Compliance of electrical and electronic products intended for the US market may require NRTL testing and certification. SGS Fimko supports manufacturers in Nordic region as part of SGS’s OSHA-recognized NRTL testing network.
When is NRTL testing needed?
NRTL testing is often relevant when an electrically powered product or a product containing electrical components is intended to be placed on the US market and used in a workplace environment. A testing laboratory approved under OSHA’s NRTL program assesses whether the product meets the applicable US product safety standards.
The following product groups, among others, may require approval if the product is intended for use in a workplace environment:
- Industrial electrical equipment
Control and automation equipment
Laboratory equipment
- Measurement and testing equipment
- Electrical systems of machinery
- IT and AV equipment in certain applications
- Luminaires and power supplies
- Medical and healthcare electrical equipment when relevant standards apply
The need always depends on the product’s intended use, design, installation environment and the standards applicable to the product. For this reason, NRTL requirements should be clarified early in the product development or market entry planning phase.
What does NRTL testing mean in practice?
In the NRTL process, the product is assessed from the perspective of both its technical implementation and the continuity of manufacturing. For example, an approved laboratory:
- Evaluates the standards applicable to the product
- Reviews the technical documentation and construction
- Tests product safety, including risks related to electric shock, fire, mechanical hazards, heating and insulation properties
- Assesses production quality control
- Grants approval if the requirements are met
- Continues to monitor the manufacture of certified products through follow-up inspections
When the product meets the requirements, certification can be granted and the NRTL certification mark can be applied to the product. The mark demonstrates to authorities, inspectors, customers and other market operators that the product has been assessed in accordance with the applicable US safety requirements.
Why is NRTL approval important?
Without appropriate NRTL approval, commissioning a product in the United States may become more difficult or market access may be delayed. Approval may be required, for example, by occupational safety authorities, local authorities or inspection bodies having jurisdiction, i.e. AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction), customers, retailers or procurement chains.
How can SGS Fimko help?
SGS Fimko provides expert support and testing services in Finland as part of OSHA’s recognized NRTL testing network. In OSHA’s listing, the NRTL recognition is held by SGS North America, Inc., and SGS Fimko in Helsinki is listed as one of the recognized testing sites.
SGS can support the manufacturer or importer throughout the NRTL process: clarifying requirements, identifying applicable standards, conducting preliminary assessments, product testing and construction reviews, and identifying any nonconformities before the actual certification process.
In addition, SGS supports the preparation of technical documentation, management of the certification process and follow-up requirements related to certification. The aim is to streamline the product’s access to the North American market and help demonstrate product safety reliably.
Would you like to find out whether your product needs NRTL approval?
Contact SGS Fimko’s experts and we will help identify the requirements applicable to your product and the right way forward for the US market.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
