Industrial control panel shop (UL) hidden costs?

[mfische]

Hi, I am looking to start a UL control panel shop (508A). I am looking at a budget for it however, and I am trying to calculate how much extra cost due to UL requirements I can expect. And I am not talking about the inspection fees or annual fees... I am talking about expenses due to maybe surveillance equipment or other equipment I would need to buy only for UL purposes.

Anybody know from experience some extra costs or hidden costs, UL would impose on me?

 

[zappedagain]

I'm sure you'll need a HiPot tester. Figure at least $2000 for that.

Z

 

[mfische]

Thanks!

 

[VEBill]

Copies of all applicable specs and standards, kept up-to-date perhaps with an on-line subscription. Not sure about UL, but with some spec organizations, it can be quite the expense.

 

[LionelHutz]

You need a calibrated hipot tester. You have to take the UL508A course.

I'm not sure if any UL file customer get it, but we have access to the UL Standard site that gives access to all UL standards except IEC based ones. We do hold multiple files with UL.

 

[mfische]

Thanks everybody!

 

[makesparks]

Don't forget the record keeping and any labeling expenses. Depending on mix of standard to custom panels, it can add up.

The company I worked for at the time added the hazardous area panels as well, so even more records, labeling, inspections, etc....

 

[mfische]

Once again, thanks everybody for responses!