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.