Electrical Equipment Approval Services

All equipment/material shall conform to the latest issue of all standards as established by National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) , and Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL) or other Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

Policies

Refer to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) for up to date policies.

Procedures

The University Building Official has established these criteria for accepting equipment not listed or labeled by Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. Therefore, departments must follow the guidelines below:

1. Department Assessment
   1. All equipment and material, for which there are NEMA, ANSI, UL, or other NRTL standards and listings, shall bear the appropriate label of approval for use intended.
   2. If electrical equipment is not listed or labeled, the department of use shall have a review of the equipment to be done for conformance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and any standards by:
      1. A testing laboratory.
      2. A licensed electrical engineer.
      3. Comparable authority, or licensed electrician for simpler systems.
   3. Such reviews are to be performed under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) section 110.
   4. Any deficiencies identified during this review must be corrected before the equipment is placed in service.
2. Department Documentation
   1. A written certification or test report that the equipment is safe to operate must be obtained and maintained by the department.
3. Department Communication Requirements
   1. Facilities
      1. To ensure that the necessary building alterations and requirements will be in place when your equipment arrives, submit an Interdepartmental Service Request (ISR) in HokieMart as soon as possible.
         1. Choose VT Facilities Services.
         2. The cost is $1.00.
         3. Explain your new equipment purchase, any special needs, expected location, and anticipated delivery date.
         4. Attach a copy of the quotation.
         5. Share the Pre-Installation Guide.
   2. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
      1. If the equipment is plug-and-cord connected, a copy is to be provided to Environmental Health and Safety, 540-231-5985.
   3. University Building Official (UBO)
      1. If the equipment will be hard-wired to the building electrical system, a copy shall be provided to the University Building Official, 540-231-4678.
4. Department Process if Electrical Equipment Approval Services are Needed
   1. Review the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Evaluation Reports
   2. Review the Field Evaluation Services.
   3. Complete the Field Evaluation Request Form to the best of your ability.
      1. Remember to attach photos of the equipment and attach technical documents related to the equipment, such as the Bill of Material (BOM), schematics, diagrams, etc
   4. Submit a requisition in HokieMart for the Field Evaluation Services, use Best Supplier and attach the Field Evaluation Request Form, so a purchase order can be issued for approval services. Estimate $2,500 for the service. This estimate will change as the supplier evaluates the actual service required.
      1. Note that for services that result in the authorization of a certification mark, follow up or surveillance services may be required, and additional fees may apply and will be charged separately.
      2. All costs associated with testing and inspections are the responsibility of the using department.

Last updated 1.29.26