Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) test and certify electrical equipment and other products to minimum electrical safety standards. 

The Importance of Listed & Approved Certified Products

Certifications from groups like UL, CSA, and Intertek mean that the tested electrical products and equipment, when used as intended, are:

  • Compliant: electrical products and equipment with certification undergo independent testing to ensure they meet safety standards
  • Safety: certified electrical products and equipment are tested to confirm they are fre of recognized hazards that could cause fires, injuries, and deaths 
  • Validated: Electrical products and equipment with certifications have been validated by a third-party testing lab. Avoid purchasing electroncis without certifications, as they may be unsafe and not be designed to meet applicable industry standards.

Common Certification Markes on Electrical Products and Equipment

NRTL Safety Certification Marks

Common NRTL safety certifications. NRTLs are independent third parties that certified products for compliance with applicable safety requirements.

Government Compliance Marks

(FCC) U.S. Federal Communcations Commission (FCC) certification. Meets FCC standards for electromagnetic compatibility and interference limits.
(IC) Industry Canda certification. Meets Canada’s standards for electromagnetic compatibility and terference limits.
(CE) Product meeting European health, and environmental protection standards. May be self-declaired. May not meet U.S. safety standards.

Environmental Compliance Marks

(RoHS) E.U. Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Item complies with directive on the restriction of use of harmful substances.
(WEEE) Item must not be disposed of in the regular trash or recycling.
Item must be recycled appropriately. Visit batterynetwork.org, redwoodmaterials.org, or your state or local government website to find electronic recycling locations.