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®”.

National Bureau of Standards (NBS) – Now called the National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST).

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

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

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – A United States government agency responsible for establishing scientific and technical standards.  Formerly the National Bureau of Standards.

UL® - The registered trademark and abbreviation for the Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc.  An independent testing laboratory that establishes commercial and industrial standards, and tests and certifies products in the United States.