At Docking Drawer we're proud to be the market leader of in-drawer electrical outlets. Offering a full array of solutions, we are committed to charging and powering today's connected lifestyle with innovative solutions. Best of all, every outlet is electrically certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTLs). But we get a lot of questions about what that means. So today we're going to explain in plain English the difference between being ETL-listed or UL-listed.
Electrical Certifications in Plain English
ETL and UL are both Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) which are independent laboratories recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). They are both internationally accredited labs capable of testing to a variety of standards, including UL962a and CSA C22.2 (Canada). Intertek, our product testing company, uses the "ETL" symbol as their approval mark.
All Docking Drawer outlets are tested by Intertek, which is an independent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These labs test products to the specifications of product safety codes. In other words, products are tested for their intended use. If they can't pass these tests safely, they are not compliant.
But at Docking Drawer we're in compliance with accepted national standards (UL 962a and CSA C22.2 No. 21). And for our friends in Canada, our USB-ONLY outlet configurations are ETL Listed for use in the US and Canada. The Blade (1514-120) outlet with 4 USB-A ports, and the Blade Duo (1514-222) outlet with 8 USB-A ports, will stay energized and charge devices when the drawer is closed. Our Blade Series outlets with AC outlet configurations –when paired with our Safety Interlock Outlet with Blade Limit Switch– are ETL Listed for use in Canada. The Safety Interlock Outlet with Blade Limit Switch senses a drawer's position and de-energizes the outlet when the drawer begins to close, satisfying the requirement to de-energized AC outlets within cabinets in Canada. Ultimately, the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the final say on whether an installation meets the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code.
What's The Difference Between Listings?
As far as regulatory approval goes, there isn't a difference between ETL and UL listings. Inspectors treat them equally as they're both approved by the US Government as NRTLs.
That being said, UL has an additional classification of mark called UL Recognized. It's intended for components installed inside of finished and listed devices. UL intends for recognized components to be specified and installed by technical people in a factory environment. They are not intended to be used and installed in the field.
Find Out More.
At Docking Drawer, we believe in being transparent with our customers. That's why we make our certifications available for anyone to read. Find our ETL certification here.
Do you still have questions about our outlets? Contact us today.