ETL vs. UL
What's the difference between the UL 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. So, the
only real difference between the marks is in the service, and services,
of the testing laboratory behind them. It's here that the clients of the
ETL SEMKO division of Intertek enjoy the real differences between UL and
ETL. Our custom-tailored testing, quick turnarounds, and flexible work methods
are literally changing the face of the industry by promoting an environment
where the testing lab and product manufacturer work more collaboratively
- bringing products to market more quickly, more smoothly, and more cost-effectively
than ever before.
What exactly is an NRTL?
Simply put, 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. Intertek is recognized as an NRTL in the United States
and, in a similar capacity, as a Testing Organization (TO) and Certifying
Body (CB) in Canada, and as a Notified Body in Europe.
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 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 United States 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). It is important to note that OSHA's recognition of an
NRTL is not a grant of government authority, but rather an acknowledgment
of the organization's ability to perform product safety testing and
certification within the scope of its OSHA recognition. For more
information about the NRTL program, readers are encouraged to visit the
OSHA Web site at www.osha.gov.
Aren't manufacturers required to use UL for their
compliance testing? Isn't this mandated by the standards themselves?
The simple answer to both questions is "no." In fact,
this misconception has misled many manufacturers to believe that they don't
have a choice in their third-party testing partner. To satisfy the prerequisite
of having your products tested by an independent organization, the true
legal requirement is that the laboratory which performs the testing is a
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) recognized by OSHA. Intertek
is recognized worldwide as a competent testing, inspection and certification
organization, and our ETL Listed Mark serves as proof of product compliance
with national standards. .
What does the ETL Listed Mark mean when displayed
on my product?
In short, the ETL Listed Mark indicates that your product has been tested
by Intertek, found in compliance with accepted national standards, and meets
the minimal requirements required for sale or distribution. To distributors,
retailers, and customers, the ETL Mark means they are purchasing a compliant
product - tested and certified by a third-party organization.
Will retailers accept my product if it bears the
ETL Listed Mark?
Since the ETL Listed Mark is an accepted and recognized demonstration of
product compliance, and Intertek is recognized as an NRTL, there is no reason
why retailers should not accept products bearing the ETL Listed Mark. Any
indication otherwise by an individual retailer or distributor likely stems
from misinformation in the marketplace - the same misinformation that has
led some manufacturers to believe they don't have a choice in their third-party
testing organization. Intertek has taken a leadership role in educating
the industry on the legal requirements behind regulatory compliance and
continues to make great strides in helping those manufacturers and retailers
who remain confused to better understand their true responsibilities to
the marketplace.
Which retailers carry products bearing the ETL
Listed Mark?
Many of the most popular and widely recognized retailers in the country
accept the ETL Listed Mark as an alternative to UL. These retailers
include - but are not limited to - the following:
- Amway Corporation
- Best Products Co., Inc.
- JC Penney
- Montgomery Ward
- SAM's Club
- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
- Service Merchandise
- ShopKo Stores, Inc.
- Target Stores
- F.W. Woolworth Co.
What countries accept the ETL Mark?
The ETL Mark is an accepted demonstration of product compliance in both
the United States and Canada. However, it is important to note that through
our scope of worldwide accreditations, Intertek is authorized to furnish
the product safety marks required for sale and distribution in other countries.
Such marks as the NOM Mark, CE Mark, GS Mark, and S (Semko) Mark, to name
a few.
Do local inspectors know the ETL Listed Mark?
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. Again, as Intertek is an NRTL recognized by OSHA, the
ETL Listed Mark is an accepted alternative to UL and, as such, inspectors
and AHJs are required by law to recognize, acknowledge, and accept the
mark as proof of product compliance.
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