You're setting up your booth on the morning of the show. Everything's going smoothly. Then a show official walks over, looks at your lights, and tells you they need to be unplugged because they're not certified.
It happens more than you'd think. And it's entirely avoidable.
Here's everything you need to know about ETL listing — and why it should be on your checklist before every show.
What Is ETL Listed?
ETL Listed is a product safety certification issued by Intertek, one of the major Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) in the United States. When a product is ETL Listed, it means Intertek has tested it and confirmed it meets the relevant North American safety standards.
For practical purposes, ETL Listed and UL Listed (issued by Underwriters Laboratories) are equivalent. Both are recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and accepted by electrical inspectors and trade show venues across the US and Canada.
Why Do Trade Show Venues Require It?
Simple: liability. Trade show venues are responsible for the safety of everyone on the floor. Uncertified electrical equipment is a potential fire hazard. If something goes wrong, the venue needs to be able to show that all electrical equipment met recognized safety standards.
Most major trade show venues — including convention centers in Las Vegas, Chicago, Orlando, and New York — explicitly require UL or ETL listed electrical equipment. Some venues have inspectors who walk the floor during setup specifically looking for non-compliant equipment.
What Happens If Your Lights Aren't Certified?
Best case: you're asked to unplug them and your booth goes dark on show day.
Worst case: you're asked to leave the floor entirely until the issue is resolved.
Neither is a situation you want to be in after spending thousands on booth fees, travel, and accommodation.
ETL vs UL: Is There a Difference?
For most practical purposes, no. Both certifications indicate that a product has been tested to the same North American safety standards. Most trade show venues accept both equally.
Some venues specify UL only — it's worth checking your specific venue's requirements in advance. But the vast majority accept either.
What About CE and UKCA?
CE marking is the European equivalent of ETL/UL. It's required for electrical products sold or used in the European Union. UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) is the UK equivalent, introduced after Brexit.
If you exhibit at trade shows in Europe or the UK, you need CE and UKCA certified lighting. If you exhibit in the US and Canada, you need UL or ETL. If you exhibit in both — which many international exhibitors do — you need all of the above.
All of our LED booth arm lights carry UL, ETL, CE, and UKCA certification. We made that decision deliberately because our customers exhibit all over the world and shouldn't have to think about this.
How to Check If a Light Is ETL or UL Listed
Look for the ETL or UL mark on the product itself — usually on a label on the body of the light or the power cord. You can also verify certification on the Intertek or UL databases online by searching the product's model number.
If a product listing doesn't mention ETL or UL certification, ask the seller directly. If they can't provide documentation, that's your answer.
Bottom Line
ETL Listed means a product has been independently tested and certified as safe for use in North America. For trade show booth lighting, it's not optional — it's a requirement at most venues.
Don't find this out the hard way on setup day. Check your lights before you pack them.