What are UL E-Files?
UL assigns an E-File or UL File Number to each product or product group from a manufacturer, which can be used to identify the product and locate it in UL’s database. Colloquially, one could refer to this as a type of registration number.
What does an e-file from UL look like?
An E-File or UL File Number typically consists of the letter E followed by a six-digit number. For our UL 508A-certified control cabinets, this is, for example, the number E474762, as you can see in the excerpt below from the Confirmation Letter from UL.
A database for all UL e-files
It’s easy to find out which manufacturer, product, and UL standard a specific UL File Number refers to. UL Solutions provides all relevant information in its UL Product iQ database (formerly known as the Online Certifications Directory). The corresponding data sheet (also known as a Yellow Card ) for the relevant E-File Number is also available there. A user account is required to access this data.
The Importance of E-Files in Practice
A UL File Number on a product does not, in and of itself, prove that the product has actually been certified by UL. Only the corresponding UL certificate can provide that assurance. The label is therefore often the first thing noticed by end customers, consumers, and inspectors from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). However, the E-File offers a simple and secure way to access the relevant data sheets.
The E-File is usually easy to find because, if available, it appears along with the Category Code Number (CCN) on the product’s nameplate or can be found on the UL label itself.
Zusammenfassung
UL E-Files are product-specific identifiers that can be used to trace a UL-certified product back to its manufacturer. Using the E-File, the corresponding data sheet containing information about the product and its certification can be found in the UL Product iQ database. They also indicate which UL standard the product was tested against.
