{"id":96786,"date":"2025-05-16T09:21:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T14:21:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/?p=96786"},"modified":"2025-07-01T08:32:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T13:32:47","slug":"understanding-ul-ratings-for-door-hardware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/understanding-ul-ratings-for-door-hardware\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding UL Ratings for Door Hardware"},"content":{"rendered":"

UL ratings<\/strong> are something you\u2019ve likely encountered\u2014You\u2019ve probably seen the little silver and black UL labels on machines, hardware, or equipment you use almost daily. And you\u2019ve probably assumed it meant somebody somewhere had tested it and certified it.<\/span><\/p>\n

And you were right.\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

However, when you\u2019re in charge of purchasing new hardware for your business\u2019s or home\u2019s doors, you might want to have a better idea of just what those UL ratings mean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, there\u2019s a short answer and a long answer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The short answer is: It\u2019s best to consult with an expert.<\/span><\/p>\n

The long answer is a comprehensive look at how doors and door hardware are tested and certified.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll give you a medium answer and give you the essentials you should know about the UL ratings system for doors and door hardware.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does \u201cUL\u201d Mean?<\/span><\/h2>\n

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, now known as <\/span>UL Solutions<\/span><\/a>. UL Solutions is an independent applied safety science company that tests, inspects, and certifies manufactured goods, personnel, and processes according to various national, international, and internally established standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know?<\/strong>
\nUL Solutions was founded here in Chicago in 1894 by an insurance assessor who worked on the Chicago World\u2019s Columbian Exhibition. Its headquarters is now in suburban Northbrook.<\/div>\n

What Does a UL Number Mean?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The UL rating label or number, called a <\/span>mark<\/span><\/i>, indicates that the object has undergone certain safety and security tests. In addition, it contains information about what standards that object has met.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, the UL mark doesn\u2019t just mean \u201cThis thing is safe.\u201d It tells you the specific circumstances under which that thing is safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s like a report card for your locks and panic bars, assuring you your doors and exit devices will perform under pressure \u2014 in some cases, literally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Do Manufacturers Seek UL Ratings?<\/span><\/h2>\n

UL Solutions has built a strong reputation for over 100 years. Thus, manufacturers may seek certification to increase the credibility of their product and gain a competitive edge over similar, uncertified products.<\/span><\/p>\n

UL Solutions also serves as an unofficial independent regulatory agency. Manufacturers of doors and door hardware, in particular, sell to customers like schools, governments, and businesses. Each of these has specific safety and security concerns as well as various guidelines or standards they have to follow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

UL certification assures customers that the doors or door hardware meet the right fire and security standards.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Do Consumers Need to Know About UL Listings or Numbers?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In most cases, you won\u2019t have to study the various UL standard numbers in order to read the marks. The standard number, such as \u201cUL10C\u201d mainly tells you where to look for a more detailed explanation of how that piece of equipment is tested.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The marks themselves often contain the fire resistance and security ratings that you will care more about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The first thing you need to think about is what local building codes apply to which entrances in your building. This will help you get a handle on which doors and locks need specific UL ratings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next, decide if you have doors that don\u2019t have code requirements but you still want to have fire or security certification. For instance, you may want both for a server room or a room containing sensitive or proprietary information.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"What Parts of a Door Get Tested?<\/span><\/h2>\n

With doors, we\u2019re talking about two main concerns: fire resistance and safe egress or exiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every part of the door can be tested, from the slab itself to the frame, hinges, locks, latches, and closers.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Kinds of Tests do Doors and Door Hardware Undergo?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Doors and door frames get tested for fire resistance. They are blasted with fire, then hit with a fire hose to see if everything stays put under intense pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

UL Solutions tests door hardware for resistance to break-ins. They use hand tools, electric tools, drills, etc. to try to break through the lock.<\/span><\/p>\n

Door closers and exit devices get tested for how much pressure it takes to operate them and whether they activate properly under emergency conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Do UL Listed, UL Classified, and Recognized Mean?<\/span><\/h2>\n

You\u2019ll see different terminology on different UL marks. All the marks mean the door or hardware has been tested and certified, but the specific mark depends on certain specifics and technicalities. \"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

UL Listed<\/span><\/h3>\n

Think of this as the best possible mark \u2014 in the A range on the report card. It means the product has met all the requirements for its category.<\/span><\/p>\n

UL Classified<\/span><\/h3>\n

These products have been tested for specific features or qualities which will be indicated on the mark. It does not mean they don\u2019t meet other standards, just that they haven\u2019t been tested for those standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recognized<\/span><\/h3>\n

You\u2019re not likely to see many of these marks on the consumer side. They usually apply to components of larger machines or systems and indicate that the component is safe to use as part of a certified system or assembly.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the most part, if it has any UL mark or number at all, you\u2019re in good shape. Just read the label closely to know what specific standards it has met.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Do I Read a UL Mark?\"\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Understanding UL Marks or Labels<\/span><\/h3>\n

A UL label usually includes three main parts:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • The <\/span>UL mark<\/b>, usually with a control or issue number<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The <\/span>standard number<\/b>, i.e., which standard it meets<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rating specifications<\/b>, i.e., a duration or temperature<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Common UL Ratings Codes<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Fire-rated doors will have a <\/span>UL10C <\/b>standard number followed by a duration and a temperature rise rating. The duration indicates the minimum time it can withstand a fire and will be anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The temperature rise will be either 250\u00b0F, 450\u00b0F, or 650\u00b0F, meaning that after 30 minutes of exposure to fire, the door will not exceed that temperature.<\/span><\/p>\n

    A <\/span>UL305<\/b> rating for panic hardware indicates it can hold up for at least 100,000 operations and will activate with 15 or fewer pounds of pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Standard number <\/span>UL437<\/b> rates high-security locks for their resistance to picking and drilling over a duration of 5\u201345 minutes depending on the type of lock.<\/span><\/p>\n

    UL Ratings FAQs\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Is UL certification required by law? <\/b>\u00a0This depends on your local building codes, but many commercial and multi-unit buildings will be required to have at least some UL certified hardware, especially for fire safety.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Can I upgrade my old door to become UL certified?<\/b>\u00a0 Technically, yes, if the old parts are already certified and so long as the upgrade doesn\u2019t somehow affect compliance. It\u2019s best to discuss this with a door hardware expert.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Can I mix UL-rated and non-rated components?<\/b>\u00a0 You may certainly choose to do this for some of your doors if, for instance, you only need the fire resistance or the break-in resistance. For doors \"\"that fall under fire safety guidelines, however, you should not mix and match.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re still a little confused, don\u2019t sweat it! Find yourself a trustworthy door and lock expert who can help you identify what doors and door hardware you need for each of your building\u2019s entrances and doorways \u2014 including what UL ratings and standards you should look for.<\/span><\/p>\n

    At Anderson Lock, we take the headache out of keeping your building and people safe and secure. <\/span>Contact us<\/span><\/a> today to speak with an expert about how UL ratings matter for your business or residence.<\/span><\/p>\n