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Wisconsin Brewers - is UL listing required

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  • Wisconsin Brewers - is UL listing required

    I'm currently shopping around for our control panel (3 bbl electric brewhouse) and have talked to one or two non-UL builders. Is UL listing required for a control panel here in Wisconsin? Would I need to check with my municipality to find out?

  • #2
    Originally posted by somenerve View Post
    I'm currently shopping around for our control panel (3 bbl electric brewhouse) and have talked to one or two non-UL builders. Is UL listing required for a control panel here in Wisconsin? Would I need to check with my municipality to find out?
    This question is more complicated than it appears. Technically the NEC says it must be approved by a recognized testing laboratory, which most people take to mean UL. However, there are other labs (who are much cheaper, of course) that are recognized, and can do it, such as ETL.

    As to whether it's required in your location, it's up to the municipality. Typically there is an ordinance that says the city will use a specific edition of the code, and it's up to the inspectors to enforce it. But there is a lot of leeway.

    I would talk to the local building department with your plans, and find out what they want. I've seen it go both ways--in some jurisdictions they have been super anal about it. In others, as long as RU (a component recognition) or similar components are used, and the panel is installed/built by a licensed general electrical contractor (which was me...), I have not generally been required to have the assembly listed. Even for really large process controls installations for various public agencies. But on the other hand, I had a Santa Barbara inspector insist that a pre-existing branch circuit breaker panel be replaced during an inspection, simply because it was not UL listed. It was, however, listed by the City of Los Angeles, which used to maintain their own testing lab, like New York did. But it was an old panel...not something I installed. No amount of arguing would sway him.

    One approach is to get the permit for a power receptacle, and use the panel as a cord-and-plug connected device. You might be able to get around inspection of the panel this way, but your insurance company should also be consulted. I have also been asked for UL listing before by the insurance underwriter, when the local building authority doesn't care. So the safest route is to check with "the man".

    Regards,
    Mike Sharp

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    • #3
      I can't speak for Wisconsin, but here in NH we didn't have a UL listing on the burner on our first 3bbl system and it was cheaper to replace with a UL listed electric kettle than go through the certifying process. On a second note, your insurance agent will be sure to want to check as well. So I would plan for needing it, but hold out hope you may get away with it. If you care to take a chance. Some corners are just not worth taking in my opinion.

      Regards
      Geoff Carson

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      • #4
        Thanks for the input!

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