How to Choose the Right Labels for Electrical Appliances: A Practical Guide

From your everyday toaster to an advanced air conditioner, electrical appliances come with various labels that serve specific purposes.

Product Information Labels

This is the most basic but essential on any electrical device. It tells users what the product is , who made it, and its basic technical specifications.

• l Product mode number
• l Serial number or batch code
• l Rated voltage and current (e.g., 220V - 50Hz)
• l Power consumption (watts)
• l Manufacturer or brand name
• l Country of origin (e.g., “Made in the USA)

Where it’s placed: Usually found on the back, underside, or side panel of the appliance-- somewhat not too visible during the use, but accessible when needed.

Certification Marks

Before an electrical product hits store shelves in the U.S. or Europe, it often needs to pass various safety and compliance tests. These certifications are especially important for products with plugs, batteries, motors, or wireless components.

Common certifications include:

• l CE mark (European Economic Area): Indicates the product meet EU safety, health, and environmental requirements.
• l FCC mark (USA): Required for devices with electronical circuits or wireless functions.

UL or ETL mark (U.S.): Voluntary safety certifications that many retailers require.

• l WEEE symbol (EU): A crossed-out wheelie bin icon showing the product should not be thrown away in regular trash but properly recycled.
• l RoHS compliance note: Optional label showing it’s free from hazardous materials like lead or mercury.

Where it’s placed: Usually printed together with the product info label or placed just below it, typically on the back or underside of the product.

Energy Efficiency Label

In both Europe and the U.S., certain appliances must display how energy-efficient they are. These labels are not only legally required but also help consumers compare products before buying.

What’s shown:

• l EU Energy Label (A to G scale): Rates the appliance's efficiency, where “A” is most efficient. Also shows annual energy use in kWh and noise level (for some categories).
• l U.S. Energy Guide label: Shows average yearly energy consumption and estimated annual cost in dollars, compared to similar products.
• l This label is required for items like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, TVs, and air conditioners. It helps shoppers choose eco-friendly and cost-saving options.

Where it’s placed: On the front or top surface of the appliance, especially in showrooms and online listings. In stores, it must be clearly visible before purchase.

Warning or Safety Labels

These labels often use internationally recognized pictograms, like ISO 7010 symbols or ANSI-compliant designs. They must be easy to understand at a glance.

Common safety warnings:

• l Shock hazard (e.g., “Unplug before servicing”)
• l High temperature warning (e.g., “Hot surface” symbol)
• l Risk of fire or explosion
• l Do not immerse in water
• l Child safety precautions

Where it’s placed: Near the risk area — for example, near the power plug, ventilation opening, hot surface, or inside the battery compartment.

Environmental or Recycling Labels

More and more brands are adopting labels that reflect environmental responsibility. These labels remind users to recycle or dispose of products safely instead of tossing them in the trash. They also help environmentally conscious customers choose greener products.

Examples include:

• l WEEE Directive symbol (crossed-out bin): Required in the EU for electronic waste.
• l Recycling code symbols (e.g., plastic resin codes)
• l Energy Star (U.S.): Indicates the appliance meets energy efficiency standards
• l EPEAT (U.S.): Applies to electronics like monitors, showing compliance with sustainability criteria

Where it’s placed: Typically located on the back of the product, user manual, or packaging — especially for smaller devices or electronics. 

Thermal Paper Labels

Thermal paper labels are best for temporary use, packaging, or low-heat environments. They are low cost and easy to print using thermal printers, however, they are sensitive to heat, light, and friction.

You can use them on carton boxes for shipping, warehouse tracking or temporary instructions inside the product box. But they are not recommended for labels that need to stay for a long time on the appliance.

Water Resistant labels (PP/PE/PVC)

Water Resistant are best for durable, long-lasting applications -- especially where heat, moisture, or friction are involved. They resist water, oil, and scratches. The print stays sharp over time, making them ideal for compliance markings, warning labels, and energy labels.

They are commonly used on the rear panel, side, or near control areas, especially if the label must be remain readable for the product’s full lifespan. By the way, if you need stronger labels in material, our new product synthetic thermal labels are coming soon. Wait and check out.

High Temperature Labels

High temperature labels are best for appliances that need to contact high temperature.

For example:

• l Toasters, ovens, electric cooker, etc.
• l Internal components of power tools

Repair traceability labels inside appliances

Metal Foil Labels (Aluminum/Stainless Steel Tags)

Metal foil labels are best for industrial appliances or rugged, outdoor equipment. Metal foil labels offer unmatched durability. They are scratch-proof, heat resistant, and often etched or stamped to ensure the text can never be removed. These labels are ideal for products used in factories, outdoors, or harsh weather.

For example:

Industrial control panels

Power generators

Air compressors

Air compressors or boilers

Certification plates (model, voltage, capacity)

Where used: On the main chassis or metal housing of heavy-duty or professional-grade equipment, like equipment used in restaurants.

Removable labels

Some appliances, especially display models or rental equipment, may use removable labels for marketing or temporary instructions.

These labels are designed to come off cleanly without leaving adhesive residue-- perfect for front-facing energy labels in showrooms.

Use it for:

• l In-store energy rating labels
• l Installation instructions
• l Promotional tags

For appliances sold in Europe or the U.S., proper labels like CE, FCC, or energy rating are legally required. Without them, your products may be delayed at customs or removed from retail platforms. Labels also build trust with customer and help avoid fines or recalls. Choosing reliable, regulation-ready labels -- like those from Betckey -- ensures your products stay compliant and professional. 

By choosing quality materials and clear, long-lasting print, you make sure your products look professional and stay compliant for the long run. If you are looking for labels that can handle heat, moisture, or daily wear and tear. Betckey offers durable, ready-t-print solutions that match industry standards and printer compatibility.

About Betckey

Betckey Premium Labels is a leading supplier of compatible direct thermal labels, committed to high-quality and eco-friendly products as well as competitive pricing. We offer better products than manufactured original at 70% less price. Now, our Amazon store ranks first in the US, Canada, and Western Europe with thousands of positive ratings. Visit  betckey.com  and get special discount when purchasing! Sign up now and we'll send you a special discount towards your purchase. By the way, welcome to follow our official @ Tik Tok and @ Youtube accounts to get Betckey’s latest news!