What does “ABYC” or “Meets ABYC Standards” on a product mean

[Joe Abbott]

Purchased some electrical wire that had “ABYC” marked on the cable insulation, along with a lot of other cryptic lettering. Spent some time on the internet and actually found the meaning of the cryptic lettering. One group of lettering was based on Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards that could be traced all the way back to multiple UL standards describing the tests required to earn the certification to display the UL markings. Another set of cryptic lettering was based on Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards, and again was able to trace their meanings back to the requirements that had to be met to display their markings. Both the UL and CSA certification was traceable back to the actual manufacture. Even the “RoHS COMPLIANT” marking meaning could be traced back to what it represented (RoHS - Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances).

Was unable to trace back the “ABYC” marking to a viable source that describe what testing and certification was required to display this mark. Found this statement on ABYC documents, “ABYC and its committees do not “approve”, “certify”, or “endorse” any item, construction, or proprietary device.”

What does “ABYC” or “Meets ABYC Standards” on a product mean and who authorizes it use? Is there a way to trace this marking back to an ABYC standard that this item had to comply with to display the ABYC mark?


FYI: I did post this same question to ABYC Facebook page but it was not displayed or answered.

[john61ct]

Here's about the standards http://abycinc.org/?page=standards

The vendor is claiming that product is in compliance with them. The Council doesn't endorse that claim though.

A certified trades person may then install so your boat is in compliance. But a competent non-certified one could do the same if they buy the docs and follow them.

If all goes well the insurance inspector verifies that compliance, and your boat gets insured.

[Joe Abbott]

Thanks for a response; Believe your statement might be true, “The vendor is claiming that product is in compliance with them. The Council doesn't endorse that claim though.”
In essence this means the “ABYC” logo on a product means really nothing. A cheap Chinese made counterfeit product could use the same logo and none would be the wiser – since it is not verifiable or traceable by the consumer.
On the ABYC website, (http://abyc.site-ym.com/?join) under Manufacturer $410 (annual dues), it lists as one of the benefits for paying the Manufacturer joining fee, “Use of ABYC Member logo on your products”.
So in reality (and for a fee), ABYC is doing what they state they are not doing, “ABYC and its committees do not “approve”, “certify”, or “endorse” any item, construction, or proprietary device.”
I find this practice a little unethical and not up to par with other reputable standard organizations, like UL and CSA in this case. Without verification and traceability of the compliance of a set of standards to use an organizations trademark logo on a product, it means the trademark logo is not reputable or trustworthy.