1. Why UL Rating is impoRtant When Purchasing an 8ft LED tUbE Light? a bRiEf ovERviEW on UL Rating of 8ft LED tUbE Light no matter whether you purchase an 8ft LeD tube light of 40W or 48W with a ccT of 4000K, 5000K, or 6500K, as clear or frosted, or with Fa8 (single pin) or r17D base, one of the most inevitable aspects by users is often ignored -- the cUL rating of 8ft LED tube light. Whether you are an industrial, commercial or residential user, you need to understand that electrical safety of any lighting fixture is determined through UL rating, though this aspect might be understood appropriately. While buying any 8ft LED tube light from a manufacturer, you must therefore ensure that it comes with a UL certification. a notification issUED by UL to Which yoU mUst pay DUE attEntion In 2017, a notification by UL stated that around 1000 units of LED tube namely ‘Direct replacement LED Tube’ bore an unauthorized mark for U.S. and Canada and using it may pose a fire hazard. It was clearly mentioned that this product may cause the existing fluorescent tube ballast to overheat, thus posing the threat of potential fire hazard. What is UL anD hoW impoRtant is it? UL is a short form for Underwriters Labs which is a premier global independent agency existing for more than 120 years and is dedicated to promoting safe working and living conditions for people around the world. Through continuing principles of standards and research, it sets rigorous standards for LeD lighting products together in association with lighting manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities. With typically two types of LED light fixtures -- low voltage and line voltage -- many building contractors make use of LED fixture that’s not UL listed because to them a transformer with UL or ETL rating is just sufficient. But, unbeknownst to them, it’s important to install 8ft LED light fixtures only with UL or ETL rating in order to ensure highest safety and product’s operational performance. Many manufacturers of 8ft LED tube ignore this aspect primarily because of the reason that it’s both expensive and time-consuming. Know that UL is the gold standard for North America and a guarantee that an 8ft LED tube light has been manufactured with utmost care by not boycotting any method to supply inferior quality product.