Voiding the UL Label

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Nietz001

Member
Location
St Paul MN
I'm installing a commercial Dishwasher and the Engineer would like to modify/automate several functions to be more energy efficient such as adding a sensor to shut off exhaust fan when no dishes are present, adding a VFD to supply and exhaust fans, add a solenoid to shut off water when not in use.... at what point is the UL Label no longer valid??
Thanks Jeff
 

e57

Senior Member
Hmmmm. Some "green-bean" with tunnel-vision trying to reinvent the wheel again.... :roll:

Outside of the listing -
They have a pretty delicate balance of heat & chemicals, you may want to check with the Health Dept that also inspect these machines for serving the public.... Shutting off water and or other parts of say heaters and fans can effect the delicate balances of these things killing disease or not.
 

bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
Here's a generalized statement from UL on this issue:

Q. Evaluating field modifications. At what point does a field modification become a violation of a listing?

A. When a UL Listed product is modified after it leaves the factory, UL has no way to determine if the product continues to comply with the safety requirements used to certify the product without investigating the modified product. UL can neither indicate that such modifications "void" the UL Mark, nor that the product continues to meet UL's safety requirements, unless the field modifications have been specifically evaluated by UL.
Although some product marking may permit field modifications in accordance with any printed instructions supplied with the product. For example: some garbage disposal units may be supplied with a cord and plug connection kit, but could also be field wired using a NEC? Chapter 3 fixed wiring method when the manufacturers installation instructions are followed. An AHJ would make the final approval decision based on NEC? 110.3(B). For additional information on field modifications please refer to page 38 in the UL White Book or visit UL’s online Field Evaluation Services homepage at: http://www.ul.com/field/index.html.
 
I'm installing a commercial Dishwasher and the Engineer would like to modify/automate several functions to be more energy efficient such as adding a sensor to shut off exhaust fan when no dishes are present, adding a VFD to supply and exhaust fans, add a solenoid to shut off water when not in use.... at what point is the UL Label no longer valid??
Thanks Jeff

Does not sound like the dishwasher is actually modified but ancilliary services around it. I think that even a passive device added that monitors the presence or absence of dishes would not be necessarily a modification if it does not interface with the DW circuitry.

NEC compliance of the added devices is another issue altogether.
 

Sierrasparky

Senior Member
Location
USA
Occupation
Electrician ,contractor
After it is installed it's no longer the worry of the building Dept.
If the customer has a expert that can do the modifications all the more to it. I can't imaigine burning down the place. Of course the warrenty may be void.
 

MNWildcat

Member
Location
MN
Does not sound like the dishwasher is actually modified but ancilliary services around it. I think that even a passive device added that monitors the presence or absence of dishes would not be necessarily a modification if it does not interface with the DW circuitry.

I agree. It sounds like they just want to add some accessory devices. Shouldn't be a big deal, unless they are connected to the internal components.
 

safetyva

Member
Location
Virginia
NSF approval for restaurant equipment

NSF approval for restaurant equipment

Good morning. The Engineer or owner should also check with the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)

http://www.nsf.org/

to be sure these proposed modifications to the dishwasher do not void the NSF certification. Restaurant and food service equipment generally has to bear the NSF certification to be acceptable to local or state health department (or whoever does restaurant inspections in the area.) The NSF label/certification should be on the unit somewhere, probably right next to the UL sticker.
 
Good morning. The Engineer or owner should also check with the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)

http://www.nsf.org/

to be sure these proposed modifications to the dishwasher do not void the NSF certification. Restaurant and food service equipment generally has to bear the NSF certification to be acceptable to local or state health department (or whoever does restaurant inspections in the area.) The NSF label/certification should be on the unit somewhere, probably right next to the UL sticker.

Please note that the emphasis should be that unless your state or locale ADOPTED NSF labeling as a requirement, it has no bearing on the product suitability for service, even if you modified it.
 
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