Post by Electrical Code Academy Staff on May 25, 2016 12:24:15 GMT -6
Greetings Folks,
The short answer to the question, "Are all NRTL's created equal" is YES, in the eyes of OSHA "UL" is no different than "ETL/Intertek" in terms of 3rd (third) party testing.
It has always been assumed that because the ANSI/UL Standards are UL derived that UL also had to be the one to do the compliance testings of products that have been designed and constructed in accordance with the product standard. Fact is, the two are very different and in many cases misunderstood. I have no doubt UL likes it that was also but thats for a totally different story or opinion.
It is indeed a fact that the industry leader in 3rd party testing is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) but they are honestly no different than ETL/Intertek when it comes to testing a product to ensure it meets the applicable standards of it's design. In Fact, don't take my word for it,here is what OSHA says on the subject.
OHSA and NRTL Program
Now many people say this " If I do not see the UL mark on the product I am not accepting it"...well good luck in court winning that one when a major company takes the local AHJ to court. The fact is all NRTL's that are listed by OSHA have the same standings. They simply have to denote the actual tests that they are accredited in doing. For example, in the wire and cable industry the use of UL is wide spread for the following ANSI/UL Standards : UL-44, UL-83, UL-719, UL-1277, UL-1569, UL-854, UL- 62 and so on. However, it does not matter which National Recognized Testing Laboratory you use if the products themselves are going to be testing in accordance with their applicable standard.
So as an Inspector, you should accept ANY NRTL that places a "listed" mark on a product as long as they test that product to the applicable standard. UL or ETL, if it Thermoplastic Wire (UL-83) then both UL and ETL would test it the EXACT SAME WAY!
The misconception is that since the product is designed under an ANSI/UL Standard that UL has to be the one to test it.........this is BLATANTLY FALSE !!!!!
Now you know.....Stop listening to the propaganda and understand the facts.....constructing a product to a specific standard is different than testing to that standard...two different beasts.
Here is the CURRENT LIST of NRTL's and notice that UL is simply listed along side ETL and others. Once you click on the MORE tab and then click "Recognized Testing Standards" you can see all the testing that they can perform.
Current NRTL List
The short answer to the question, "Are all NRTL's created equal" is YES, in the eyes of OSHA "UL" is no different than "ETL/Intertek" in terms of 3rd (third) party testing.
It has always been assumed that because the ANSI/UL Standards are UL derived that UL also had to be the one to do the compliance testings of products that have been designed and constructed in accordance with the product standard. Fact is, the two are very different and in many cases misunderstood. I have no doubt UL likes it that was also but thats for a totally different story or opinion.
It is indeed a fact that the industry leader in 3rd party testing is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) but they are honestly no different than ETL/Intertek when it comes to testing a product to ensure it meets the applicable standards of it's design. In Fact, don't take my word for it,here is what OSHA says on the subject.
OHSA and NRTL Program
Now many people say this " If I do not see the UL mark on the product I am not accepting it"...well good luck in court winning that one when a major company takes the local AHJ to court. The fact is all NRTL's that are listed by OSHA have the same standings. They simply have to denote the actual tests that they are accredited in doing. For example, in the wire and cable industry the use of UL is wide spread for the following ANSI/UL Standards : UL-44, UL-83, UL-719, UL-1277, UL-1569, UL-854, UL- 62 and so on. However, it does not matter which National Recognized Testing Laboratory you use if the products themselves are going to be testing in accordance with their applicable standard.
So as an Inspector, you should accept ANY NRTL that places a "listed" mark on a product as long as they test that product to the applicable standard. UL or ETL, if it Thermoplastic Wire (UL-83) then both UL and ETL would test it the EXACT SAME WAY!
The misconception is that since the product is designed under an ANSI/UL Standard that UL has to be the one to test it.........this is BLATANTLY FALSE !!!!!
Now you know.....Stop listening to the propaganda and understand the facts.....constructing a product to a specific standard is different than testing to that standard...two different beasts.
Here is the CURRENT LIST of NRTL's and notice that UL is simply listed along side ETL and others. Once you click on the MORE tab and then click "Recognized Testing Standards" you can see all the testing that they can perform.
Current NRTL List