Most Tempco products fall under the CSA Group or UL standard for electric heating appliances, UL499.  “For the purposes of this standard, a heating appliance is defined as an electrically energized product that directly or indirectly generates heat to perform its intended function.”¹

UL499 is a Component Recognition, meaning that the products that hold this recognition can be used within systems or equipment that require a UL listing. The purpose of having a recognized part is to ensure that all aspects of the equipment adhere to the standards set forth by UL to make safe, reliable products. This includes:

• designs
• testing procedures
• materials
• manufacturing processes

Not all heaters are created equal, but when comparing different heaters made to meet the same UL499 standard, there are more similarities than differences here at Tempco.  Each UL Recognized product line that Tempco manufactures has it’s own section or file that describes how each product should be made.  Our Engineering Department designs each individual heater following these UL guidelines.  Thanks to incorporating things like ISO standards throughout the company, Tempco documents every procedure  and work instruction for every process.  This leads to predictable outcomes throughout the company, beginning with the ordering process all the way through to the customer receiving a Tempco heater. 

Tempco Silicone Rubber Heaters

Tempco Strip Heaters

UL 508A certification pertains to the construction of industrial control panels.  This is a Listing Mark for an end-use application.  Electrical inspectors look for this mark as evidence of third-party certification because it reflects compliance to acceptable safety standards.  Because Tempco is a custom heater manufacturer, the control panels we build are typically designed for specific applications that, many times, include controlling Tempco heaters.  There are strict guidelines for many aspects of designing control panels such as:

• proper component selection
• wiring methods
• wiring ratings
• spacing constraints

Additionally, there are standards within the standard.  Unlike UL499, it is not enough to just follow and document all of these things.  In order for Tempco to sell a certified UL508A panel, we must have a UL-certified Manufacturer Technical Representative (MTR) – Tempo actually has three MTRs. An MTR is qualified through the successful completion of an online examination that is based on the requirements of the UL 508A Standard. The certification lasts for three years and transfers with the individual, not the company. It offers assurance that the control panels are designed properly.  A UL label signifies that the panel builder has met the requirements of UL508A, and that the panels are subject to inspection by a UL field representative. A UL Follow-Up Service representative inspects Tempco’s facilities periodically and reviews the panels per the UL508A Procedure.  If the panels are found to be compliant, Tempco is permitted to continue production and apply the UL Label.  Having an MTR qualifies builders of industrial control panels to apply UL Certification Marks without needing an examination for each new design. This reduces the time to market and saves money, benefits that Tempco passes on to our customers.

¹ “UL 499: UL Standard for Safety Electric Heating Appliances” IHS Market, November 7, 2014, global.ihs.com/doc_detail.cfm?document_name=UL%20499&item_s_key=00097123

Tempco Control Panel

Tempco MTR and Control Panel