ETL Refurbishment Certification Program

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they can describe different processes. Generally, reconditioned or refurbished equipment has been restored to a safe operating condition, while remanufactured equipment may undergo more extensive rebuilding or replacement of components. The ETL Refurbishment Program evaluates products based on the extent of the modifications and applicable safety requirements.

Generally, no. Products that are simply repaired using the same approved components and returned to the original owner generally do not require refurbishment certification. These products retain their original model and serial numbers and are not intended for resale. The ETL Refurbishment Program is intended for products that are refurbished or remanufactured before being returned to the marketplace.

Not always. Every product undergoes an engineering review to determine the impact of the refurbishment. Depending on the extent of the modifications, the evaluation may include testing, component assessments, documentation review, and verification of the refurbishment process to demonstrate continued compliance with applicable safety standards.

Products are evaluated to the current edition of the applicable product safety standard, including any relevant amendments or notices. Depending on the refurbishment, the evaluation may also include:

• Review of replacement or alternate components used during refurbishment
• Review of assembly and disassembly procedures
• Evaluation of instruction manuals
• Review of personnel training and qualifications
• Assessment of environmental conditions where refurbishment is performed

Yes. Refurbished products released through the ETL Refurbishment Program receive a new model designation and nameplate to distinguish them from the originally certified product. This helps identify the product as refurbished and maintains traceability throughout its lifecycle.

The program generally applies to products currently or previously ETL Listed, ETL Classified, or ETL Recognized (with authorization), as well as products transferred from another Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Eligibility also depends on the product's condition, refurbishment process, applicable safety requirements, and Intertek's certification criteria.

The ETL Refurbishment Program is intended for products that are refurbished before being placed back on the market and can support ongoing production or refurbishment activities. A Field Evaluation is typically performed on installed or one-of-a-kind equipment at its installation site to address approval by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

The ETL Refurbishment Program is designed for organizations that refurbish, recondition, or remanufacture electrical products before returning them to the marketplace. This includes original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), authorized refurbishment facilities, equipment rebuilders, distributors, remarketing organizations, and other companies authorized to refurbish products for resale. Product eligibility depends on the applicable safety standard, the extent of refurbishment, and Intertek's certification requirements.