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Electrical Compliance Essentials: What to Be Aware Of
At Docking Drawer, we’re proud to be the industry’s top provider of in-drawer electrical outlets. Our comprehensive lineup is designed to power and charge devices for today’s connected homes, all while delivering innovative solutions. Every Docking Drawer outlet is certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), but we know there’s often confusion about what that really means. Here, we’ll break down the distinctions between ETL Listed, UL Listed, and UL Recognized certifications in straightforward terms.
Three Certification Types: ETL Listed, UL Listed, and UL Recognized
| ETL Listed | UL Listed | Recognized | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification | Listed (This is the electrical listing mark Docking Drawer uses) | Listed | Listed |
| Country | US & Canada | US & Canada | US & Canada |
| Definition | The product meets industry and safety requirements, having passed rigorous testing for fire, electrical shock, and mechanical risks. ETL or UL Listed status is more restrictive and challenging to achieve than UL Recognized, so products used in less critical environments may not require this level of certification, making it less common in those cases. | The product meets industry and safety requirements, having passed UL’s comprehensive testing for foreseeable safety hazards, including fire, electrical shock, and mechanical risks. Like ETL, UL Listed status is more stringent and harder to obtain than UL Recognized, making it less common for products not used in harsh conditions. | “UL Recognized” is a designation most often given to components that comply with relevant industry standards. In some cases, these parts may not be fully finished products or may have certain limitations in how they can perform. Such components are “Recognized” for use in manufacturing, where their specific use conditions are understood by the manufacturer and can be reviewed by UL as part of the overall equipment evaluation.Choosing UL Recognized components can streamline the process for a product to obtain and maintain UL Recognized status, simplifying compliance for manufacturers. |
| Responsibility | MANUFACTURER assumes responsibility for the intended use of in-drawer outlets. | MANUFACTURER assumes responsibility for the intended use of in-drawer outlets. | When using Recognized solutions, it is the SPECIFIER and INSTALLER who take on full responsibility for how in-drawer outlets are applied. Be sure you understand the risks involved with your installation choices |
In summary, “ETL Listed” and “UL Listed” apply to finished products ready for installation and are more difficult and costly to obtain than “UL Recognized.” “UL Recognized” is typically for components and is less expensive and easier to achieve, helping the final product meet UL Listing requirements
Electrical Certifications in Everyday Language
What is an NRTL?
A Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) is a private organization recognized by OSHA to test and certify products to consensus-based safety standards. Examples include Intertek (ETL), TUV, and UL—all globally accredited labs capable of testing to standards such as UL962a and CSA C22.2
All Docking Drawer outlets sold in the US are ETL Listed to UL 962a. Select Blade Series and Style Drawer Blade outlets are also ETL Listed to CSA 22.2 for Canadian use. Every Docking Drawer outlet is tested by Intertek, an independent NRTL, to ensure compliance with product safety codes. If a product cannot pass these tests, it is not compliant.
Docking Drawer outlets meet national standards (UL 962a and CSA C22.2 No. 21). For Canadian installations, the 15 and 20 amp Blade Series can be paired with an Interlock Outlet that shuts off power when the drawer closes, meeting Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) requirements for de-energizing outlets inside drawers.
ETL vs. TUV vs. UL Listings
From a regulatory perspective, there’s no difference between ETL, TUV, and UL listings—inspectors treat all NRTL marks equally. However, the UL Recognized mark is for components intended for factory installation by trained personnel, not for field installation. If a Recognized component is installed in the field, only a UL Field Evaluation can confirm compliance, and the responsibility falls on the installer.
Although the testing bodies differ, the NRTL designation ensures all are equally valid for inspection and code approval. What matters most is that the product carries a valid certification mark from any NRTL, not which lab issued it.
North American Electrical Certifications
United States
Docking Drawer outlets are ETL Listed to UL 962a, ensuring they are legal for use and will pass inspections.
Canada
Blade in-drawer outlets with USB only are approved for use in Canada and can charge devices while the drawer is closed. All other Blade configurations require the Safety Interlock Outlet. All Blade Series outlets are listed to UL 962a and CSA 22.2 #21, and the Safety Interlock Outlet with Blade Limit Switch is listed to UL 498 and CSA 22.2 #42. The final decision on compliance lies with the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Blade Series outlets are ETL Listed for use in Canada when installed with the Safety Interlock Outlet, which de-energizes the outlet as the drawer closes.
ETL Labeling Information for Docking Drawer Blade Duo and Blade Outlets
Every part used in the Blade and Blade Duo outlets is engineered to support 20 amps or more—including all wiring, thermostats, connectors, ground wires, power cords, and plugs. The internal wiring for the 1514 Series uses 14 AWG, while the 2012 Blade Series features 12 AWG wiring. All safety certification testing is conducted at 20A.
Both the 1514 Series and 2012 Series Blade Duo and Blade outlets are Intertek certified as Furniture Power Delivery Units (FPDU).
According to the NEC (USA), 15 amp and 20 amp FPDUs must be labeled for a maximum of 12 amps for 15 amp units and 16 amps for 20 amp units in the United States.
For the CEC (Canada), FPDUs may be labeled at 15 or 20 amps, but Docking Drawer uses a standardized approach—labeling 15 amp outlets at 12 amps and 20 amp outlets at 16 amps, even for Canadian installations.
Therefore, all Docking Drawer Blade Duo and Blade outlets display a maximum output rating of 12A/1440W or 16A/1440W, despite the fact that every component meets or exceeds 20 amp standards.
Here’s an example of a 20 amp outlet label –
