Hearth and home product manufacturers face strict regulations when it comes to compliance and safety. If you sell fireplaces, heating equipment, outdoor cooking grills, or similar consumer products, you need custom plates that will clearly communicate regulatory compliance and operating instructions to users.
In this blog post, our engraving and etching experts explain how to specify custom metal plates for consumer hearth and home products.
Why is product certification important?
U.S. electrical products should be UL, ETL, or CSA listed so consumers know they have been thoroughly tested and can safely be used as directed. Custom lighting instruction plates, warning tags, and log placement plates can ensure ANSI, CSA, ETL, and OMNI compliance for manufacturers.
What regulations govern safety and compliance for the hearth and home industry?
Manufacturers must adhere to a variety of standards, including:
- ANSI/CSA: ANSI Z21.88-2019/CSA 2.33-2019: The required standard for gas fireplaces, and applies to fireplaces using either natural gas or propane, as well as direct vent appliances in homes or recreational vehicles
- IEC 60335-1 and 60335-2: The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) publishes international standards for electrical and electronic technologies. 60335-1 and 60335-2 govern electrical appliances used for household purposes. It provides testing requirements, markings, classifications, and instructions for these appliances, which include cooking ranges, hobs, ovens, outdoor barbecues, and more.
What information should rating and compliance plates contain?
These plates should be directly attached to the fireplace or appliance, and include information about the UL rating, model number, and input and electrical specifications.
How should I communicate operating instructions to users?
Operating instructions for fireplaces or other complex appliances should be installed on metal plates directly attached to the appliance. Users may lose an operating manual; having clear and legible operating instructions readily available is essential for ensuring safety and a seamless customer experience.
Custom plates for outdoor cooking appliances
Instruction and compliance information is crucial for indoor appliances–but also for portable or outdoor cooking equipment such as grills, smokers, or fire pits. Plates should be installed on the appliance in a reachable and readable location. Some plates are attached directly to the appliance, while others may be connected with a sling or chain.
What substrate should instruction or compliance plates be made of?
For appliances that must withstand extreme temperatures, opt for metal plates. Stainless steel is our most robust and durable substrate option, and supports any kind of etching or engraving method. It is also easy to clean and will remain legible and aesthetically appealing throughout years of use. Aluminum is a great option for instruction or compliance plates that are not going outdoors or will not be exposed to harsh environments.
What engraving or etching method should I use?
We have decades of experience in a variety of process types for stainless steel data and compliance plates, including:
- Rotary engraving: This method uses a rotating cutting tool in a motorized spindle to create grooves in the substrate, which can then be filled with paint for enhanced legibility.
- Laser engraving: Fiber or CO2 lasers are used to create dark marks on the substrate. This processing method requires minimal maintenance and is long-lasting, even in harsh environments.
- Chemical etching: This process involves dissolving parts of the substrate in acid, leaving protected areas in sharp relief. Chemical etched plates are highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion.
- Screen printing: Offering a cost-effective solution for indoor applications, screen printing creates sharp and distinct images on compliance and safety plates. While this method is not as durable as engraving or etching, it is often suitable for compliance and safety plates, which are usually installed indoors or in sheltered environments
Want to learn more?
For more information about our custom etched solutions for the hearth and home and outdoor cooking industries, contact our experts.
