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How to Obtain US Certification for Power Products — A Complete Practical Guide
Edit: ANCI 2026-05-18 183
1 Confirm Applicable Standards and Certification Package
The first step in US certification is accurately identifying the applicable standards and certification combination for your product.
| Product Type | Certification Package | Main Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Power Adapter/Charger | UL + FCC + DOE + CEC | UL 62368-1 / FCC Part 15 / DOE |
| Built-in Switching Power | UL + FCC | UL 62368-1 / FCC Part 15 Class B |
| UPS | UL + FCC + DOE | UL 1778 / FCC Part 15 |
| LED Driver | UL + FCC + DOE + CEC | UL 8750 / FCC Part 15 |
Tip: Although UL certification is "voluntary," it is treated as a de facto mandatory requirement in the US market. It is recommended to prioritize UL certification, then simultaneously conduct FCC, DOE, and CEC certifications to shorten the overall timeline.
2 Prepare Technical Documentation
Technical documentation is the core of US certification and the primary material reviewed by UL, FCC, DOE, and other agencies. Documents must be authentic, complete, and traceable.
A. Product Technical Documentation
• Product user manual (with safety warnings, operating environment, energy efficiency info)
• Circuit schematic (Schematic Diagram)
• PCB layout (Layout)
• Bill of Materials (BOM) with key component certificates (UL, FCC, etc.)
• Product structure diagram and exploded view
• Product specification sheet (with input/output parameters, energy efficiency parameters)
B. Risk Assessment and Test Data
• Risk assessment report
• UL pre-test report (if applicable)
• FCC pre-test report (if applicable)
• DOE/CEC energy efficiency test report (if applicable)
C. Certification Application Forms
Complete certification application forms for UL, FCC, DOE, and other agencies. Prepare certification fee budget.
3 Select NRTL and TCB Agencies
UL certification must be conducted through an NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory). FCC Certification must be reviewed by a TCB (Telecommunication Certification Body).
Major NRTL Agencies
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) — Most authoritative NRTL, highest certificate recognition, but higher cost and longer timeline
TÜV SÜD / TÜV Rheinland — Internationally recognized NRTL with well-established service network in China
SGS / Intertek (ETL) — Globally recognized NRTL, ETL mark has high recognition in the US market
CQC / CVC — Chinese local NRTLs, lower cost, suitable for budget-limited enterprises
Major TCB Agencies
ACA TCB — US-based TCB, high review efficiency
TÜV SÜD TCB — International TCB, suitable for enterprises handling UL+FCC simultaneously
SGS TCB — Global TCB, stable review timeline
It is recommended to select the same agency for both UL and FCC to shorten the overall timeline and reduce communication costs.
4 Submit Samples for Testing and Remediation
Send samples to a laboratory (can be a Chinese CNAS/CMA laboratory; test reports are accepted by US agencies through ILAC mutual recognition).
Sample Quantity Reference (UL 62368-1)
• Typically 3–5 finished units
• Key components must have UL certification (fuses, X/Y capacitors, transformers, etc.)
Testing Timeline
• UL testing: 4–6 weeks (may extend to 8–10 weeks with remediation)
• FCC testing: 1–2 weeks
• DOE/CEC efficiency testing: 1–2 weeks
• UL+FCC+DOE parallel testing: ~6–10 weeks total
If Tests Fail
Remediation is required (typically insulation design improvement, EMI filter optimization, grounding adjustment, component replacement). Modified samples must be re-submitted for testing.
5 Obtain Certification and Use Certification Marks
After testing passes, the NRTL and TCB agencies will issue certification certificates. Enterprises must use certification marks according to regulations.
UL Certification Mark Usage
After passing UL certification, the product can bear the UL mark or ETL mark (depending on the NRTL agency). The mark must be clear and durable.
FCC Certification Mark Usage
After passing FCC Certification, the product, packaging, and manual must bear the FCC ID (for Certification) or FCC SDoC statement (for SDoC).
DOE/CEC Mark Usage
After passing DOE/CEC certification, energy efficiency labels must be affixed to product packaging, and test data must be uploaded to the CCMS database.
Note: UL certification requires annual factory follow-up services (FUS) to ensure continued compliance. Failure to pass annual review will result in suspension or revocation of the UL certificate.
Common Questions
Q: How long does US certification take, and what is the typical cost?
UL+FCC+DOE parallel testing typically completes in 6–10 weeks. Cost varies by product type, test scope, and agency selection. Request a quote from an accredited lab.
Q: Does UL certification require factory inspection?
Yes. UL certification requires annual factory follow-up services (FUS) to ensure the product continues to comply with UL standards. Review content includes: key component consistency check, production line test records, mark usage compliance, etc.
Q: Can multiple models be covered under one UL certification?
Yes. If multiple models share the same electrical design, key components, internal structure, and enclosure material, series model coverage can be applied for. A representative model is selected for testing, significantly reducing certification cost and time.
This article is generated with AI assistance. Content is for reference only and does not constitute any certification commitment or legal advice.
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