Feature

Built for the hazard zone: The strategic case for UL 698 partnerships

Mark Johnson, Engineering Manager at PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), delves into the growing demand for UL 698 compliance and explains why the company’s recent certification to build control panels for hazardous locations marks a strategic step forward in its capability.

02/09/2025 16:10:55

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Tightening regulations and expanding global opportunities are putting dual pressure on machine builders operating in hazardous environments.

The challenge is to innovate at speed and comply without compromise. For those supplying equipment into industries, such as oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment and pharmaceuticals, the stakes are even higher.

One mistake in safety compliance (particularly around control panels) can mean rejected tenders, delayed deployments, or catastrophic failure in the field – all of which have can lead to massive financial and reputational damage from which some firms fail to recover.

This is why more OEMs are strategically outsourcing the build of control panels destined for hazardous (classified) locations to UL 698-certified facilities.

Read the full article in DPA's September 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.