What is UL vs ETL vs CE? Which Certification Matters Most?

UL

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories known which is an independent third party testing company based in Chicago. UL independently evaluates components and products. If your component or product passes the UL testing it receives a UL Listing.

ETL

ETL stands for Intertek which is also an independent third party testing company based in Dallas Texas. ETL also independently evaluates components and products. If your component or product passes the ETL testing it receives a UL Listing.

UL and ETL have become the US standard for electrical products such as electrical wiring televisions, lights and LED Displays. Almost all electrical installation permits in the US require a UL or ETL certification.

CE

CE stands for Conformité Européenne and is a French testing standard primarily used in Europe. CE does not have any independent testing. Companies manufacture products with the CE listing simply self certify or proclaim their product meets CE standards. The company then simply downloads the CE listing from the Internet.

What does this mean? It means that a majority of the CE listings on products are false. Most US electrical permitting agencies do not recognize CE as a valid listing for meeting US electrical standards.

Many Asian and US resellers sell LED Displays with CE Listings that may be false CE Listings and are not recognized to meet US standards.

When you purchase an LCD through a distributor or retail they are all UL or ETL listed for US electrical standards. Would you purchase a large LED Video Wall with a false CE listing that does not meet US electrical standards and could be a safety hazard?

Which Certification Matters Most?

When purchasing your LED Digital Displays look for the UL or ETL listings to meet US electrical standards. Majority of the CE listings on products are false. CE listings are also not recognized to meet US standards.