UL Primary Designated Engineers (PDEs)
The heart of UL’s technical expertise
By the very nature of its business, UL has always been recognized as a technical expert and knowledge leader in conformity assessment. But there is a team of individuals within UL who have been specially recognized for their technical knowledge and who have a special mission regarding the delivery of UL’s services and development of certification requirements. This team of unique and highly professional individuals is the Primary Designated Engineers (PDEs). Formed in 2003, the PDE team now comprises 80 UL staff members. PDEs are responsible for driving the global consistency, integrity and engineering quality in the development, maintenance and application of UL certification requirements as well as delivery of UL conformity assessment services.
Setting the standard
Each PDE is responsible for interpreting, developing and maintaining UL Standards and Outlines of Investigations for different product categories. They are a ready resource for UL customers and UL engineering and field staff needing clarification of current requirements. PDEs also identify and develop new UL requirements and revising existing ones. They stay abreast of technological innovation and ensure UL Standards can meet market needs. When evaluating the need for a new or revised Standard, PDEs utilize input from UL staff, manufacturers, industry associations, government, and regulatory authorities, as well as documentation from UL field reports. Should a new or revised UL Standard be required PDEs decide on how the UL Standard is written, what is covered and how it is presented.
PDEs participate in all technical meetings, committees and panels appropriate to their areas. They are UL representatives on UL Standards Technical Panels as well as many other UL meetings. They also represent UL at industry, government and other technical committees and panel meetings held by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They participate in both national and international standards development and provide technical input on proposals to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to form the basis for the U.S. position on proposals.
PDEs also develop, implement, disseminate and maintain Significant Interpretations (SIs) and Practical Application Guidelines (PAGs) to ensure consistent and appropriate certification requirements. They provide guidance and assistance in resolving technical appeals of UL engineering decisions, as well as appeals of UL Standards Technical Panels and other Standards committee actions..
Delivering the PDE mission
“The creation of the PDE organization has been a very effective step for UL,” says Don Talka, general manager of the PDE organization. “To customers and the rest of the UL, they can quickly tap into the reservoir of knowledge and technical expertise PDEs have created. With the PDE structure in place, UL can continue to be on the forefront of knowledge and share that knowledge to improve safety.”
Additional primary designated engineer (PDE) responsibilities
and activities |
| Providing technical direction and training to UL engineering staff |
- Working with engineering management to develop training programs related to the application and intent of requirements.
- Developing articles for publication.
- Issuing inspection center bulletins to communicate new or revised requirements to UL field staff.
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| New or unusual product submittals
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PDEs are the preliminary project reviewers on submittals of new or unusual types of products that UL has not yet evaluated. They provide leadership, technical direction and guidance on these types of products.
Also, they share information regarding the submittal and any testing and certification decisions about it with all appropriate technical staff, meanwhile documenting all decisions. |
| Industry file reviews
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Working with UL engineering operations, PDEs coordinate the initiation of industry file reviews for new and revised requirements in UL Standards. |
| Field reports and product recalls
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PDEs monitor field reports and become actively involved if the causes of the field report are traceable to:
- Uncertified and defective products.
- Certified products not designed in accordance with their certification requirements.
- Certified products with manufacturing deficiencies.
- Certification requirements that inadequately safeguard against a hazard.
Besides, PDEs investigate in product recalls, determine root causes and resolve situations so as to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. |
| PDEs and UL Follow Up Services (FUS)
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PDEs monitor the efficacy of UL certification requirements, including determining appropriate FUS inspection frequency, with regard to public safety. They do this by reviewing the FUS sample testing results and variation notices to identify systemic problems. Corrective actions are implemented if needed. |
| Knowledge transfer and management
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Preparing material for technical training initiatives including UL University offerings.
- Establishing criteria for UL staff skill sets for product evaluation.
- Verifying technical competency levels.
- Monitoring and providing guidance to designated engineers and regional designated engineers.
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| Criteria for technical competency
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PDEs develop the technical curricula and corresponding skill sets for staff to be considered as Level 3 reviewers and Level 2 project handlers. |
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