UL Listed LED Rope Light: What it Means

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of the products they purchase. Many of us have become familiar with certain product testing and product safety organizations. One such organization which is the principle product safety organization in the lighting industry is Underwriter's Laboratory or UL. UL is an independent product safety certification organization which has been in existence since 1894. UL undertakes the evaluation of more than 19,000 types of products. As a part of its business and product evaluation process, UL develops standards for the various product types that it certifies which must be met in order to obtain a UL certification.

LED rope light, like many lighting products, has a UL standard which it must meet in order to obtain UL certification. This standard is known as UL 2388. However, the problem is that the UL standard does not allow certification of any LED rope light product which is field cut or otherwise cut and assembled by persons or processes which have not be certified or approved by UL.

Custom cut rope LED rope light or bulk rope light which is bought and then cut by the consumer is not unsafe for use. In fact, LED rope light is generally very safe and easy to work with. However, if you project requires UL approved rope light we have a great selection to choose from.

For many people this is not a big deal because UL certification is not required; however, some projects which may be subject to strict building codes or other standards may require all lighting installations to be UL certified. Unfortunately, this greatly reduces the flexibility and ease of use which makes LED rope light such a great decorative lighting product. UL certification also tends to greatly increase the cost of the end product.