What is ETL Electrical Certification Test?

Introduction to ETL Certification  

ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories, founded by Thomas Edison in 1896. It is recognized as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States. After more than 100 years, the ETL mark is widely recognized and accepted by major North American retailers, enjoying a reputation comparable to UL. The North American market has the most advanced and comprehensive product testing standards, and the certification requirements are quite stringent. Any electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical product bearing the ETL mark indicates it has been tested and meets relevant industry standards.

ETL Certified Product Scope  

- Electronics, electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical products

ETL Certification Standards  

- Product | Safety Standard  

   Power Supply  

   - Information Technology ITE / Audio-Video AV Power Supply: UL 62368-1  

   - Lighting Power Supply: UL 8750  

   - Household Appliance Power Supply: UL 1310, UL 1012  

   - Medical Power Supply: UL 60601-1  

   - Industrial Power Supply (Electronic Transformer): UL 1310, UL 1012, UL 61010-1, UL 61010-2-201  

   End Products  

   - Information Technology ITE / Audio-Video AV Products: UL 62368-1  

   - Lighting Products: UL 153, UL 1598, UL 8750, UL 1786, UL 1573, UL 588, UL 2108, UL 924  

   - Household Products: UL 1007, UL 1005, UL 1028, UL 1083, UL 982, UL 1026  

   - Medical Products: UL 60601-1  

   - Industrial Products (Transformer): UL 1310, UL 1012, UL 506, UL 1561, UL 1562, UL 1585, UL 1876, UL 1411, UL 397, UL 697  

   - Power Tools: UL 60745-1  

   Batteries  

   - Consumer Batteries: UL 1642, UL 2054, UL 2056  

   - Power Batteries: UL 2271, UL 2580, UL 1973, UL 2743  

   Electric Vehicles  

   - Electric Bicycles and Personal Electric Vehicles: UL 2849, UL 2272  

ETL Certification Testing Items  

1. Input Testing  

2. Temperature Rise Testing  

3. Impact/Fall Testing  

4. Glow Wire/Needle Flame Test  

5. Ball Pressure Test  

6. LPS (Limited Power Source) Test  

7. Touch Current Test  

8. Ground Impedance Test  

9. Constant Temperature and Humidity Test  

10. Vibration Testing, etc.  

ETL Certification Required Documents  

1. CDF (Critical Component List)  

2. Schematic Diagram  

3. PCB Layout  

4. Labels/Nameplates  

5. Transformer Specifications, Inductor Specifications  

6. Model List/Difference Table  

7. Product User Manual or Installation Instructions, etc.  

ETL Certification Process  

1. Submit application form  

2. Send samples to the laboratory  

3. Laboratory tests the samples  

4. After testing, submit DS+Draft report to ITS for review  

5. Factory inspection (first-time applicants must undergo factory inspection)  

6. Upon approval, the agency issues the ETL certificate  

7. ETL Certification Timeline and Validity  

The typical ETL certification cycle is 3-4 weeks, with expedited service available for an additional fee.

Is a Factory Inspection Required for ETL Certification?  

For first-time applicants, a factory inspection must be completed before obtaining the ETL certificate to ensure product consistency and proper use of the ETL logo. Afterward, quarterly follow-up factory inspections are conducted, with additional costs for the factory inspection and quarterly certificate/license fees.