Earning ETL certification for commercial kitchen equipment involves extensive testing and quality control measures. For manufacturers like those whose products are featured at Wilprep, navigating the ETL process is a key step in providing restaurants safe, high-performing appliances.
This article looks at what appliance makers undergo to achieve ETL safety and sanitation certifications.
Overview of ETL Testing
ETL certification involves having appliances evaluated by Intertek, an independent testing laboratory. Products are assessed based on UL safety guidelines and NSF sanitation protocols.
Testing validates:
- Electrical safety features and hazard avoidance
- Consistent heating temperatures and control
- Precise temperature maintenance for refrigeration
- Dryness and water resistance
- Structural durability
- Cleanability and food zone hygiene
Both design and functioning are rigorously analyzed. Appliances must meet requirements during hands-on evaluation.
Submitting Documentation to Intertek
To begin ETL testing, manufacturers submit applications to Intertek that include:
- Product descriptions and specifications
- Wiring diagrams, technical drawings and schematics
- List of components, materials and construction methods
- QA procedures, site inspection protocols, and other quality control documentation
This provides the background needed to assess ETL compliance.
On-Site Inspections by Intertek
Intertek inspectors then perform facility visits to audit manufacturing processes and quality assurance. They review:
- Incoming components from suppliers
- Equipment assembly and construction
- Safety feature integration
- Testing and calibration procedures
- Final quality control and packaging
This verifies consistent ETL compliant production.
Live Testing of Appliances
Products get shipped to Intertek labs where they undergo rigorous live testing based on UL and NSF standards, including:
- Temperature consistency and recovery under load
- Electrical consumption, insulation, and leakage current
- Combustion safety of gas appliances
- Motor/compressor performance and airflow
- Voltage fluctuations, ground continuity, and abnormal conditions
- Structure, hardware, and durability tests like impact, drop, and vibration
Repeated hands-on testing ensures reliable operation in commercial facilities.
Awarding ETL Certification
If appliances pass all evaluations, Intertek issues:
- ETL Sanitation Mark for foodservice sanitation compliance
- ETL Testing Mark for electrical and operational safety
These certifications must be renewed periodically, often annually, via retesting.
As a manufacturer committed to providing restaurants high-quality commercial appliances, Wilprep designs and engineers all equipment to meet stringent ETL certification standards.
Every appliance produced and sold under the Wilprep brand name undergoes thorough independent testing and inspection by Intertek to achieve ETL sanitation and electrical safety certifications.
You can be confident that any Wilprep equipment you purchase has qualified for this esteemed certification process. Wilprep ensures all of their commercial kitchen appliances meet the highest quality, safety and performance benchmarks.
