Hazardous Locations Services

UL is not only the leader in product safety testing and certification within the United States, but UL's involvement in the testing and certification of hazardous location equipment is recognized and respected around the world. Our long history of addressing safety issues around hazardous locations equipment dates back to the first hazardous locations-related UL Standard published in 1930. Today, our international team helps speed turnaround time for global market access.

Hazardous Locations Service Categories

Within the hazardous locations services listed here, you will find product-specific information and resources, such as:

• U.S. and global codes and standards
• Canadian certification documents
• Programs and services
• Technical training and educational opportunities
• Related papers, presentations, and articles

On-site Safety Evaluations

Hazardous locations technical staff members conduct on-site safety evaluations that include testing, examination and installation review of products that have already been installed in the field. If the product meets UL's hazardous locations safety requirements, UL's Field Evaluated Product Label is applied to the product on site.  Learn more.

Hazardous Locations Definition

A Hazardous Location is an explosive atmosphere due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids (Class I), combustible dusts (Class II) or ignitable fibers & flyings (Class III).

An area may also be considered "hazardous" for other reasons, such as the use of electrical equipment in the vicinity of water, the risk of personal injury from moving or falling parts, or even the presence of biological hazards. While hazards are associated with all of these conditions, areas are only considered hazardous (classified) locations under conditions defined by the NEC, CEC, IEC 60079-10, or CENELEC EN 60079-10, as applicable.

This approach to classifying hazardous locations is used by the United States (National Electrical Code), Canada (Canadian Electrical Code), Europe (CENELEC EN60079-10) and throughout the world (IEC 60079-10).