Electricity is fundamental in modern society, as there is no other method that can supply large amounts of energy with the same speed and efficiency. However, this attribute also makes electricity dangerous, and all devices that use it must be carefully tested before reaching the end user. Depending on the application, factors such as electromagnetic interference and hygiene may also be important.
There are many types of certification marks for electrical equipment , and they change depending on the country or the organization that performs the corresponding laboratory tests. Because electrical devices have a wide range of applications, there are dozens of labels. This article will provide an overview of some common certification marks and their meaning.
Make sure your installation uses certified components.
UL – Underwriter Laboratories
The UL brand is one of the most recognized, even among individuals who are not involved in technical areas. UL has offices in more than 40 countries and U.S. federal approval to perform safety testing on equipment.
Underwriters Laboratories originally focused on fire protection and electrical safety, but its standards have expanded to cover areas such as food safety, performance testing and hazardous substances. UL is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). There are other NRTLs with equivalent brands, but UL has a marketing advantage thanks to its popularity.
RU – Recognized Component
The RU mark is also applied by Underwriters Laboratories. However, end customers rarely see it because it is used for components that are part of larger systems assembled by other manufacturers. Components that have RU markings are typically installed in factory settings and are not intended for field installation.
CSA – Canadian Standards Association
CSA has developed standards covering 57 technical fields and the organization is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. The CSA mark indicates that products have been successfully tested to Canadian standards.
CSA is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) in the US, which essentially makes the CSA mark equivalent to UL. They also developed the Canadian Electrical Code, and the first version was published in 1927.
ETL-Intertek
Intertek also has federal approval as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Although the UL mark is more popular than the ETL mark, both are equal under US law. There is a common misconception that the UL mark is superior, but the standards used for both marks are actually the same.
As UL is more popular and sought after by more manufacturers, certifying a product may take longer. Obtaining the ETL mark is a faster option when suppliers want to launch a product as quickly as possible.
NSF – National Sanitation Foundation
NSF International addresses sanitation and food safety and was founded in 1944 by the University of Michigan School of Public Health. NSF standards cover the entire food supply chain, from agriculture to restaurants, as well as water supply and environmental aspects. The organization has published more than 80 standards.
In commercial kitchens , NSF-marked equipment is often mandatory. The brand is highly regarded in the food industry, as NSF laboratories are accredited by OSHA and the Standards Council of Canada.
Initially, NSF only published standards and provided certification for the food industry. However, its coverage has expanded to multiple areas where human health and sanitation are involved.
FCC – Federal Communications Commission
The FCC mark is used on electronic equipment, indicating that its electromagnetic interference is within the limits allowed by the Federal Communications Commission. Because the FCC mark is used on many exported products, it is recognized globally.
CE – European Conformity
The CE mark indicates that the product meets EU standards and can be sold in the European Economic Area. Unlike Canadian marks, the CE mark is not equivalent to those issued by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL).
To use a CE marked product in the US, it must be certified locally. The CE mark allows the manufacturer to self-certify, while NRTLs are neutral third parties who test equipment.
