ETL Certification: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
When you are choosing a paint booth, one thing you need to consider is ETL certification. Spray booths with this certification have been rigorously tested and verified to comply with certain safety codes. Some state and local regulations may require you to install an ETL-certified model. The ETL Mark can give you peace of mind that your paint booth meets the highest safety standards and won’t give you any issues with local authorities.
ETL Certification and OSHA
ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories, and it’s an organization that tests the safety of products and electronic components based on a set of rigid standards. While this company has been around for over 100 years (it was started by Thomas Edison), it now functions as a division of Intertek Testing Laboratories. Intertek ETL is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory acknowledged by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Paint Booth Compliance with Safety Codes
Intertek tests products based on North American safety standards and applies the ETL Mark to products and components that meet compliance requirements. One relevant safety code for paint booths is NFPA-33, which is the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for spray application using flammable or combustible materials. An ETL Mark on a paint booth indicates that Intertek finds it in compliance with NFPA-33 standards.
Another element of ETL testing for a paint booth covers the electrical control panel that operates the fans and lights. The relevant safety codes for a control panel are C 22.2 No. 14 and UL-508A. At Standard Tools and Equipment, we are an authorized ETL shop by Intertek for all the paint booth electric control panels we manufacture. We affix the ETL mark to these components prior to shipping them out to you.
Government Requirements and ETL-Listed Paint Booths
There are many advantages to purchasing an ETL-listed paint booth, and you may decide that you want these benefits in your shop. In some cases, however, you may not have a choice; certain state or federal laws may require you to get an ETL-listed booth. There may also be local ordinances or fire codes that necessitate you choosing ETL-listed equipment for your shop.
In general, you may need an ETL-listed paint booth if your shop is in a large city or a state with high safety standards (e.g. WA, CA, OR, MN, RI, CT, MA, and NY). Most government facilities require ETL-listed equipment. Before ordering a paint booth, it’s best to contact your local authorities for information on certification requirements.
Obtaining the ETL Mark for a Paint Booth
There are two ways to obtain an ETL mark for your paint booth: purchase an ETL-listed model or schedule an Intertek inspection and certification after you install an uncertified spray booth. Getting the ETL mark upon purchase can save you a significant amount of time and money.
Standard Tools and Equipment offers several ETL-listed models that include the following:
- An air valve solenoid that interlocks the spray equipment and the fan motor
- An electrical control panel that is ETL-listed
- An official ETL certification label on the booth
Having the ETL mark on your paint booth can show your clients, employees, and local authorities that you value safety and have taken the necessary precautions.
Selecting the Right ETL-Listed Paint Booth
Whether your local laws require you to get an ETL-listed booth or you simply want the confidence that comes with knowing your booth meets the standards, we can help you choose the right certified paint booth. We have a wide range of ETL-listed models, including semi-downdraft, cross-flow, and open-face booth options. You can also choose an ETL-listed booth that includes a heated air makeup unit for more control over the finishing process. When you order a booth from Standard Tools that has been certified, it is included in the listed booth’s price. Purchasing an ETL-listed booth is far more cost-efficient than requesting a certification inspection after installation should you need it. Our diverse selection of paint booths makes it easy to find the right model for your needs. For additional information on the ETL certification or assistance in choosing a paint booth, contact our team at 888-312-7488.
