Manufacturing terminal connectors. Approvals required

[fastline]

So we are in the engineering and manufacturing business primarily. I have sort of tossed around the idea of stepping into electrical connectors and such. I was just curious what approvals and authorities you would need to see if the equipment to be used in your residential/commercial applications? I have looked into UL before for another product. It most certainly is NOT cheap but I see that as pretty much a gold standard for electrical devices.

 

[iceworm]

.... I have sort of tossed around the idea of stepping into electrical connectors and such. ....

That is pretty broad. Give us some context. I don't recall seeing "electrical connectors and such' in the NEC.
For example: Wire nuts, wagos, crimp connectors, power distribution blocks, receptacles, cord caps, pin and sleeve, medium voltage splice kits ...?

 

[fastline]

Ah yes, I can understand how my description could be rather broad. I would say as an entrance copper and Aluminum screw lugs, buss bars, distribution blocks, that sort of thing. Probably focus more on larger ampacities such as in the 1/0 and above or at least where quality counts. Its hard to compete with China on small stuff that doesn't matter. I would say more commercial/industrial.

I am not sure if there would really be any requirements in the NEC regarding these devices as I can only assume another body handles that. Sort of like how construction codes don't really say you have to use a 2x4, just that it must support the load because there is a whole other area working with what species and grading of wood will handle what.

 

[iceworm]

I should not have answered the first time. I'm not much help. This is definitely not my area of expertise.
I'll give one more quick answer and then stay out.

... I am not sure if there would really be any requirements in the NEC regarding these devices ....

Yes I would check the NEC. It does require some stuff to be "listed" and sometimes "labeled"

Here are a couple of examples:
NEC 250.70 requires listed lugs, listed pressure connectors, listed clamps, or other listed means.
NEC 410.6 Listing required.

So, yes, I would suggest looking at if the NEC requires listing or labeling.

 

[fastline]

Thanks. I think you are right on that. I stumbled into some standards that appears UL may drive the standards for these devices to adhere to. "listed" I believe refers to being "UL listed". Please pay us thousands for our "list".....lol

 

[iceworm]

Okay, you pulled me in for one more.
No, "Listed" just means "by an organization that is acceptable to the AHJ" (NEC 100). UL is not my favorite. However, there are several other outfits that are NRTLs. Osha has a list. No, I don't know where off-hand. Maybe try a search for OSHA and NRTL.

NRTL = Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory

Maybe look at competing products cutsheets\specifications. See what they show for listing/labeling.

 

[romex jockey]

Thanks. I think you are right on that. I stumbled into some standards that appears UL may drive the standards for these devices to adhere to. "listed" I believe refers to being "UL listed". Please pay us thousands for our "list".....lol

Last heard, UL is partially a for profit org

~RJ~