Latest news with #ULCertification
CBC
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
E-bike battery fires: Some tips to help buyers avoid getting burned
Social Sharing With Toronto's fire department sounding the alarm about lithium-ion battery fires, the owners of two London-area e-bike shops say a bit of consumer education goes a long way. From 2022 to 2024, the number of fires linked to the rechargeable batteries in Toronto jumped 162 per cent, from 29 to 76. Many of those fires are linked to e-bikes powered by lithium-ion batteries, though the batteries also power scooters and other devices. Matt Long, who's been selling battery-powered bikes at his store E-Ride London for 15 years, said bikes bought online often don't have the same safety certifications as bikes purchased at a shop. "The biggest thing is buying the cheaper bikes," he said. "They're cheaper for a reason. They're cheaping out on unstable lithium-ion battery cells." Long said buyers should be looking for "UL" certification on bikes they buy, which stands for Universal Laboratories and indicates a safety standard recognized in the U.S. and Canada. Long said bikes at his shop are made by Canadian companies, such as Taubik, Velec and Envo, which all have UL certification. Long said UL 2849 certification indicates that the bike's battery and electrical system have been tested. Other UL certifications are limited to the battery alone. What to know about risks around lithium-ion batteries as reports rise in battery-related fires 2 days ago Duration 2:22 While he can't comment on every bike available on the market, Long said he would view with some suspicion any e-bike that's only available direct-to-consumer through an online vendor. He also recommends buyers be leery of any e-bike with a price tag in the $1,000 range or less. "If you buy from a store, you get some support and quality batteries, and you can speak to a human if you have a problem," he said. "Most of the better companies are dealer-based and they don't ship to the customer." Long said he'd like to see tougher regulations on bikes that are imported for sale in Canada. Joe Haskett owns Junior's e-Bikes in St. Thomas, a store that sells e-bikes and mobility scooters powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. He agrees that cheaper, imported e-bikes and scooters are part of the battery fire problem, and says bike owners need to read and follow instructions about how to safely charge and store their battery. "There should be no problem if they properly follow the guidelines about how to maintain a battery," he said. Haskett said safety tips include never charging a battery that's damaged or hot from recent use, and batteries should be unplugged once charging is complete. Haskett's store also sells special fire-proof blankets to wrap batteries when they're not in use. He said this is helpful in cases where there isn't a garage or balcony to store the bike away from flammable material such as carpets and furniture. London fire department gets special gear London Deputy Fire Chief Matt Hepditch said London firefighters have responded to lithium-ion battery fires, but not on the same scale as what's happening in Toronto. "The issues that we see are perhaps people that are buying after-market batteries and not the batteries built by the actual manufacturer," said Hepditch. It's important that batteries are not modified and are the correct batteries for the bike being used, he said. He said lithium-ion batteries can go into a dangerous state called "thermal runaway." This happens when the battery's cells heat up and transfer that heat to adjacent cells, one after the other, until the entire battery bursts into flames. When this happens, Hepditch said the resulting fire can be difficult to extinguish. "The fire just grows in intensity and it's not going out until the power source is drained," he said. "It's a very intense fire and it can spread very quickly." London's fire department is testing special equipment to deal with battery fires, including sand-filled containers used to hold batteries that become overheated. "I also know that the battery industry is making improvements to make them safer, they're working on the issue," he said.
Associated Press
05-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Influence of UL Certification on Consumer Purchasing Decisions in the Commercial Refrigerator Market
06/04/2025, Lake Forest, CA // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // In the world of commercial kitchen equipment, safety and reliability are paramount. For businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and catering services, investing in high-quality refrigeration equipment is not just a matter of convenience—it's crucial for maintaining food safety and energy efficiency. Among the numerous safety certifications available, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Certification stands out as a gold standard. This article explores how UL certification influences consumer purchasing decisions in the commercial refrigerator market, highlights its role in boosting consumer confidence, and examines its impact on sales and market competitiveness. What is UL Certification? UL Certification is an independent, globally recognized standard for product safety. Products with the UL Mark undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet strict requirements for electrical safety, fire hazards, energy efficiency, and durability. For commercial refrigerators, this certification confirms that the equipment has been evaluated for: When business owners see the UL Mark, it serves as a guarantee of compliance with U.S. and Canadian safety standards, which are among the strictest in the world. Why UL Certification Matters to Consumers 1. Enhanced Safety and Reliability Commercial kitchen environments are busy and high-risk. Equipment failure or electrical malfunctions can lead to food spoilage, financial loss, and even fire hazards. UL certification minimizes these risks by ensuring that the commercial refrigerator is built to withstand heavy usage while maintaining safety. 2. Regulatory Compliance and Market Access Many states and local jurisdictions require UL certification (or its equivalent) for commercial appliances before they can be legally operated. For example: This means businesses that choose UL certified commercial refrigerators not only protect themselves from legal issues but also broaden their market opportunities. 3. Improved Brand Trust and Customer Confidence In competitive markets, certifications serve as a mark of trust. Restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets are more inclined to purchase from brands that display UL certification because it reflects a commitment to safety and quality. Impact of UL Certification on Sales and Market Performance 1. Increased Willingness to Pay a Premium UL certification is often associated with higher costs due to the rigorous testing and manufacturing standards required. However, research indicates that businesses are willing to pay a premium for the assurance of safety and reliability. 2. Competitive Differentiation In a saturated market, differentiating products is crucial. UL certification serves as a powerful marketing tool, allowing manufacturers to highlight their commitment to safety and quality. 3. Broader Market Access and International Trade UL certification is recognized not only in the United States but also in many global markets. For American brands looking to export, the UL Mark simplifies compliance with international safety standards. Challenges and Common Misconceptions 1. UL Certification Is Not Mandatory but Essential While not always legally required, UL certification is seen as essential by most commercial buyers. The absence of the UL Mark often raises questions about the product's safety and durability. 2. Confusion with Other Certifications Consumers sometimes confuse UL Certification with other marks like ETL or CSA. While these also represent safety and compliance, UL is the most widely recognized and trusted in North America. 3. Misunderstanding of Certification Scope Some consumers believe that UL certification covers all aspects of product performance, including energy efficiency and environmental impact. In reality, UL focuses primarily on safety and compliance. For energy efficiency, separate certifications like ENERGY STAR are evaluated. Conclusion The impact of UL certification on consumer purchasing decisions in the commercial refrigerator market is undeniable. Its assurance of safety, regulatory compliance, and quality builds trust and influences businesses to prioritize UL-certified products over non-certified ones. As safety standards become increasingly stringent, manufacturers that invest in UL certification are better positioned to dominate the market, access more sales channels, and earn long-term consumer loyalty. For buyers, the UL Mark is more than just a label—it's a promise of reliability, safety, and quality assurance, making it a critical factor in decision-making for commercial refrigeration equipment. Original Source of the original story >> The Influence of UL Certification on Consumer Purchasing Decisions in the Commercial Refrigerator Market
