Why UL and ETL Matter for Garage Hexagon Lights
Editor’s Note: This guide was last verified on October 24, 2023, by our technical review team to ensure compliance with current UL 1598 and NEC standards. All database links and verification steps have been tested for accuracy.
When you hang a bright hexagon grid over your car or workbench, you’re doing two things at once:
- Transforming the look of your garage or shop.
- Plugging an electronic system into your home wiring.
That second part is where UL and ETL come in. Both marks tell you that a neutral third‑party lab has tested the product against recognized safety standards for electrical shock, overheating, and fire risk. For a plug‑and‑play product like a hexagon garage light or LED neon, that usually means testing under standards such as UL 1598 for luminaires and UL 8750 for LED equipment.
For DIYers, the practical takeaway is simple:
- A proper listing helps align your project with building codes and insurance requirements.
- It reduces the risk that a component fault turns into a structural fire.
UL vs. ETL: What’s the Actual Difference?
Same Goal, Different Labs
A common misconception is that UL is "better" than ETL. In reality, UL and ETL are both Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) that test to the same safety standards.
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories) writes many of the standards and also runs test labs.
- ETL (Intertek) tests products against those same UL standards.
From a safety and code perspective, a proper UL Listed product and a proper ETL Listed product are treated as equivalent. Inspectors and insurers look for the "NRTL-listed" status, not a specific brand of mark.
Quick Comparison: UL vs. ETL for Garage Projects
| Question | UL Listed Hex Lights | ETL Listed Hex Lights |
|---|---|---|
| Who tested it? | UL (Underwriters Laboratories) | Intertek (ETL) |
| Tested to which standards? | UL 1598 / UL 8750 | The same UL/IEC standards |
| Accepted by inspectors? | Yes, as NRTL‑listed | Yes, as NRTL‑listed |
| Common Misconception | “UL is the only ‘real’ mark” | “ETL is a cheaper/less safe version” |
“Listed” vs. “Recognized”: The $500 Mistake
When browsing budget hex kits, you might see a UL mark with the word “Recognized” (a backwards 'UR' symbol). This is a major source of confusion for DIYers.
- UL Listed: The complete, stand‑alone product (the whole hex kit) is safe to plug in.
- UL Recognized: Only a component (like the internal chip or the power brick) is tested.
Why it matters: If your kit only has a "Recognized" driver, the plastic tubes, connectors, and internal wiring have not been safety-tested as a system. Many local codes require permanently installed fixtures to be Listed, not just built from recognized parts. Using unlisted systems can, in rare cases, give insurance companies a reason to deny claims related to electrical fires.
How to Verify a Listing (With Real Examples)
Don't trust a logo printed on a box. Counterfeit marks are common on third-party marketplaces. Follow this verification flow:
Step 1: Locate the "Control Number" or "File Number"
Look for a 6 to 9-digit number near the UL or ETL logo.
- Example UL File: E521347
- Example ETL Control Number: 5025344
Step 2: Search the Official Database
- UL Product iQ: Search at productiq.ulprospector.com.
- ETL Directory: Search the Intertek ETL Listed Mark Directory.
Step 3: What to Look For (The "Match Check")
When you pull up the entry, verify these three things:
- Status: Must be "Active."
- Model Number: Must match your kit exactly (e.g., if you bought "HEX-60W-V2," the listing shouldn't just say "HEX-V1").
- Category: It should be listed under "Luminaires" or "LED Surface-Mounted Office Lighting," not just "Power Supplies."
Pro Tip: If a seller sends you a "Certificate of Compliance" that is just a blurry JPEG with no searchable number, treat it as a red flag.
Installation Log: Lessons from the Workshop
Based on our team's experience installing a 24-hexagon grid in a standard two-car garage.
The Setup:
- Total Tubes: 72 LED tubes.
- Total Wattage: ~432W (based on 6W per tube).
- The Problem: We initially tried to run all 72 tubes off one power feed. The connector pins became noticeably warm to the touch after 30 minutes.
- The Fix: We split the grid into two separate power feeds (36 tubes each).
-
The Data:
- Single Feed Load: ~216W.
- Result: Connectors stayed at ambient room temperature.
- Lesson: Never exceed the manufacturer's maximum "tubes per power feed" (usually 60 tubes or 440W for standard 2-pin kits).
Practical Safety Tips for DIYers
1. Respect the 440W Heuristic
While every kit differs, most modular hex systems use 20AWG or 22AWG internal wiring. A common industry limit is 440W per power cable.
- Action: If your total layout exceeds 400W, use two power "drops" to two different outlets. This prevents the primary harness from overheating.
2. Give the Drivers Room to Breathe
LED drivers (the "power bricks") convert AC to DC and generate heat.
- Mistake: Tucking the driver inside a tight, insulated ceiling cavity.
- Correct: Mount the driver on a flat surface with at least 2–4 inches of clearance for airflow.
3. Match Controls to the Driver
If you want to dim your hex lights, you cannot just use a standard wall dimmer unless the kit is explicitly labeled "Triac Dimmable" or "0-10V Dimmable."
- Risk: Using an incompatible dimmer causes "flicker stress," which can burn out the LED driver in weeks.
4. Know the "Hardwire" Line
- Plug-in: Generally safe for DIY.
- Hardwired: If you cut the plug off to wire it into a junction box, you are now governed by the National Electrical Code (NEC). If you aren't comfortable calculating circuit loads or grounding, hire a licensed electrician for this 15-minute task.
Quick Pre-Purchase Checklist
Before hitting "Buy," verify these five points:
- [ ] Full Listing: Does the description say "ETL/UL Listed" for the whole kit?
- [ ] Wattage Specs: Is the wattage per tube clearly stated (usually 6W–8W)?
- [ ] Input Voltage: Does it match your garage (110-120V for US/Canada)?
- [ ] Replacement Parts: Can you buy a single replacement tube if one fails?
- [ ] Grounded Plug: Does the power cable have three prongs (grounded)?
Safety Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes. Electrical work involves risks of fire and shock. Always follow the specific manufacturer instructions provided with your kit. If you are unsure about your garage's wiring capacity, consult a licensed electrician.