Introduction to American ETL Certification
ETL is a North American safety certification symbol. Its history can be traced back to the electrical testing laboratory founded by Thomas Edison in 1896 and has wide popularity and recognition in North America. The ETL logo is the exclusive symbol of Intertek Tianxiang Group, the world's leading quality and safety agency. The product representatives who receive the ETL logo meet North American mandatory standards and can smoothly enter the North American market for sales.
Any electrical, mechanical or electromechanical product with an ETL inspection Mark indicates that it has been tested to meet relevant industry standards. Each industry has different test standards, so it is important to consult professionals for specific product requirements. ETL inspection marks are widely used in cable products, indicating that relevant tests have been passed.
In most parts of the United States, the approval of electrical products is mandatory. ETL refers to ETL Test Laboratories Inc.. ETL's listed products are recognized by the "Judicial Authority" and can be considered "approved."
ETL authentication logo

ETL Certification Factory Inspection
ETL needs to conduct factory inspections before issuing, and will also conduct occasional follow-up factory inspections every quarter. In addition to factory inspection fees, the fee must be paid quarterly for certificate license fees.
If necessary, inspectors can witness the re-testing or sampling of the product after testing in the laboratory.
The licensee must enter into a statutory contract(service agreement) with the ETL, which clearly defines the manufacturer's responsibilities and the conditions for the use of the continuous ETL listing and the ETL logo.
ETL Certification Application Document
There are two ways to obtain ETL certificates until 2013. One is to pass the CB test report, or you can apply directly. The required documents are as follows:
1. Application forms;
2. Copy of CB Test Certificate(direct application is not required);
3. Copy of test report for CB(direct application is not required);
4. Samples;
5. Other relevant test results and product data, such as: product manuals, photos, component lists, etc..
(If you pass the CB report, you need to conduct a difference test)
ETL Certification Test Project
(1) Leakage current test: The template used for leakage current test did not perform other tests before testing
Normal temperature rise: Test method: thermocouple: Standard requires 24-30 AWG thermocouple,(currently 30 AWG used in the laboratory)
3) After the tidal state leakage current test: General test conditions: T = 32 + / -2 °C, RH = 88 ± 2 %. Duration: after 48 hours, remove the leakage current test conditions T = 20 ~ 30 °C, RH = 93 + / -3 %
4) Pressure Test: Products required for general unparalleled insulation and grounding products: 1000 V/1 minute(equipment target voltage climb time set to 5 seconds, set cut-off current to 8.3 mA, and then maintain 1 minute at Target voltage)
Differences between ETL and UL-certified
Both UL and ETL represent products that have passed the tests of the National Recognized Test Laboratory(NRTL) and meet the corresponding safety standards. So the real difference is service. As an ETL customer, you can enjoy tailor-made testing, testing, and certification services, fast operating cycles, and flexible working methods. We are creating ways to work more closely with customers so that your products can enter the market faster, smoother and more efficiently.
ETL certification and UM certification have the same North American market access effectiveness, but ETL certification costs much less than UL certification, generally only half of UL-certified, and ETL certified product testing can pass the CB test report. It can save you a lot of testing costs.
ETL certification time is also much shorter than UL certification. In special cases, ETL can issue certificates first and then carry out factory reviews to save you valuable time for the export of your products.