is a fire. Each product is tested for fire resistance and performance. This includes swinging doors, glazing materials, frames, locks, closers, hinges and other door hardware products.

These are the services that a UL listing includes:

  • ANSI/UL 10C: Positive pressure fire tests of door assemblies
  • ANSI/UL 10B: Fire tests of Door Assemblies
  • UL 1784: Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies
  • NFPA 252: Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies
  • UL Subject 63: Outline of Investigation for Fire Door Frames
  • CAN4-S104-M80: Standard Method for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies

UL Listing vs. UL Certified

Both "UL Listing" and "UL Certified" are terms associated with products that have undergone testing and evaluation by Underwriters Laboratories. However, they are used to convey slightly different aspects of a product's compliance with UL's standards. Let's explore the differences:

  • UL Listing: This primarily focuses on individual products and indicates that a specific product has been tested and meets the relevant safety standards. The UL Listing mark is placed on the product itself.
  • UL Certified: This goes beyond individual products to encompass the manufacturer's overall processes and quality control systems. It means that the manufacturer has been audited and approved by UL to consistently produce products that meet their standards.

Shop UL-Listed Hardware from Direct Door Hardware Today

Knowing that hardware has a ul listing can give you peace of mind that you’re purchasing a product that has been tested and meets the required safety standards. You can shop our selection of UL-listed commercial door hardware today. We also offer Emtek deadbolts and the Schlage B60 deadbolt in a UL version – just give us a call at 307-886-9449 to order!