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From: prophet@umcp-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.consumers,net.micro,net.periphs
Subject: Surge Protectors, Line Filters, and U.L. Ratings
Message-ID: <7816@umcp-cs.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 9-Jul-84 20:25:54 EDT
Article-I.D.: umcp-cs.7816
Posted: Mon Jul  9 20:25:54 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Jul-84 03:56:49 EDT
Distribution: net
Organization: Univ. of Maryland, Computer Science Dept.
Lines: 30


<>

In my search to find a decent surge protector and line filter, I have found an
interesting fact: Practically none of the ones  I  have  looked  at  are  U.L.
(Underwriter's Laboratories) listed.  These include high quality units  ( such
as the Peach and the Orange), and more expensive units costing  over  $300.00.

I am  interested  in  a  surge  protector/line  filter   made  by   Electronic
Specialists, Inc., of Massachusetts.  When I called the  company  to  ask  why
their products are not U.L. listed, they said that their products are built to
U.L. standards, and that they back them up fully.  They said the reason  their
products are not U.L. listed is that  the  units  themselves  are  housed in a
bakelight (sp?) cabinet, and that U.L. frowns upon this.

My question is: Exactly what does it mean when an electrical device such  as a
surge protector is U.L. listed?  Is it necessarily an indication of quality if
the product is U.L. listed?  What might the consequences be of using a  device
that is not U.L. listed?  I would greatly appreciate some advice from all  you
Electrical Engineers out there.

                           Thanks,
                           Dennis

-- 
Call-Me:   Dennis Gibbs, Univ. of Md. Comp. Sci. Center.
UUCP:	   {seismo,allegra,brl-bmd}!umcp-cs!prophet
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