Do Certifications Matter? Listed Products Matter

When purchasing electrical equipment, those who contact KH Industries often ask whether certifications matter. Buyers wonder whether certified electrical products are more effective or safer than those without certifications. While the simple answer is yes, it’s a bit more nuanced.

Electrical Certifications & Why They Matter

Certifications for electrical products generally assure buyers that these items are safe, meet regulatory requirements, and offer superior quality to customers. These certifications tend to be regional or country-specific, however. UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification, for example, is commonly used throughout North America, showing that an item has undergone rigorous testing to meet basic safety standards. The focus of each certification body varies slightly in its examination of electrical products, with many countries having their own specific certification requirements.

Here’s a more in-depth look at electrical certifications and the bodies that oversee them:

• UL (Underwriters Laboratories): This organization focuses on testing, inspecting, and certifying electrical devices and components, primarily in the United States and Canada, to ensure they meet safety requirements related to electric shock, fire, and mechanical vulnerabilities. “UL-listed” products refer to those products certified in whole, while “UL-recognized” products refer to products containing components certified by the body. OSHA, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and US insurance providers accept UL certification in the vast majority of instances.
• NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory): This certification ensures that accredited testing facilities assess electrical products before being used in US workplaces. It’s essentially a mandatory OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) designation for independent U.S. labs, such as ETL and UL, as well as international certifications like TÜV.
• IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): Though not a certifying body, the IEC sets globally-recognized standards used by independent testing labs like CSA, TÜV, and UL. The organization works to harmonize national standards for electrical and electronic technologies across countries.
• ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories): Primarily used for products manufactured in or imported to North America, Intertek oversees this certification, a recognized global quality assurance provider. ETL certification indicates products comply with industry-wide standards for energy efficiency, performance, and safety. Though a quicker and less expensive alternative, it is recognized as equivalent to UL certification by most governing authorities.
• CSA (Canadian Standards Association): Provided by the CSA Group, this certification concentrates primarily on environmental, performance, and safety testing for electrical products in Canada. Recognized by the SCC (Standards Council of Canada) and Canadian Standards Association, international and US standards also recognize its certification, with those meant for the United States marked as “CSA-US.”

These electrical certifications provide consumers with verification that products have been evaluated and tested to meet rigorous standards. Most of these are done by third-parties, certifying protection against equipment failure, fire, shock, and other electrical hazards, in turn reducing liability while increasing consumer confidence. Besides safety, certification is often required to access markets, indicating that a product meets certain specifications.  

Certified Electrical Products vs. Listed Electrical Products

The terms “certified” and “listed” are often used interchangeably when referencing electrical products, though they have distinct meanings. Generally speaking, a testing authority evaluates certified products to meet efficiency, performance, safety, and other standards. This typically involves inspection and testing, as well as continuous production audits to ensure compliance.

Listed electrical products have also been tested, though they appear on a formal list of products that meet certain safety standards. Often, listing a product follows certification. Certain jurisdictions commonly require listed products in legal documentation or building codes before they can be legally installed, for which markings like “UL Listed” or “ETL Listed” will appear on the product.

Benefits of certified or listed products include: 

• Saves time and money necessary to conduct in-house testing
• Overload protection
• Impact and water resistance
• Ground fault protection
• Greater customer satisfaction
• Enhanced reliability and safety

Essentially, certification refers to the process of approval, resulting in compliance with standards. The official publishing of a product on a list means that it can be officially approved for sale and installation. In short, certification means a product has been tested and approved, while listing means the product has been certified and formally documented as suitable.

Electrical Certifications & Standards

Standards are an integral part of the certification process, with certain standards, such as those established by the NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association), being developed by the industry itself. Regardless of from where they emanate, these standards dictate how electrical equipment and systems ought to be designed, installed, and maintained. These rules and guidelines form the basis of certification, defining expectations for how electrical work is performed. Certification is essentially a formal verification that certain standards have been met, as listing is the documentation of this process.

KH Industries: Certified & Listed Electrical Products 

At KH Industries, the majority of our products are either UL or ETL listed, with some products also certified and marked as “cULus,” indicating they’re certified under both UL standards for Canada and the United States. This dual American/Canadian certification applies to our LED Quad Lights, for example. Additionally, many of our industrial-grade power and lighting products adhere to safety and performance standards in challenging environments, as put forth by the NEC (National Electrical Code).

In addition to these certifications, listings, and standards, many of our products also adhere to NEMA’s industrial standards. Our adherence to these various certifications, listings, and standards shows KH Industries’ commitment to providing customers with safe, reliable, and functional electrical equipment for heavy-duty industrial and commercial applications. To learn more about our products and how they can benefit your application, contact the experts at KH Industries today.