UL 1598 Test Report: The Market Access Pass for Luminaires in North America

In the North American market — whether for large offline retailers or e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Temu — a safety test report compliant with UL 1598 has become the de facto market access certificate for luminaires.This report officially verifies product safety in electrical, mechanical, and fire-resistant performance, serving as the technical foundation to reduce consumer risks and build brand credibility.

01 Why UL 1598 Is Critical

UL 1598, published by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), is in its 5th edition, revised January 31, 2024.It specifies safety requirements for luminaires for non-hazardous locations, rated at 600V or less.

For manufacturers and exporters, a UL 1598 report delivers far more than compliance:

Mandatory Market & Platform Requirement

Major North American retailers and platforms (Amazon, Temu US) require a qualified UL 1598 test report for fixed luminaires. Non-compliant listings face suspension or removal.

Authoritative Safety Endorsement

UL 1598 confirms compliance with North America’s highest safety standards against electric shock, fire, and mechanical hazards — building trust and brand value.

Business Risk Mitigation

A valid report minimizes returns, claims, and legal liability related to safety failures, protecting both revenue and reputation.

02 Product Scope: Which Luminaires Use UL 1598?

UL 1598 consolidates legacy standards (UL 1570, UL 1571, UL 1572) into a unified safety framework for permanently installed luminaires.

It applies to nearly all hard-wired indoor and outdoor fixed lighting not covered by more specialized standards.

Covered Products

• Indoor: ceiling lamps, chandeliers, recessed downlights, wall sconces, fixed panel lights
• Outdoor: garden lights, non-hazardous area street lights
• Fixed-installation LED luminaires, decorative chandeliers

Excluded Products

• Portable luminaires (table/floor lamps: UL 153)
• Stage/studio lights, underwater/pool lights
• Emergency lighting, decorative light strings
• Low-voltage landscape lighting, under-cabinet lighting (regional exceptions)

03 Key Tests Under UL 1598

UL 1598 provides a full safety evaluation simulating normal use, installation, and misuse.

1. Electrical Safety Tests

• Input rating verification
• Leakage current (including wet conditions)
• Dielectric voltage-withstand (hipot)
• Insulation integrity and grounding

2. Mechanical & Structural Safety Tests

• Housing impact resistance
• Chandelier drop and load testing
• Junction box durability
• Ceiling outlet and mounting safety

3. Fire & Material Safety Tests

• Normal and abnormal temperature rise
• Flammability testing of plastic components
• Minimum thickness for metal parts
• Thermal environment and stress relief for polymers

4. Environmental Adaptability

• Rain testing for damp or wet locations (outdoor / bathroom luminaires)

04 Process, Timeline, Cost & Samples

Standard Certification Process

1. Application & technical document submission
2. Evaluation, test scope confirmation & quotation
3. Sample submission & payment
4. Full laboratory testing to UL 1598
5. Official UL test report issuance
6. Optional: UL certification + factory inspection for UL mark usage

Cost, Timeline & Samples

• Cost: Varies by product complexity, number of models, and test scope. Typical range: several thousand to over ten thousand RMB. Additional cost for Canadian CSA C22.2 No.250.0.
• Timeline: 5–10 working days (complete samples & documents); extended if retesting is needed.
• Samples: 2–4 complete, functional finished products.

05 GTG Group: Your North American Compliance Expert

GTG Group provides end-to-end support for UL 1598 and global lighting compliance:

• Full lifecycle service: standard interpretation, pre-test evaluation, formal testing, report preparation
• Expertise in latest editions (e.g., 2024 updates for secondary circuit grounding, wet location definitions)
• Early design guidance to avoid failures and reduce rework
• Platform-aligned reports fully accepted by Amazon, Temu, and major retailers

In the safety-focused North American market, UL 1598 is no longer an option — it is a requirement. It is proof of quality, a gateway to market entry, and a core driver of brand trust and premium positioning.

06 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is UL Certification the same as a UL Test Report?

A1: No.

• UL Certification: Includes product testing + ongoing factory inspections; higher cost, longer timeline; authorizes the UL mark.
• UL Test Report: Technical document only; no factory inspection; faster, lower cost; for platform / buyer compliance only (no UL mark).For most e-commerce exporters, a UL 1598 test report is sufficient.

Q2: How long is the report valid? What if the standard updates?

A2: UL test reports do not have a fixed expiry date — valid if the standard and product remain unchanged.However, new editions (e.g., 2024 revision) may require retesting. Design, material, or component changes may also invalidate the original report.

Q3: Do LED luminaires need additional testing beyond UL 1598?

A3: Often yes.UL 1598 covers luminaire safety. Internal LED engines and drivers often require supplementary testing to UL 8750.

Q4: What factory preparation is needed?

A4: No factory inspection is required for a test report only.For full UL Certification (UL mark), you must pass an Initial Production Inspection (IPI) and regular Follow-Up Inspections (FUI).