2 ms·

Not just require. Actually verify if the certification is valid. There are many products with counterfeit UL logo.

xnyan 8y ago
I work at UL, some fakes are so well done it can be difficult even for people who are experts. Check out page 3: https://library.ul.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/09/10314-CounterfeitiPhone-WP-HighRes_FINAL.pdf https://library.ul.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/09/1...
- Animats 8y ago
  Yes. Solid state relays are widely counterfeited. Especially Fotek. Here's an obvious counterfeit on Amazon[1] This is supposed to be a 100 amp solid state relay. Fotek doesn't even make a 100 amp relay in that form factor - the screw terminals are not big enough for 100 amps. The real Fotek makes nothing bigger than 40A in that packaging.[2] Here's a teardown of some fakes.[3] The fakes are way overloaded - they have the parts for a much lower current device inside. Also, the higher current ones need a heat sink, which the counterfeit ones don't provide. These things tend to show up in "internet of Things" devices, because they can switch considerable power from a logic level input. UL's warning page on this.[4] [1] https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Relay-Protective-SSR-100DA-control/dp/B017W7N7F https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Relay-Protective-SSR-100DA... [2] http://www.fotek.com.hk/page1e.htm http://www.fotek.com.hk/page1e.htm [3] http://www.instructables.com/id/The-inner-workings-of-Counterfeit-FOTEK-SSRs/ http://www.instructables.com/id/The-inner-workings-of-Counte... [4] https://www.ul.com/newsroom/publicnotices/ul-warns-of-solid-state-relay-with-counterfeit-ul-recognition-mark-release-13pn-52/ https://www.ul.com/newsroom/publicnotices/ul-warns-of-solid-...
alphabettsy 8y ago
There are so many really good counterfeit products that sometimes its difficult to tell, especially electronics and clothing. USB Wall chargers; for example, are really popular and sometimes can be found for 1/10 the price from Apple or Belkin. Tempting to save quite a bit of money (~$3 vs $25), but you might burn your house down.

I work at UL, some fakes are so well done it can be difficult even for people who are experts. Check out page 3: https://library.ul.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/09/10314-CounterfeitiPhone-WP-HighRes_FINAL.pdf https://library.ul.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/09/1...

Animats 8y ago
Yes. Solid state relays are widely counterfeited. Especially Fotek. Here's an obvious counterfeit on Amazon[1] This is supposed to be a 100 amp solid state relay. Fotek doesn't even make a 100 amp relay in that form factor - the screw terminals are not big enough for 100 amps. The real Fotek makes nothing bigger than 40A in that packaging.[2] Here's a teardown of some fakes.[3] The fakes are way overloaded - they have the parts for a much lower current device inside. Also, the higher current ones need a heat sink, which the counterfeit ones don't provide. These things tend to show up in "internet of Things" devices, because they can switch considerable power from a logic level input. UL's warning page on this.[4] [1] https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Relay-Protective-SSR-100DA-control/dp/B017W7N7F https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Relay-Protective-SSR-100DA... [2] http://www.fotek.com.hk/page1e.htm http://www.fotek.com.hk/page1e.htm [3] http://www.instructables.com/id/The-inner-workings-of-Counterfeit-FOTEK-SSRs/ http://www.instructables.com/id/The-inner-workings-of-Counte... [4] https://www.ul.com/newsroom/publicnotices/ul-warns-of-solid-state-relay-with-counterfeit-ul-recognition-mark-release-13pn-52/ https://www.ul.com/newsroom/publicnotices/ul-warns-of-solid-...

alphabettsy 8y ago

There are so many really good counterfeit products that sometimes its difficult to tell, especially electronics and clothing. USB Wall chargers; for example, are really popular and sometimes can be found for 1/10 the price from Apple or Belkin. Tempting to save quite a bit of money (~$3 vs $25), but you might burn your house down.