Common certifications for power adapters
Power adapters, also known as adapters, power supply units, switching power supplies, etc., come in a wide variety of types, including home appliance power adapters, IT power adapters, and AV power adapters. Common certifications for power adapters primarily involve product safety, electromagnetic compatibility, environmental requirements, and other aspects. Below are some of the common power adapter certifications.
CE Certification
The CE marking represents the European Union's safety certification system, indicating that a product complies with a range of European directives covering safety, health, environmental protection, and consumer protection. CE certification involves testing for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low voltage directives (LVD). Typically, power adapter manufacturers affix the CE mark on the power label.
CCC Certification
China's Compulsory Product Certification system demonstrates that a power adapter meets nationally established safety standards, further validating its safety.
UL Certification
UL is a U.S. safety certification system. Depending on the type of service, UL marks are categorized into Listing, Classification, and Recognition. Power adapters fall under the Recognition category. UL certification is issued by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., an independent, nonprofit, professional organization that conducts tests for public safety.
GS Certification
GS is Germany's safety certification system, based on the German Product Safety Act (SGS). It is a voluntary certification and widely recognized as a German safety mark in the European market. A GS mark on a power adapter indicates that its safety has been tested by a credible independent agency. GS certification follows EU standards (EN) or German industrial standards (DIN). While not legally mandatory, safety awareness is deeply ingrained among consumers.
PSE Certification
PSE is Japan's mandatory safety certification, proving that electrical and electronic products meet the safety standards of the Japanese Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law or international IEC standards. According to Japan's DENTORL Law (Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law), 498 products must undergo safety certification to enter the Japanese market. Among these, 165 Category A products require the diamond-shaped PSE mark, while 333 Category B products require the circular PSE mark.
ETL Certification
ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories. Founded by American inventor Thomas Edison in 1896, ETL enjoys a high reputation in the U.S. and worldwide. Like UL and CSA, ETL can test and issue the ETL mark based on UL standards or U.S. national standards. It can also issue composite certification marks complying with both UL/U.S. standards and CSA/Canadian standards. Any electrical or electromechanical product can undergo EMC testing to verify performance. The ETL mark indicates that the product has been tested and meets relevant industry standards.
TUV Certification
TÜV Rheinland is one of Germany's largest product safety and quality certification agencies, as well as a government-recognized testing body. TUV certification is on par with FCC, CE, CSA, and UL certifications, holding significant authority and importance in the German market.
FCC Certification
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) certification is issued by an independent U.S. government agency directly accountable to Congress. Many radio application products, communication devices, and digital products require FCC approval to enter the U.S. market. The FCC establishes a series of quality and performance standards related to electromagnetic compatibility and the safety of operators using electronic equipment.
