What certifications does Proline Range Hoods have?
At Proline Range Hoods, we are Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) certified. ETL is one of several different types of certifications for electrical products that ensure their safety for all users.
Not only is Proline ETL certified, but we inspect and test each range hood before they ship to each and every customer.
Most range hood companies are just distributors, but Proline is unique in that we are the manufacturer of our hoods. We distribute them directly to our customers cutting out layers of distributors and retailers.
This allows us to offer a superior product at a superior price. We can cut down on the wear and tear your hood endures as it travels from warehouse to warehouse prior to arriving at your door. You’ll receive a professional-quality product that’s built to last.
We ultimately want to ensure that you are satisfied with your product and that it works efficiently in your kitchen.
That being said, without safety certifications, you can imagine that there would certainly be a lot more lawsuits! After all, you don’t want your appliances breaking spontaneously, producing harmful contaminants, or even worse, catching fire.
These certifications are what can give you some peace of mind, knowing the product your using has been thoroughly inspected and tested.
This is not an exhaustive list, but we discuss some of the most popular certifications.
Acronyms
- ETL - Edison Testing Laboratories
- UL - Underwriters Laboratories
- CSA - Canadian Standards Association
- HVI - Home Ventilating Institute
- OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- NRTL - Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
- AHJ - Authorities Having Jurisdiction
What is ETL certified?
ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories. It’s also sometimes called Edison Testing Laboratories, after Thomas Edison. As an inventor of lightbulbs, he came up with a way to test them for safety and founded the Lamp Testing Bureau. The Lamp Testing Bureau eventually became the ETL.
ETL certified products undergo an extensive testing process that includes submitting product descriptions, specifications, photos, products for testing, and much more.
ETL is a branch of Intertek Laboratories, which performs quality control and testing of electrical products in several industries: electronic, food, and medical among others.
These testing laboratories are approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. OSHA was created following the ratification of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
Their mission is “to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.”
OSHA runs a program called the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory program. They approve labs to test products. Then, these labs consult their Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) who approve and grant the ETL certification.
ETL vs. UL Certification
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) also has its own product safety certification. One common question we hear in the office is: what is the difference between ETL and UL certification?
The only difference between ETL and UL is the NRTL, or testing laboratory.
Intertek Labs tests products for ETL certification, while Underwriters Laboratories approves products for UL certification.
Other Product Safety Certifications
CSA
CSA stands for the Canadian Standards Association. Based in Canada, this organization tests Canadian products. But, the CSA certification is not exclusive to Canada. They also test products for use in America.
HVI
The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) is an organization that exclusively tests home and kitchen ventilation systems. For an overview of which products they test, click here.
Some Common Questions We’re Asked about ETL Certification and Others
Do you sell Type 1 or Type 2 range hoods?
Both Type 1 and Type 2 hoods are commercial hoods. At Proline, we specialize in residential range hoods. If you’re looking for a commercial range hood, we recommend Eastbay Restaurant Supply or Rochester Restaurant Supply.
Type 1 hoods are meant to capture the volume of heavy grease, dirt, and smoke from cooktops used in commercial establishments, while Type 2 hoods are meant to vent steam from the cooking area.
Do your range hoods abide by California’s Proposition 65?
California’s Proposition 65 requires that businesses in California provide warnings if they use products that can cause cancer or birth defects. Our range hoods follow California’s Proposition 65.
Summary
Well, that was a lot of information packed into one article! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, no worries. If you take away one thing from the article, remember this:
ETL certified tells you that a product has been thoroughly tested before distribution. Beyond ETL, there are several other types of certification, but they are all made to ensure safe use.
Here at Proline, we’re proud to be ETL certified. We put the customer first and strive to ensure you are 100% satisfied with our product. If you have any questions, please call (877) 901-5530.