Understanding UL Certified Power Cords: Requirements, Applications, and Market Trends in North America

When electrical products enter the North American market, safety compliance becomes the top priority for manufacturers and importers. Among all certifications, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is the most widely recognized and trusted standard in the United States and Canada. UL certified power cords are essential for almost all home appliances, industrial equipment, office devices, lighting fixtures, and consumer electronics. This article provides a comprehensive guide to UL power cords, including certification requirements, cable structures, typical applications, testing standards, and future trends in the North American market.

1. What Is UL Certification and Why It Matters

UL is an independent global safety certification organization based in the United States. A product with UL marking means it has passed strict tests covering electrical safety, fire resistance, insulation, conductor performance, environmental compliance, and long-term durability.

For power cords, UL certification ensures:

• Safe operation under rated voltage and current

• Flame retardant performance of insulation and jacket

• Stable conductor resistance under continuous load

• Mechanical strength of the cable and plug

• Resistance to bending, pulling, heat, cold, oil, and abrasion

• Consistent product quality under factory follow-up inspections

In North America, retailers, distributors, and major home appliance brands require their suppliers to provide UL certified power cords before entering the market. Without UL approval, electrical products may be rejected by customs, insurance companies, or major retail channels.

2. Common UL Certified Power Cord Types

UL power cords use a standardized naming system, indicating insulation type, jacket material, temperature rating, and cable flexibility. Some of the most common types include:

SJT / SJTW Cable

• Voltage rating: 300V

• Temperature rating: 60°C / 105°C

• Applications: home appliances, air purifiers, heaters, industrial tools

• SJTW includes weather resistance for outdoor use

SVT / SVTW Cable

• Thinner and lighter than SJT

• Used for small appliances, chargers, office equipment, fans, computers

SPT-1 / SPT-2 Cable

• Flat parallel cords

• Commonly used in lamps, LED lighting, low-power appliances

• SPT-2 has thicker insulation than SPT-1

NISPT-1 / NISPT-2 Cable

• Japanese-style parallel cords used in US markets

• Often for lighting and lightweight home electronics

UL power cords usually come with plug types such as:

• NEMA 1-15P (2-pin ungrounded)

• NEMA 5-15P (3-pin grounded)

• NEMA 5-15P with fuse (for safety-enhanced devices)

3. Key UL Testing Requirements for Power Cords

To obtain and maintain UL certification, manufacturers must pass multiple laboratory tests:

(1) Conductor Resistance Test

Ensures copper wire diameter meets AWG standards and current rating requirements.

(2) Tensile Strength and Elongation of Insulation/Jacket

Evaluates cable flexibility and durability.

(3) Dielectric Voltage Withstand Test

Ensures insulation layers can handle high voltage without breakdown.

(4) Bending and Flexing Test

Simulates long-term usage bending cycles—critical for UL compliance.

(5) Temperature Resistance Test

Includes high-temperature aging, low-temperature impact, and heat deformation testing.

(6) Flammability Test

Tests how insulation reacts to fire exposure.

(7) Cold Bend and Cold Impact Test

Important for cables used in colder climates or outdoor applications.

UL conducts regular factory inspections to ensure manufacturers continue following production standards.

4. Major Applications of UL Power Cords in North America

UL certified power cords are used in thousands of products, including:

Home Appliances

• Air purifiers

• Refrigerators

• Electric heaters

• Coffee machines

• Air fryers

• Fans and humidifiers

Consumer Electronics

• Laptops and monitors

• Desktop PCs

• Printers and routers

• Audio and video devices

LED and Lighting Equipment

• LED drivers

• Floor lamps and table lamps

• Commercial lighting systems

Industrial and Power Tools

• Drills and grinders

• Compressors

• High-power machinery

Medical and Laboratory Devices

(Requires specific UL standards depending on equipment category.)

With such a broad application range, reliable and compliant UL power cords are essential for all major brands selling products in North America.

5. Buyer Requirements for UL Power Cords

North American buyers generally focus on the following:

(1) Authentic UL Certification

UL file number must be valid and searchable on UL’s official database.

(2) Copper Quality

Full copper conductor with correct AWG size is critical for safety.

(3) Plug Injection Quality

100% pure PVC injection molding, smooth appearance, no bubbles, no cracks.

(4) Consistent Length and Appearance

Important for retailers and OEM clients.

(5) OEM/ODM Customization

Including:

• Cable length

• Jacket color

• Plug type

• Branding/printing

• Packaging customization

6. Market Trends for UL Power Cords in 2025

The UL power cord industry is seeing new trends influenced by smart home appliances, energy efficiency, and environmental regulations:

Trend 1: Higher demand for 105°C heat-resistant cords

As appliances become more powerful and compact.

Trend 2: Increased outdoor equipment usage

Creates higher demand for SJTW weather-resistant cables.

Trend 3: More eco-friendly materials

RoHS and REACH requirements continue to strengthen.

Trend 4: Growth in OEM/ODM customization

Buyers want branded cords, molded-color plugs, and customized packaging.

Trend 5: Rising power tool market

Driving demand for durable and oil-resistant cable types.

7. Why Choose a UL Certified Manufacturer in China

China—especially Dongguan—is a global hub for power cord manufacturing. A reliable factory offers:

• In-house plug molding

• Cable extrusion

• Automatic cutting and crimping

• 100% electrical testing

• Packaging and labeling

• UL certification maintenance

• Fast lead times

• OEM/ODM customization

Dongguan Toong Yean Power Connection Co., Ltd. provides UL, VDE, PSE certified power cords for North American, European, and Asian customers with consistent quality and full compliance.