Look at the data plate on a commercial fryer, refrigerator or oven and you will often find an ETL, UL or CSA mark. These marks tell inspectors the unit has been tested for electrical, gas or fire safety. This guide explains what each mark means, how they compare, and what to check before you buy.
Shop the equipment in this article: Commercial deep fryers, Commercial ranges and stoves and Commercial refrigerators. Freight is included on every order.
What These Marks Are for
In the United States, safety testing for equipment is done by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories, often called NRTLs. OSHA recognizes these labs. When a lab tests a product to a published safety standard and the product passes, the manufacturer may put that lab’s mark on it.
UL, ETL and CSA are three of the best-known testing organizations. Each one can test products to the same standards. The standard is what matters most, not which lab did the testing.
UL
UL is the oldest and most familiar name. It also writes many of the safety standards that other labs test to. A UL mark means UL tested the product to the applicable standard and continues to check the factory.
ETL
The ETL mark comes from Intertek. Intertek is a recognized testing lab that tests products to the same UL, ANSI and CSA standards. An ETL listed product has met the same safety standard as a UL listed product in that category. Many commercial kitchen brands use ETL because of testing timelines and cost, not because the bar is lower.
CSA
CSA Group started in Canada and is also recognized in the United States. A CSA mark with a small “US” next to it shows compliance with US standards. A “C” shows Canadian compliance. Marks that show both mean the product was tested for both markets. CSA is especially common on gas appliances.
How They Compare
For most restaurant buyers, ETL, UL and CSA marks are equivalent in practice when they reference the same standard and the correct country. Inspectors and insurers generally accept any NRTL listing. What they will not accept is no listing at all, or a mark that only applies to another country.
Safety Listing vs Sanitation Certification
Do not confuse these marks with NSF. ETL, UL and CSA cover electrical, gas and fire safety. NSF covers sanitation and food safety. Some marks, such as ETL Sanitation or UL EPH, are sanitation listings that serve a similar role to NSF. A single piece of equipment often carries both a safety listing and a sanitation listing.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Look at the spec sheet for the listing marks and the country they apply to.
- For gas equipment, confirm the unit is listed for the gas type you have, natural gas or propane.
- For electrical equipment, confirm voltage and phase match your building.
- If you are opening or remodeling, ask your local building or fire official which listings they require.
- Keep spec sheets with your permit paperwork.
If a product page does not show a listing mark, do not assume one. Ask or check the manufacturer spec sheet before ordering.
Where Listings Matter Most
Gas cooking equipment, refrigeration, electric ovens and anything plugged into a commercial circuit will be looked at during inspection. Gas appliances must usually be installed by a licensed gas fitter, and electrical work by a licensed electrician, following local codes.
Equipment to Review
When you shop, open the product page and spec sheet for each unit and look for the listing marks. These categories are good places to start.
Next Steps
Compare listed cooking equipment in our cooking equipment category and refrigeration in reach-in refrigerators. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.