When it comes to purchasing electrical and plumbing components, it is essential to consider approved certifications in North America, such as in Canada and the United States. These certifications ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
Here is a concise list of authorized certifications in North America (Canada and USA):
For electrical components:
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
- ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories)
- NEC (National Electrical Code)
For plumbing components:
- UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code)
- ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
- NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)
In Canada, here is a brief list of other accepted certifications:
For electrical components:
- CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
- CEC (Canadian Electrical Code)
For plumbing components:
- CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
- UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code)
This is just to name a few, as there are others. Here, we are sharing the most well-known ones.
These certifications serve multiple purposes. Here's why:
The ETL certification (Edison Testing Laboratories - an independent private organization in the field of measurements) indicates "...that the product has been tested by an accredited third-party laboratory in accordance with applicable product standards and minimum safety requirements, allowing it to be sold and distributed in the North American territory."
The UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) and cUPC (Canadian Uniform Plumbing Code) certifications "...ensure the safety and sanitation of plumbing products."
The CSA certification is the Canadian Standards Association, offering testing, inspection, and certification services to manufacturers, allowing them to prove that their products meet performance standards concerning safety, environment, and operation for global markets.
If electrical and plumbing components lack these certifications, they might cause collateral damage such as fires, electric shocks, water damage, and floods. In short, without these accreditations, there is a risk to your safety and environment.
Moreover, the absence of these certifications can lead to legal sanctions, fines, or bans on selling to you and your supplier. Insurers can make it so you lose your warranty rights or even compensation in case of problems.
In conclusion, it is crucial to ensure that these certifications are present on the components you purchase as they guarantee safety, regulatory compliance, and the resale value of goods and products. These are the primary reasons why Lanvain ensures to sell certified products that adhere to the established standards in North America.