UL Adds Fiber
Optics Testing

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), North America's foremost product safety testing and
certification organization, has acquired state-of-the-art fiber optics testing equipment for the
Northbrook, Illinois facility.  The new computerized equipment used in this facility was
developed to allow thorough evaluation of all types of fiber optic cables, connectors, patch
cords and fan-outs.

 As the demand for higher speed telephone and data communication continues to grow at
exponential rates, there is an ever-increasing need for fiber optic products.  The speed and
quality of communications via fiber optics is far superior to that of traditional copper wires. 
In order to keep up with the increased demand for these products, UL has invested a great
amount of resources in order to have the ability to automate the testing process, and
increase the "speed to market" for our customers. 

"We are very excited about the new equipment, which advances our capabilities and offers
several benefits to UL customers," said Ferdinand DeVoss, communication technology
engineer.

Some if the benefits of the new equipment are as follows:

 

• Timeliness: The new equipment is fully automated, which allows testing to be done
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  This will decrease the time-to-market significantly for
our customers and allow us to test and certify products at a much higher rate.

• Accuracy: Because the new equipment is fully automated, we have greatly reduced
the chance for any human error, and have standardized the procedures, which will
greatly increase the reliability and accuracy of the tests.

• Costs: By reducing the testing cycle time, we can lower the client's testing costs,
as well as reduce the time-to-market, which will also, ultimately reduce the client's
development costs.

• Customer focus: UL's new equipment can be set to test to industry standards as
well as any specific standards as set by the manufacturer.

• Data Generation:  This new equipment will also provide our clients with detailed
performance and safety data, which is very useful in improving the safety and
operation of the products tested.

With the addition of this new equipment, UL has been able to develop four
new optical fiber certification services for our clients, including:

• Listed Optical Fiber Cable Assemblies and Connectors (QBFA)

 

• Listed Optical Fiber Branching Devices (QBEA)

 

• Optical Fiber Cable Assemblies and Connectors Verified in Accordance with National or International Specifications (QBFN)

 

• Optical Fiber Branching Devices Verified in Accordance with National or International Specifications (QBEN)

 

Testing requirements are flexible, and can be conducted under Telcordia/
Bellcore, TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC, or any other published industry standards.

 

While Northbrook, Illinois is the newest UL facility offering fiber optic testing services,
testing is also available in the UL facility in Melville, New York.  As demand increases
beyond our current capacity, UL will consider other strategic locations in which to offer
this type of testing.  For more information regarding enhanced UL fiber optic testing, you
may contact Ferdinand DeVoss by phone at 847-272-8800 extension 42614, or visit the
Underwriters Laboratory web-sight at www.ul.com.

Underwriters Laboratory is an independent, not-for-profit product safety certification
organization, which has tested and certified products, materials and systems in the
interest of public safety for more than 107 years.  More than 17 billion UL marks
appear on products each year, and more than 18,000 types of products are tested at
UL's five U.S. laboratories located in Northbrook, Illinois, Melville, New York,
Santa Clara, California, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and Camas,
Washington.  Worldwide, the UL family of companies and its network of service
providers include more than 44 Laboratory, testing and certification facilities.