What’s the difference between the UL, CSA, and ETL Listed Marks?
Both marks demonstrate that the product that bears it has met the minimum requirements of widely accepted product safety standards as determined through the independent testing of a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). And, as part of that testing regimen, the product manufacturer has agreed to periodic follow-up inspections to verify continued compliance. The only real difference between the Marks is in the service, and services, of the testing laboratory behind them.
What is an NRTL?
A Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) is an independent laboratory recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to test products to the specifications of applicable product safety standards – such as those from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and other standards-writing bodies. An NRTL’s function is to provide an independent evaluation, testing, and certification of any electrically operated or gas- and oil-fired product.
What are the specifics of the NRTL program?
The NRTL program is part of OSHA’s Directorate of Technical Support. As part of OSHA’s directive to ensure that products are safe for use in the U.S. workplace, the NRTL program recognizes the capabilities of private sector organizations to determine if specific products meet consensus safety standards. OSHA safety standards are U.S. law and can be found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). More specifically, the provisions for NRTL certification can be found within Part 1910 of the CFR (29 CFR Part 1910).
Are manufacturers required to use UL for their compliance testing?
No. In fact, this misconception has misled many to believe that they don’t have a choice in third-party testing partners. The only major requirement is that the laboratory performing the testing is an OSHA-recognized NRTL. Consequently, our ETL Listed Mark serves as an indicator of compliance with applicable product safety standards.
What products bear the ETL Listed Mark?
Intertek provides product safety testing and certification for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 50,000 products from HVAC to medical to life safety/security to industrial machinery and more bear the ETL Listed Mark. Global Fortune 100 companies including General Electric, HP, Hitatchi, IBM, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Siemens, and Sony rely on Intertek and the ETL Listed Mark to get products tested, certified, and delivered to market faster.
Do retailers accept products bearing the ETL Listed Mark?
The ETL Listed Mark is accepted at all major North American retailers, including The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target, JCPenney, Sears, Costco and many others. Retail buyers today recognize ETL and accept products that bear the Mark.
Do local inspectors know the ETL Listed Mark?
Yes. The ETL Listed Mark is recognized by local inspectors and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) throughout North America and also in some areas of South America. As Intertek is an NRTL recognized by OSHA, the ETL Listed Mark is an accepted alternative to UL and, as such, inspectors and AHJs recognize, acknowledge, and accept the mark as proof of product compliance.