What is ETL Certification?
If you’ve ever seen “ETL Listed” or “ETL Certified” on a product, it means the item has been tested and approved by Intertek, a global safety certification company (similar to UL). Think of it as a safety stamp—proving the product meets strict U.S. and Canadian standards (like UL or CSA) and won’t overheat, shock you, or catch fire.
Key Facts About ETL Certification:
ETL vs. UL? Both certify product safety, but ETL is issued by Intertek, while UL is from Underwriters Laboratories. ETL is often more affordable and faster to obtain.
Why It Matters? In North America, many products require ETL or UL certification to be legally sold. The mark assures buyers the product is safe.
Who Uses It? Appliances, electronics, HVAC systems, medical devices, and more.
Global Recognition: ETL certification helps products enter U.S. and Canadian markets efficiently, with testing accepted by OSHA (U.S.) and SCC (Canada).
Bottom Line: ETL certification = safer products, faster market access, and consumer trust. Need one? Intertek tests your product, and if it passes, you get the ETL mark!
What is CSA Certification?
CSA certification is a product certification issued by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to ensure products meet Canada’s safety, performance, and environmental standards. It’s crucial for products entering the Canadian market, as it verifies compliance with strict safety regulations.
Types of CSA Certification:
Mandatory (NRTL Certification): Required for high-risk products like electrical/gas equipment and personal protective gear. Marked with the CSA NRTL logo, including Canada’s national recognition symbol.
Voluntary: For non-mandatory products (e.g., household appliances, lighting, cables). Marked with the CSA logo (no NRTL text).
Key Product Categories:
Electrical Devices: Appliances, lights, wiring (CSA C22.2 standards).
Gas Equipment: Stoves, water heaters (CSA B149 standards).
Industrial Gear: Motors, transformers (CSA M421 standards).
Safety Gear: Helmets, goggles (CSA Z94 standards).
Building Materials: Fireproofing, pipes (CSA A-series standards).
Certification Process:
Preparation: Identify product category, research standards, and analyze gaps.
Testing & Approval: Submit application, test samples, factory inspection, review reports, and final certification.
Post-Certification: Proper logo use, annual audits, and managing changes.
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What is UL Certification?
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a well-known safety certification company with over 100 years of experience. A “UL Listed” mark means the product has been tested and meets UL’s safety standards, which are based on U.S. and Canadian requirements.
Key points about UL certification:
Purpose: Ensures products (like electronics, appliances, and industrial equipment) are safe for use.
Testing Process: UL evaluates products for potential hazards to life and property.
Ongoing Checks: UL conducts regular factory inspections to ensure continued compliance.
Common for Exports: While not always mandatory, many U.S. and Canadian retailers require UL certification.
Key Differences Between ETL, UL, and CSA Certifications
| Feature | UL Listed | CSA Certified | ETL Listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing Body | Underwriters Laboratories (UL) | Canadian Standards Association (CSA) | Intertek (ITS) |
| Market Focus | Strongest in the USA | Strong in Canada | Flexible (USA & Canada) |
| Standards | Follows UL standards (can include dual US/Canada approval) | Follows CSA standards (similar to UL but with minor differences) | Can certify to UL, CSA, or both |
| Recognition | Highly trusted in the US, seen as the “gold standard” | Preferred in Canada, streamlined approval process | Faster & more cost-effective than UL, widely accepted |
| Flexibility | Strict testing, longer process | Single application for US & Canada | Can adapt to multiple standards |
What Does ETL Listed Mean?
ETL Listed means a product has been tested and certified by Intertek (ITS) to meet North American safety standards (either UL, CSA, or both). It’s a widely accepted alternative to UL, often faster and more affordable.
UL vs. ETL vs. CSA: Which Should You Choose?
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UL Listed – Best for US market dominance (high trust, longer process).
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CSA Certified – Ideal for Canadian-focused products (simpler approval).
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ETL Listed – Great for flexibility & cost-efficiency (recognized in both US & Canada).
Still unsure? Check UL Product IQ for detailed compliance info or consult a certification expert!
