UL vs ETL Certification: Equal Safety, Different Recognition in North America

Introduction

In North America, safety certification is a critical step for any electrical or EV-related product entering the market. Two marks—UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories)—frequently appear on product labels. Many consumers assume that one is safer than the other, but this is a misunderstanding. ETL and UL certifications are technically equivalent in safety assurance, both based on the same U.S. and Canadian standards. The real difference lies in brand familiarity and market recognition, not in the level of protection they provide.

1. Understanding UL and ETL Certifications

UL Certification comes from Underwriters Laboratories, a U.S. organization established in 1894. UL develops safety standards, conducts product testing, and certifies that devices meet national safety requirements for electrical, mechanical, and fire hazards.

ETL Certification, managed by Intertek, traces back to Thomas Edison’s Electrical Testing Laboratories (1896). ETL also tests products for compliance with UL, ANSI, CSA, and other recognized safety standards. Importantly, ETL does not invent new standards—it tests to the same standards used by UL.

In other words, a product that passes ETL testing has met the exact same safety criteria as one with a UL mark.

2. The Technical Equivalence of UL and ETL

While some may perceive UL as more “official,” this belief is historical rather than technical. Both UL and ETL are Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States.

This NRTL designation means:

• Both use identical testing methods and standards.

• Both perform factory inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.

• Both are legally accepted by all North American regulatory authorities.

3. Why Consumers Often Recognize UL More Easily

UL has been around longer and has invested heavily in public visibility. Many buyers, engineers, and retailers are familiar with the UL mark, making it a “household name.” ETL, although equally credible, is newer to the consumer market and sometimes misunderstood as “less official.”

However, major retailers, importers, and code authorities fully recognize ETL marks. In many cases, ETL certification even allows products to enter markets faster due to Intertek’s global laboratory network and streamlined testing processes.

4. Certification Process: Identical in Principles and Purpose

Both UL and ETL follow virtually the same procedure for granting certification:

1. Application & Document Review – Technical details and component lists are submitted.

2. Laboratory Testing – Electrical, mechanical, and thermal performance tests are conducted under UL/CSA/ANSI standards.

3. Factory Inspection – Production facilities are audited for consistency and quality control.

4. Approval & Marking – The certification mark (UL or ETL) is granted and listed in public databases.

5. Ongoing Compliance – Regular follow-up inspections ensure continued conformity.

5. Importance of Certification in EV and Electrical Products

For products like EV chargers, adapters, extension cords, and power connectors, certification is non-negotiable. These products handle high voltage and continuous current flow—any deviation from standards can pose fire or shock hazards.

UL and ETL certification ensures:

• Protection against overheating and overcurrent.

• Verified compliance with North American electrical codes.

• Eligibility for retail and online marketplace listings (Amazon, Home Depot, etc.).

• Confidence for consumers that the product has been independently verified for safety.

For brands like EVDANCE, carrying either UL or ETL certification proves a commitment to reliability and regulatory compliance—both marks equally guarantee product safety.

6. Market Recognition and Consumer Perception

While UL remains more recognized, ETL’s acceptance has surged in recent years due to globalization and streamlined approval processes. Most engineers and electrical inspectors now treat the two marks as interchangeable for compliance documentation.

Chart: Market Recognition of UL and ETL in North America

7. Common Misconceptions Debunked

8. Conclusion: Equal Safety, Different Logos

Both UL and ETL certifications represent the same level of safety, compliance, and consumer protection. The difference lies in branding, not in quality or reliability. For manufacturers, either mark ensures full acceptance in the North American market. For consumers, both mean peace of mind.

In the end, whether your EV charger, adapter, or power cord carries a UL mark or an ETL mark, you can be confident that it has met the same rigorous safety benchmarks set by recognized U.S. and Canadian standards.