March 10, 2014 – UL recently introduced the Type TL Program, which offers a set of certification guidelines designed to create “a more efficient path for manufacturers in developing new LED luminaire products”.

Through the UL Recognized Component program, LED drivers (the electrical devices that regulate power to an LED or string of LEDs) are often designed with varying constructions and tested in a variety of ways. This new UL approach helps ensure LED drivers are interchangeable without requiring additional testing (in most cases). UL’s Type TL Program creates a set of evaluation and testing guidelines to allow for more standardized LED driver constructions and ratings. LED luminaire manufacturers will now be able to select LED drivers for new designs that have the desired parameters, and limit the level of evaluation required of the driver during evaluation of the LED luminaire. Also, LED luminaire manufacturers may identify a substitute LED driver while maintaining an equivalent level of safety, with limited or no evaluation of the LED luminaire.