Understanding ETL Listed vs. UL Listed: Safety Certifications Explained
In the world of electronics, safety is critical—plastic must be flame-retardant, wires need fire-resistant coatings, and devices require safeguards like fuses and thermal protection to prevent electrical hazards. This is where NRTLs (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories) like ETL and UL come in. They rigorously test products by:
| Safety Tests Performed | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Short-circuiting fuses | Ensures proper failure response |
| Overheating devices | Verifies safe shutdown |
| Disabling cooling fans | Checks for fire risks |
| Simulating extreme real-world conditions | Confirms overall safety |
After testing, ETL Listed or UL Listed certification is granted, meaning the product meets strict safety standards. But what’s the difference?
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ETL Listed: Issued by Intertek, equivalent to UL but often faster/more cost-effective.
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UL Listed: Issued by Underwriters Laboratories, the most widely recognized standard.
Why It Matters: Recent news highlights risks from uncertified products (e.g., faulty USB chargers, smart doorbells). NRTLs also audit suppliers and manufacturing to ensure consistent safety.
Key Terms:
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ETL Certified Meaning / What Does ETL Stand For? – Safety certification by Intertek.
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UL Listed Meaning / What Does UL Stand For? – Safety certification by Underwriters Laboratories.
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ETL vs UL Listed – Both indicate safety; UL is more established, ETL is equally valid.
Choosing ETL Listed or UL Listed products ensures compliance and reduces risks—always check labels!
Why Look for Safety Marks (Like ETL or UL Certification)?
Many people mistakenly believe that the 5V voltage from USB charging cables can’t cause fires. However, this isn’t true. If a USB port lacks a fuse or is paired with low-fire-resistance or undersized cables, the internal wiring can overheat and essentially turn into a “glow-wire heater.” This means nearby flammable materials could catch fire. That’s why it’s crucial to check whether your USB charging cable carries safety certifications like ETL Listed or UL Listed—ensuring the product meets safety standards.
Key Terms Compared
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ETL Listed | Indicates the product is certified by Intertek’s ETL program and complies with North American safety standards (e.g., UL standards). |
| UL Listed | Means the product is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and meets stringent safety requirements. |
| ETL vs. UL | Both prove safety, but they’re tested by different agencies (ETL by Intertek, UL by Underwriters Laboratories). |
| ETL Certified | Same as ETL Listed—indicates Intertek’s safety approval. |
Choosing products with these marks significantly reduces fire risks and ensures safer use.
Safety Certifications and Testing for COMPT Products
To ensure the safety of all COMPT products, we strictly adhere to internationally recognized standards for testing and certification. Our products are certified with UL Listing, ETL Listing, and the CE Mark.
ETL Listed vs. UL Listed
| Certification | Meaning | Applicable Standards |
|---|---|---|
| ETL Listed | A safety certification issued by Intertek, indicating compliance with North American safety standards (e.g., UL standards). | UL, CSA, etc. |
| UL Listed | A globally recognized safety certification issued by Underwriters Laboratories. | UL Standards |
| CE Mark | Indicates compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements for sale in the European market. | EN Standards |
COMPT Product Models with ETL Listing (Including CE Mark):
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Industrial Panel PCs: CPT-156A, CPT-070A, CPT-080A, CPT-101A, CPT-104A, CPT-116A, CPT-120A, CPT-121A, CPT-133A, CPT-150A, CPT-170A, CPT-173A, CPT-185A, CPT-190A, CPT-215A
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Industrial Displays: CPT-070P, CPT-080P, CPT-101P, CPT-104P, CPT-116P, CPT-120P, CPT-121P, CPT-133P, CPT-150P, CPT-156P, CPT-170P, CPT-173P, CPT-185P, CPT-190P, CPT-215P
These certifications ensure that COMPT products meet industry safety standards, providing you with greater confidence in their reliability.
Penny
Web Content Writer
4 years of experience
This article is edited by Penny, the website content writer of COMPT, who has 4 years working experience in the industrial PCs industry and often discusses with colleagues in R&D, marketing and production departments about the professional knowledge and application of industrial controllers, and has a deep understanding of the industry and products.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss more about industrial controllers. sales@gdcompt.com
