UL ratings are something you’ve likely encountered—You’ve probably seen the little silver and black UL labels on machines, hardware, or equipment you use almost daily. And you’ve probably assumed it meant somebody somewhere had tested it and certified it.

And you were right.

However, when you’re in charge of purchasing new hardware for your business’s or home’s doors, you might want to have a better idea of just what those UL ratings mean.

Well, there’s a short answer and a long answer. 

The short answer is: It’s best to consult with an expert.

The long answer is a comprehensive look at how doors and door hardware are tested and certified.

In this article, we’ll give you a medium answer and give you the essentials you should know about the UL ratings system for doors and door hardware.

What Does “UL” Mean?

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, now known as UL Solutions. 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.

Did you know?
UL Solutions was founded here in Chicago in 1894 by an insurance assessor who worked on the Chicago World’s Columbian Exhibition. Its headquarters is now in suburban Northbrook.

What Does a UL Number Mean?

The UL rating label or number, called a mark, indicates that the object has undergone certain safety and security tests. In addition, it contains information about what standards that object has met.

In other words, the UL mark doesn’t just mean “This thing is safe.” It tells you the specific circumstances under which that thing is safe. 

It’s like a report card for your locks and panic bars, assuring you your doors and exit devices will perform under pressure — in some cases, literally.

Why Do Manufacturers Seek UL Ratings?

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.

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. 

UL certification assures customers that the doors or door hardware meet the right fire and security standards.

Do Consumers Need to Know About UL Listings or Numbers?

In most cases, you won’t have to study the various UL standard numbers in order to read the marks. The standard number, such as “UL10C” mainly tells you where to look for a more detailed explanation of how that piece of equipment is tested. 

The marks themselves often contain the fire resistance and security ratings that you will care more about. 

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.

Next, decide if you have doors that don’t 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.

What Parts of a Door Get Tested?

With doors, we’re talking about two main concerns: fire resistance and safe egress or exiting.

Every part of the door can be tested, from the slab itself to the frame, hinges, locks, latches, and closers.

What Kinds of Tests do Doors and Door Hardware Undergo?

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.

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.

Door closers and exit devices get tested for how much pressure it takes to operate them and whether they activate properly under emergency conditions.

What Do UL Listed, UL Classified, and Recognized Mean?

You’ll 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.

UL Listed

Think of this as the best possible mark — in the A range on the report card. It means the product has met all the requirements for its category.

UL Classified

These products have been tested for specific features or qualities which will be indicated on the mark. It does not mean they don’t meet other standards, just that they haven’t been tested for those standards.

Recognized

You’re 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.

For the most part, if it has any UL mark or number at all, you’re in good shape. Just read the label closely to know what specific standards it has met.

How Do I Read a UL Mark?

Understanding UL Marks or Labels

A UL label usually includes three main parts:

  • The UL mark, usually with a control or issue number
  • The standard number, i.e., which standard it meets
  • Rating specifications, i.e., a duration or temperature

Common UL Ratings Codes

Fire-rated doors will have a UL10C 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. 

The temperature rise will be either 250°F, 450°F, or 650°F, meaning that after 30 minutes of exposure to fire, the door will not exceed that temperature.

A UL305 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.

Standard number UL437 rates high-security locks for their resistance to picking and drilling over a duration of 5–45 minutes depending on the type of lock.

UL Ratings FAQs 

Is UL certification required by law?  This 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.

Can I upgrade my old door to become UL certified?  Technically, yes, if the old parts are already certified and so long as the upgrade doesn’t somehow affect compliance. It’s best to discuss this with a door hardware expert.

Can I mix UL-rated and non-rated components?  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.

If you’re still a little confused, don’t 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’s entrances and doorways — including what UL ratings and standards you should look for.

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