AGENCY DEFINITIONS

ANSI – American National Standards Institute. The United States not-for-profit organization that defines and maintains technical standards.

CE – A manufacturer’s mark that demonstrates compliance with European Union (EU) laws governing products sold in Europe.

CE-Compliant – Compliant with the essential requirements of European directives pertaining to safety and/or electromagnetic compatibility.

CSA – Canadian Standards Association. An independent testing laboratory that establishes commercial and industrial standards tests and certifies products.

C-UL® – Canadian recognition of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL®) approval of a particular product class, such as UL®508.  In some instances, C-UL® approval may stand in lieu of Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approval.  All references to C-UL® stem from the original UL® file only, resident at the location of UL® approval. See “CSA and UL®”.

NIST – National Bureau of Standards Once called the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), it’s now the National Institute of Standards Technology.  A United States government agency responsible for establishing scientific and technical standards.  Formerly the National Bureau of Standards.

(NEC) – National Electrical Code A set of specifications devised for the safe application and use of electric power and devices in the United States.

(NEMA) – National Electrical Manufacturers Association A United States association that establishes specifications and ratings for electrical components and apparatuses.  Conformance by manufacturers is voluntary.

UL® – Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc An independent testing laboratory that establishes commercial and industrial standards, and tests and certifies products in the United States.