July 2020 : Paint-Booths.com

ETL Certification: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

When you are choosing a paint booth, one thing you need to consider is ETL certification. Spray booths with this certification have been rigorously tested and verified to comply with certain safety codes. Some state and local regulations may require you to install an ETL-certified model. The ETL Mark can give you peace of mind that your paint booth meets the highest safety standards and won’t give you any issues with local authorities.

ETL Certification and OSHA

ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories, and it’s an organization that tests the safety of products and electronic components based on a set of rigid standards. While this company has been around for over 100 years (it was started by Thomas Edison), it now functions as a division of Intertek Testing Laboratories. Intertek ETL is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory acknowledged by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Paint Booth Compliance with Safety Codes

Intertek tests products based on North American safety standards and applies the ETL Mark to products and components that meet compliance requirements. One relevant safety code for paint booths is NFPA-33, which is the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for spray application using flammable or combustible materials. An ETL Mark on a paint booth indicates that Intertek finds it in compliance with NFPA-33 standards.

Another element of ETL testing for a paint booth covers the electrical control panel that operates the fans and lights. The relevant safety codes for a control panel are C 22.2 No. 14 and UL-508A. At Standard Tools and Equipment, we are an authorized ETL shop by Intertek for all the control panels we manufacture. We affix the ETL mark to these components prior to shipping them out to you.

Government Requirements and ETL-Listed Paint Booths

There are many advantages to purchasing an ETL-listed paint booth, and you may decide that you want these benefits in your shop. In some cases, however, you may not have a choice; certain state or federal laws may require you to get an ETL-listed booth. There may also be local ordinances or fire codes that necessitate you choosing ETL-listed equipment for your shop.

In general, you may need an ETL-listed paint booth if your shop is in a large city or a state with high safety standards (e.g. WA, CA, OR, MN, RI, CT, MA, and NY). Most government facilities require ETL-listed equipment. Before ordering a paint booth, it’s best to contact your local authorities for information on certification requirements.

Obtaining the ETL Mark for a Paint Booth

There are two ways to obtain an ETL mark for your paint booth: purchase an ETL-listed model or schedule an Intertek inspection and certification after you install an uncertified spray booth. Getting the ETL mark upon purchase can save you a significant amount of time and money.

Standard Tools and Equipment offers several ETL-listed models that include the following:

An air valve solenoid that interlocks the spray equipment and the fan motor
An electrical control panel that is ETL-listed
An official ETL certification label on the booth

Having the ETL mark on your paint booth can show your clients, employees, and local authorities that you value safety and have taken the necessary precautions.

Selecting the Right ETL-Listed Paint Booth

Whether your local laws require you to get an ETL-listed booth or you simply want the confidence that comes with knowing your booth meets the standards, we can help you choose the right certified paint booth. We have a wide range of ETL-listed models, including semidown, cross flow, and open face options. You can also choose an ETL-listed booth that includes a heated AMU for more control over the finishing process. When you order a booth from Standard Tools that has been certified, it is included in the listed booth’s price. Purchasing an ETL-listed booth is far more cost-efficient than requesting a certification inspection after installation should you need it. Our diverse selection of paint booths makes it easy to find the right model for your needs. For additional information on the ETL certification or assistance in choosing a paint booth, contact our team at 888-312-7488.

Paint Booth Operations: 4 Reasons Why Proper Airflow is Essential

No matter what type of paint booth you have, you want it to perform optimally. There are many things that can affect a spray booth’s operational capability, but one of the most important is airflow.

Maintaining proper airflow can ensure your booth creates perfect finishes and operates within acceptable safety parameters. On the other hand, airflow problems can compromise the booth’s efficiency, performance, and longevity. Understanding the basics of airflow and the methods for controlling it can help you operate your paint booth safely and effectively.

1. Finish Quality

Airflow within your paint booth can have a significant effect on the overall finish of whatever you are painting. Adequate, balanced airflow helps ensure the paint sprays uniformly and dries quickly. However, incorrect airflow may cause several problems:

Incomplete or uneven drying
Non-uniform finish
Introduction of dust and debris within the booth

Even small variances in airflow can cause problems with the finish on your project, and in some cases, you may have to repaint the object entirely. Controlling the airflow within your paint booth is essential for a high-quality finish.

2. Overspray Management

The overspray in a paint booth can cause significant issues if it’s not handled properly. The paint booth needs to direct the overspray away from the object being painted so as not to ruin the finish.

However, the overspray can’t just be pulled out of the booth and released into the shop; that could compromise the air quality and create a dangerous working environment for your operators. The overspray must be directed to air filters that are designed to capture it safely. It’s vital to replace clogged air filters immediately. If you continue to run a paint booth with clogged filters, it could unbalance the air pressure, forcing the overspray into the shop’s air.

3. Air Pressure Balance

Safe, effective spray booth operation requires proper air pressure within the booth, and managing airflow is the key to maintaining the correct pressure. During operation, exhausted air is removed from the booth, which can create negative air pressure. The easiest way to resolve this issue is to install an air makeup unit that replaces the exhausted air at the correct rate to balance the air pressure within the booth. A heated AMU is especially useful, as it can provide warm replacement air to speed up the curing process.

In most spray booths, there are two types of fans that manage the airflow. The exhaust fan pulls used air from the booth toward the ductwork and removes the overspray so it doesn’t affect the finish quality. An AMU uses a blower fan to push replacement air into the booth. Controlling the airflow with these fans allows you to maintain the correct air pressure inside the booth.

4. Safety

Ensuring proper airflow is a vital element of safe paint booth operation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Fire Protection Association even have specific requirements for air velocity within paint booths.

Adequate airflow helps reduce the risk of fire by lowering the concentration of flammable materials in the booth’s air. The exact nature and direction of the airflow within a spray booth vary depending on the design:

No matter what type of paint booth you choose, it’s essential to ensure compliance with OSHA and NFPA airflow requirements.

Maintaining Proper Airflow for Optimal Performance

Proper airflow is a vital aspect of safe and effective paint booth operation. While the exact airflow requirements and directional patterns depend on the type of spray booth, federal safety guidelines define the appropriate parameters. Several things can impact the airflow and air pressure within your booth: clogged filters, malfunctioning fans, and inadequate AMU performance. If you aren’t sure whether your spray booth is maintaining adequate airflow, we can help you figure out the next step. Contact us to learn more about troubleshooting airflow problems and replacing broken equipment.

Shopping Cart

Your cart is currently empty.

Month: July 2020