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WHITE PAPER
Going Beyond UL 508A for Safety: Understanding When ICPs Need to Comply with UL 698A
WYSIWYG (1-5 sentences/bullets): No matter what industry you are working in, safe process control operations are essential to protect your personnel and control system equipment. A widely recognized way to achieve safe process control operations is to work with a UL Certified Panel Shop to build your industrial control panel (ICP) to the appropriate UL standard for your application. While UL 508A is the most often followed UL standard since it is the baseline standard for panels used in ordinary locations, it is not well known that there are actually supplemental standards in place such as UL 698A for ICPs that are used in areas relating to hazardous or classified locations.
In this white paper, we dive into how UL 698A builds on the safety standards laid out in UL 508A and provide details on the following:
- When UL requires compliance with UL 698A to receive a UL Listed Mark
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Design and Development considerations for building an ICP to the UL 698A safety standard
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How you can ensure your ICP will meet UL 698A requirements by working with the right panel build partner
Download White Paper
Learn how a well-planned, phased SCADA modernization reduces control system risks and inefficiencies. Complete the form to access the white paper.
Baseline UL standard for panels in ordinary locations
Supplement UL standard for hazardous location panels
Limited barrier output reduces spark and explosion risk
Required spacing improves circuit safety and compliance
Beyond Numbers
These additional benefits highlight how partnering with a certified UL Panel Shop like GTH enhances safety, streamlines compliance, reduces costs, and accelerates project delivery.
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Reduced Explosion & Ignition Risk
Safety is non-negotiable in hazardous environments. UL 698A compliant intrinsically safe barriers limit voltage and current entering classified areas, significantly reducing the risk of sparks, ignition, and catastrophic events which protects personnel, facilities, and operational continuity.
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Regulatory Confidence
The UL Mark demonstrates compliance with rigorous safety standards and gives authorities confidence in the panel’s design and construction. This reduces inspection friction, rework, and approved delays.
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No Third-Party Inspection Required
As a UL Certified Panel Shop, GTH can apply the UL Listed Mark directly without requiring separate third-party certification. Which means faster delivery, lower certification costs, and streamlined project timelines.
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Avoids Repeat Component Testing
Using UL Listed components eliminates the need for repeat end product testing, saving time and money during panel certification which creates faster builds, lower engineering burden, and more predictable project schedules
OUR TEAM & LEADERSHIP
Dedicated Experts. Proven Solutions.
The George T. Hall Company team consists of engineers, control system specialists, business development engineers, project management office, and operational personnel who work together to serve the needs of our valued customers. Our Executive and Leadership team is dedicated to supporting their efforts and ensuring that each project we complete is better than the last.

Corporate Headquarters
1605 E. Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: 714-939-7100
Manufacturing Headquarters
8565 Double R. Blvd.
Reno, NV 89511-2270
Phone: 775-356-7401
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