Excerpt from MidniteSolar.
This guide is intended to clarify any questions regarding the use and acceptance of ETL
product certification versus UL certification on all of the MidNite Solar products.
What’s the difference between the UL, TUV, CSA and ETL listed Marks? All show that
the product has met the minimum requirements of widely accepted product safety
standards as determined through the independent testing of a Nationally Recognized
Testing Laboratory (NRTL). In addition to the listing, the product manufacturer has
agreed to periodic follow-up inspections to verify continued compliance.
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 the standards of other writing bodies. An NRTL’s
function is to provide an independent evaluation, testing and certification of any
electrically operated product.
Are manufacturers required to use UL for their compliance testing? No they are not.
Infact, this misconception has misled many to believe that they don’t have a choice in
third-party testing partners. The only major requirement is that the laboratory performing
the testing is an OSHA-recognized NRTL. The ETL,CSA and TUV Listed Marks serve
as an indicator of compliance with applicable product safety standards.
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.
The ETL Listed Mark is an accepted alternative to UL and, as such, inspectors and AHJs
recognize, acknowledge, and accept the mark as proof of product compliance.
“ETL” has been around over 100 years. In fact, the original Electrical Testing Labs
(ETL) was founded by Thomas Edison in 1896.