Introduction to ETL Certification in USA
ETL is a safety certification mark in North America. Its history can be traced back to the electrical testing laboratory founded by Thomas Edison in 1896. ETL has a wide reputation and recognition in North America. ETL logo is the exclusive logo of Intertek Tianxiang Group, the world's leading quality and safety organization. The product representatives who have obtained ETL logo meet the mandatory standards of North America and can successfully enter the North American market for sale.
Any electrical, mechanical or electromechanical product with ETL inspection marks indicates that it has been tested to meet the relevant industry standards. Each industry has different testing standards, so the requirements for specific products must be consulted with professional staff. The wide application of ETL inspection marks in cable products shows that they have passed the relevant tests.
In most parts of the United States, approval of electrical products is mandatory. ETL refers to ETL Testing Laboratories Inc. ETL's listed products are recognized by the "Authorities Having Jurisdiction" and can be considered "approved".
ETL Authentication Identification
ETL Certification Factory Inspection
ETL needs to inspect the factory before issuing the certificate, and then follow up the factory inspection from time to time every quarter. Besides the factory inspection fee, ETL also needs to pay the certificate licence fee on a quarterly basis.
If necessary, the inspector may witness the re-test of the product or test it in the laboratory after sampling.
The licensee must sign a statutory contract (service agreement) with ETL, which clearly defines the manufacturer's responsibility and the conditions for the continuous listing of ETL and the use of ETL logo.
ETL Certification Application Document
Until 2013, there are two ways to obtain ETL certificate. One is to transfer the ETL certificate through CB test report or to apply directly. The required documents are as follows:
1. Application forms;
2. Copy of CB test certificate (no need for direct application);
3. Copy of CB test report (no need for direct application);
4. Samples;
5. Other relevant test results and product data, such as product manuals, photos, component lists, etc.
(Differentiation testing is required if CB reports are passed)
ETL Certification Test Project
1) Leakage current test: The sample used for leakage current test has not been tested before the test.
2) Normal Temperature Rise: Test Method: Thermoelectric Coupler: The standard requires 24-30AWG thermoelectric coupler (30AWG currently used in the laboratory)
3) Leakage current test after tidal state: General test conditions: T= 32+/-2 degree C, RH= 88 +2%. Duration: 48 hours after completion, take out the test conditions for leakage current test T=20-30 degree C, RH=93+/-3%.
4) Voltage withstanding test: general products without double insulation and grounding requirements: 1000 V/1 minute (equipment target voltage climbing time is set to 5 seconds, set cut-off current to 8.3 mA, and then maintain for 1 minute under target voltage)
The Difference between ETL Authentication and UL Authentication
UL and ETL represent products that have passed the National Accredited Test Laboratory (NRTL) test and meet the corresponding safety standards. So the real difference is service. As a customer of ETL, you can enjoy customized testing, inspection and certification services, fast operation cycle and flexible working methods. We are creating a closer working style with our customers so that your products can enter the market faster, smoother and more efficiently.
ETL certification and UL certification have the same North American market access effect, but the cost of ETL certification is much lower than UL certification, generally only half of UL certification. Moreover, the product testing of ETL certification can be transferred through CB test report, which can save you a lot of testing costs.
ETL certification time is much shorter than UL certification. In special cases, ETL can issue a certificate first, then conduct factory review, to save valuable time for your product export.
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