Certification of Electrical Products - Why It Matters

Electrical home products are marvelous things that have brought efficiency and comfort to all aspects of our lives. But when the manufacturing is shoddy or if electricity escapes its conduit, they can be incredibly destructive, causing fire, injuries and even death.

That's why it's important to choose ceiling fans and lights that have been tested and certified by an accredited certification body.

In Canada, certification is required by law for all electrical products, and the three most commonly used certification bodies in the Canadian electrical market are CSA Group, UL Solutions of Canada and Intertek Canada.

Each organization issues an official seal in a range of variations for specific applications. Below are images of the seals typically found on products sold at the Fan Shoppe.

These marks are accepted by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). Their presence indicates that the products have been assessed and conform to the required Canadian national safety standard.

How to check if a product is certified

Before purchasing electrical products for your home or business, always check for a Canadian-approved product certification seal. Look for the seal affixed to or printed directly on the product in the form of a marking or label. It may also be printed on the package.

Beware of uncertified electrical products

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers and importers play by the rules. Despite the existence of government regulations, studies have shown that a growing number of uncertified electrical products are being sold in Canada, primarily through the websites of U.S. retailers and online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.

In the case of the online marketplaces, the products sold frequently are not only uncertified  — they're also counterfeits or knockoffs of recognized brands, making them more challenging to identify.

The sale of counterfeit goods is a global problem — not to mention highly lucrative for the counterfeiters — so it's no surprise these manufacturers are becoming exceptionally sophisticated at printing fake certification seals that are almost impossible to spot.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid buying counterfeit products is to shop directly at a retailer you trust that only carries products from manufacturers it knows and trusts.

Our promise to you: We source our ceiling fans and lights exclusively from established manufacturers, and every electrical product we stock or list on our website has been independently certified by an accredited certification body based on Canadian national safety standards.