Panel building according to UL standards is often seen as “just another standard,” but in practice it requires a completely different way of designing, building, and documenting. At PIA Service, we work extensively for the North American market and know better than anyone that UL goes far beyond a certification mark on a nameplate. It affects the entire process: from component selection and engineering to assembly, inspection, and traceability.
More than just building according to a schematic
Working under UL means that every detail must demonstrably comply with specific requirements. Think of certified components, correct application of wiring and protection, temperature management, short-circuit ratings, and clear labeling. The design is created by a certified MTR engineer with up-to-date knowledge of standards, requirements, and regulations. Procedures also play a major role. Panel builders must work according to defined work instructions, revision control, and internal quality checks. Without that structure, it is nearly impossible to consistently meet the requirements.
What truly makes it a specialty is the close collaboration between engineering and production. A design that works perfectly well in Europe may immediately raise questions under UL. Distances, materials, and certifications are often different from what we are used to within IEC guidelines.
PIA Service builds both UL508A and UL698A: what is the difference?
A common assumption is that UL508A and UL698A are comparable, but their application areas differ significantly.
- UL508A focuses on industrial control panels in general environments. It covers the construction of control panels, including power supply, protection, wiring, and short-circuit calculations. The emphasis is on safe and repeatable panel building for industrial applications.
- UL698A goes a step further and applies to panels used in hazardous environments, such as areas with explosion risks. Additional requirements apply regarding sealing, temperature classes, suitable components, and installation methods. As a result, the impact on engineering and assembly is considerably greater.
In short: while UL508A is about controlled and compliant panel construction, UL698A adds an extra layer of risk management due to the environment in which the panel is used.
Entrusting the entire process to a specialist
Panel building under UL is not a checklist you complete afterward. It requires knowledge of standards, experience with interpretations, and a process-driven approach throughout the entire organization. That is exactly why it is a specialty. Companies that work with UL daily know that the difference often lies in the details — and that those details determine access to the North American market.
At PIA Service, we have the knowledge and experience required for building under UL. We continuously produce a wide range of panels that are exported to North America.
Want to know more?
Do you have questions about UL 508A, UL 698A, or how these standards translate to your own project? Contact PIA Service, Jeroen van der Linden:
- On LinkedIn: Jeroen van der Linden | LinkedIn
- By Email: JvdL@piaservice.nl
