UL 8800 Testing Requirements for Plant Grow Lights on Amazon US

Plant grow lights are artificial light sources, usually electric light sources, designed to stimULate plant growth by emitting an electromagnetic spectrum suitable for photosynthesis.

It is understood that 18% of sellers on the Amazon platform sell electronic products. However, as more sellers offer such products, the platform’s review requirements have become stricter.

Recently, many customers have consulted us with the same question: Some sellers on Amazon have received complaints about product fires, and Amazon requires a ul test report—what should they do? This question is especially common among sellers of lighting products.

Therefore, today we will focus on explaining the requirements for obtaining UL 8800 certification for plant grow lights.

Should Plant Grow Lights Comply with UL 153 or UL 8800?

1. The following portable movable plant luminaires, whose light does NOT promote plant growth, shall be evaluated per UL 153, Product Category: QOVZ (Light-emitting-diode Luminaires, Portable).

2. The following portable movable luminaires that promote plant growth (sustain plant life), are relatively small in size, and are intended for residential use, shall be evaluated per UL 153, Product Category: QOVZ (Light-emitting-diode Luminaires, Portable).

Photobiological hazards shall be evaluated per IEC 62471 (Standard for Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems), and RG0, RG1, and RG2 levels are acceptable.

3. The following luminaires used to promote the growth of flowers, plants, vegetables, and other crops shall be evaluated per UL 8800, Product Category: IFAU (Horticultural Luminaires), suitable for commercial or large‑scale cultivation.

4. The following plant lighting systems equipped with water pumps, fans, constant temperature and humidity devices, etc., to promote the growth of flowers, plants, vegetables, and other crops shall be evaluated as a system per UL 8800, referRED to as horticultural lighting systems, Product Category: HRTI (Horticultural Lighting Systems), suitable for commercial or large‑scale cultivation.

UL 8800 Test Items

5. Input Test

6. Temperature Rise Test

7. Voltage Withstand Test

8. Ground Continuity Test

9. Suspension Load Test

10. Rain Test

11. Humidity Test

12. Abnormal Operation Test

1. Stress Relief of Plastics

2. Impact Test

Construction Requirements (Based on ul 1598 plus supplementary requirements)

(1) If the luminaire housing or baffle is made of plastic and is exposed to sunlight or lamplight, the plastic material shall have UV resistance (i.e., marked with f1) in accordance with UL 1598 Clause [5.7.1.2](5.7.1.2) or UL 746C.

(2) When connecting to the power supply network, connections shall be made in the specified manner, either with a power cord or via outlet box installation. All such wiring shall be external wiring and UV‑resistant.

Operating Environment Requirements

(1) Plant grow lights shall be rated for at least Damp Location environments.

The product shall comply with both the Rain and Sprinkler tests of Clause 14.4.8 of UL 1598 unless specifically marked “NOT FOR INTRACANOPY USE”.

For products not marked “NOT FOR INTRACANOPY USE”, the requirements of the Rain or Sprinkler test shall follow Clause 14.4.8 of UL 1598.

(2) The ambient temperature for plant grow lights is often relatively high (e.g., 40 °C). Therefore, temperature rise testing shall generally be performed based on the customer’s declared rating.

Meanwhile, the instruction manual shall specify countermeasures for excessive ambient temperature, such as using strong exhaust ventilation or a cooling system.

Photobiological Safety Requirements

Evaluation shall be conducted in accordance with IEC 62471 — Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems.

Measurement range: Full‑spectrum testing for wavelengths between 280–1400 nm, with classification into four risk groups:

3. Risk Group 0

4. Risk Group 1

5. Risk Group 2

1. Risk Group 3

The test report shall include:

2. LED module manufacturer, model, and specification

3. Correlated color temperature (CCT)

4. Number of LEDs

The LED board schematic shall clearly indicate the type and position of each LED.

For all other light sources, including pulsed lamp sources, hazard values shall be reported at a distance of 200 mm.

Note: Plant grow lights are NOT GLS and shall be tested as all other light sources.

Documentation Required for UL 8800 Certification of Plant Grow Lights

5. Electrical parameters, function options, and description of differences

• LED board schematic, copper foil layout, and component silkscreen drawing

• Critical components list

• User manual

• Product label

6. LED datasheet

Process for Obtaining Amazon UL Test Report

1. Consult JJR LAB for testing and quotation

2. Sign the certification contract; JJR issues a commercial invoice

3. Send samples to JJR Laboratory

4. Make payment to JJR’s account and provide the payment slip

5. Laboratory issues UL test report upon successful testing

• Lead Time: 5–7 working days (issued by ISO 17025‑accredited laboratory; expedited service available)

• Cost: Evaluated based on the specific product