Lighting Certifications Explained: What They Mean for Commercial & Industrial Projects
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Learn More →Understanding Lighting Certifications, Ratings, and Hazardous Location Standards
Understanding Lighting Certifications, Ratings, and Hazardous Location Standards
When reviewing electrical or lighting products, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by acronyms like UL, ETL, CSA, NEMA, IP, IK, IECEx, ATEX, UL 844, and ABS. While they often appear together, they fall into three distinct categories:
- Testing labs (who certifies safety)
- Performance ratings (how a product performs)
- Specialized standards and classification systems (where the product can be used)
1. Testing Labs (Who Tests and Certifies Products)
Organizations like UL Solutions, Intertek, and CSA Group are testing and certification bodies known as NRTLs (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories), approved by OSHA.
UL Solutions
- Tests and certifies products to UL standards
- Issues the UL Listed mark
Intertek (ETL Mark)
- Intertek is the company; ETL is the certification mark
- Tests to the same standards as UL
CSA Group
- Canadian-based certification body
- Used for Canadian market compliance
What these labs do
They test for:
- Electrical safety
- Fire and thermal protection
- Mechanical durability
- Environmental resistance
- Safe failure under fault conditions
What they do not do
They do not create or assign:
- NEMA ratings
- IP ratings
- IK ratings
2. Performance Ratings (How a Product Performs)
Performance ratings describe environmental and physical protection. These are standards, not certifications.
NEMA Ratings
- Defined by NEMA
- Example: NEMA 4X
- Describes enclosure protection
IP Ratings
- Defined under IEC 60529
- Example: IP66
- Protection against solids and water
IK Ratings
- Defined under IEC 62262
- Example: IK10
- Measures impact resistance
Key takeaway
- NEMA, IP, IK = performance ratings
- UL, ETL, CSA = safety certifications
3. Specialized Standards and Classification Systems
These define where a product can be used, especially in hazardous or regulated environments.
UL 844
U.S. standard for hazardous location luminaires.
- Designed to prevent ignition in explosive atmospheres
- Evaluates temperature limits and enclosure integrity
IECEx
Global certification system for explosive atmospheres.
- Covers gas, vapor, and dust environments
- Recognized internationally
IECEx is a certification system, not a testing lab. Testing is performed by approved certification bodies within the IECEx framework.
ATEX
European directive for explosive atmospheres.
- Required for products sold in the EU
- Covers gas and dust environments
ATEX is a regulatory standard, not a testing lab. Certification is handled by notified bodies.
ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)
ABS is a classification society for marine and offshore equipment.
- Develops rules for marine safety and durability
- Evaluates products for use on ships and offshore applications
- Provides Type Approval, not a rating
ABS approval means the product meets marine classification requirements, often supported by testing to other standards.
Final Summary
There are three key layers:
Testing Labs
UL, ETL, CSA
Verify safety and certify products
Performance Ratings
NEMA, IP, IK
Describe durability and protection
Specialized Standards and Systems
UL 844, IECEx, ATEX, ABS
Define requirements for hazardous or regulated environments
About The Author
Dwayne Kula - Founder, President & Chief Technology Officer, LED Lighting Supply
Dwayne Kula is the Founder, President, and Chief Technology Officer of LED Lighting Supply, a company he established in 2008 to help businesses adopt reliable, high-performance LED lighting solutions. With more than 17 years of experience working with LED technology and lighting systems, Dwayne has developed extensive expertise in LED fixtures, energy-efficient lighting design, and commercial and industrial lighting applications.
In his role, Dwayne evaluates lighting technologies, guides product selection, and leads the development of technical and educational content for the LED Lighting Supply website. A significant part of his work involves creating articles and resources that help facility managers, contractors, and engineers better understand LED lighting and make informed purchasing decisions. His hands-on industry experience and technical knowledge help ensure customers receive practical, trustworthy guidance when selecting LED lighting solutions.
