In an effort to allay fears about e-cigarette device and battery malfunctions, Underwriters Laboratories has stepped forward with an e-cigarette safety study to inspect, test and certify vaporizers and e-cigarettes in North America.
Underwriters Laboratories, known more commonly as UL, has been testing and certifying consumer electronics for decades, and this latest program seems poised to help manufacturers and distributors of e-cigarette devices ensure that the batteries, circuitry and heating elements they use are generally safe and stable.
Who is UL?
UL is a private company in the business of providing global consumer safety consulting and certification services. Manufacturers of a variety of electronic devices can submit their products to UL for inspection. UL tests the components and overall functionality of the devices for safety while also providing helpful feedback about reducing hazardous risks.
Once a product has passed inspection and testing without issue, it receives a UL stamp that indicates it is approved by experts in the field of electronics for safe use. UL has been tasked with testing everything from cell phones and video game systems to industrial equipment in the past, and the move to add e-cigarettes to their repertoire puts them at the forefront of testing the technology utilized in this emerging industry.
Testing E-Cigarettes
Going forward, any retailer or manufacturer of e-cigarette devices can contact UL directly to submit products for certification. The UL 8139 program investigates the safety and security of e-cigarette batteries, wiring, charging systems and heating elements.
All of the components and systems of the device are run through a series of tests to ensure they work as intended without leading to any electrical or fire hazards. Once a product has passed all tests, it can be stamped with the UL sticker for distribution, indicating to consumers that it has been thoroughly investigated and approved by a team of knowledgeable experts.
These tests are not designed to rule on the safety of inhaling the vapor produced when vaporizing e-liquids, dry herbs or other consumables. UL is focused solely on preventing the possibility of harm that could come from using the electronic devices themselves.
Although e-cigarette accidents are few in number each year, manufacturers now have the option to benefit from UL's independent advisory services and support as they seek to further perfect the safety of their products. By gaining UL approval, manufacturers may be able to boost consumer confidence in their devices as well.
