Products put through paces at Underwriters Laboratories - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Products put through paces at Underwriters Laboratories

Posted: Updated:
CHICAGO -

Product safety is something we may take for granted in the United States. The everyday things we have in the house are safer because one company puts them through rigorous tests.   

Who does dangerous work so that you are not in danger? Underwriters Laboratories. It's where they set products on fire and explode them so you don't have to be worried about a product that could.

Manufacturers send their products to the independent lab in Chicago. They ask them to beat it up, and blow it up to make sure it can survive a worst-case scenario and when it does, give it the UL seal.    

"We're looking at the products for safety. Are there fire hazards? Are there electrical shock hazards? Are there mechanical hazards or even radiation hazard," said engineer John Drengenberg.

According to Underwriters Laboratories, the UL mark appears on products around the world 23 billion times a year.  No product is required to be tested but many are.  

So next time you sit on the mattress or the couch, two of the biggest potential household fire hazards, know that this lab has probably tested them.

The facility uses so much water that they can't use the local water supply.  Underneath the building is a reservoir with more than a quarter of a million gallons of water.

  • I-Team Story Archive

  • Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    May 16, 2013 10:39 PM 2013-05-17 15:16:51 GMT
    The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
    The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:32:39 GMT
    A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
    A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.

Contact the FOX 5 I-Team

* denotes required fields

Log InNot you? Log out
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Thanks for contacting FOX 5.  To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.

  • Good Day Archive

  • Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
    They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover.  A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
    They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover.  A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
  • Get your daily Entertainment Fix for Friday, May 17!
    Get your daily Entertainment Fix for Friday, May 17!
Powered by WorldNow

1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Main Number: (404) 875-5555
News Tips: (404) 898-0100

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices