Beginning in January 2009, Digitize is converting from UL to ETL (Equipment Testing Laboratory, also known as Intertek) certification. We anticipate that our products will have the ETL marking starting with January shipments. Digitize initiated this change with several important business factors in mind.
First, the true requirement for testing and certifying products for sale in the fire alarm industry is set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) which, in turn, designates an appropriate NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory). OSHA recognizes and designates ETL as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, just as it does UL. Therefore, both UL and ETL meet the basic requirements of prescribed product safety standards that apply to our industry.
Second, UL is located in Chicago and Intertek is located in New Jersey. Since Digitize is also located in New Jersey, it makes it much easier and economical to transport the necessary equipment to their facility, as well as make any needed modifications. Intertek’s geographic proximity to Digitize will continue to be a benefit moving forward.
Third, ETL is proving to be a more customer focused company and more flexible to work with, while still ensuring that all required testing be thoroughly completed and certified to the highest standards. We strongly believe that this customer friendly approach will also enable ETL to expand its presence and acceptance in this industry much faster.
Distributors and customers should be aware of the following:
- ETL has converted Digitize’s UL 8th edition listing to an ETL 8th edition listing, thereby making our new ETL listed products backward compatible with any UL units in the field. Therefore, during the transition period, our customers may receive product that has either a UL or ETL label.