Displaying the CSA Mark on a product certifies that it passed the tests specified by CSA standards.

Most domestic manufacturers and suppliers of electrical equipment are well acquainted with standards of the Underwriters Laboratories and National Electrical Code. But, if you market equipment for use in Canada, you need to know the requirements of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as well.

Headquartered in Rexdale, Ontario, the association engages in three principal activities:
• Developing standards and codes.
• Certifying to these standards and to other national or international standards.
• Quality registration (through the Quality Management Institute, a division of CSA).

This private organization has developed standards for everything from electrical connections and motorcycle helmets to offshore oil and gas platforms. These standards apply in eight major areas, one being electrical and electronics, which covers installation codes for buildings, consumer and commercial products, environmental products, and wiring.

Generally, CSA standards contain requirements to ensure protection against fire hazard, mechanical hazard, and shock or energy hazard. One of the most significant in this area is the electrical aspect, which is covered later.

CSA certification

Certification means that products conform to accepted standards on a continuing basis. Products so certified can display the CSA Certification Mark, which is a registered trademark.

Certification in Canada is becoming more important to both producers and users of a product, regardless of the country of manufacture.

Though CSA Certification applies mainly to CSA standards, the organization also certifies to U.S. standards such as ANSI/UL, and to international standards such as IEC (International Elec trotechnical Commission and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). In addition, CSA Verification may be based on standards of other agencies.

Certification process

A license to use the CSA mark is only given after a thorough testing and evaluation process. CSA then visits the production facilities to verify that the product is manufactured according to the agreement with CSA.

There are four types of certification:
• Model certification. This is the most commonly used option. Here, CSA evaluates and tests a sample of the product at one of its test centers.
• Witness testing certification. In this case, product evaluation and testing take place either at the manufacturer’s facility or at another suitable facility designated by the customer.
• Shared certification. Here, the manufacturer assumes more of the certification work — performing tests and preparing the report for submittal to CSA.
• Category certification. This option helps those whose products are in areas of rapidly changing technology. Because some product life cycles are so short, rapid certification is needed. Here, the manufacturer not only performs the tests and prepares the report, but also assures himself that the product complies. In this case, CSA makes frequent visits to the manufacturer to monitor the certification process.

Electrical products

Those who buy electrical products for use in their machinery should be aware of the Canadian standards and certification requirements for the specific type of electrical equipment, such as motors, controls, and sensors.

CSA tests a motor on a fully instrumented dynamometer at their Rexdale facility.

All of the Canadian provinces have adopted the CSA electrical standards, which means that certification is mandatory for all electrical products to be installed in Canada.

These standards focus mainly on safety from electrical shock and fire hazard. For example, an exposed electrical device operating at a voltage exceeding 30 Vac or 42.4 Vdc is considered a shock hazard.

A fire hazard is generally considered to exist in a circuit where the energy available is higher than Class 2 levels (equipment that operates at voltages up to 20 V). Because motors operate at 120 V or higher (Class 1), they are considered to be a potential fire hazard.

Certifying motors

To illustrate the types of standards involved and the related certification process, consider electrical motors. Standards for motors include the general-purpose Canadian Electrical Code plus two specific standards covering motors and generators (see box).

The Canadian Electrical Code — Part I contains requirements for the installation of electrical equipment. It covers all electrical work and electrical equipment operating in buildings and on premises except equipment used in the operation of electrical or communication utilities, electric railways, railway signaling and communications, aircraft, and marine vehicles.

This code is mandatory throughout Canada, meaning that all electrical equipment must be manufactured so it can be installed in accordance with the code.

The Motors and Generators standard specifies construction, marking, and test requirements for all types of electrical motors that are intended to be installed and used in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code. It covers ac and dc motors, plus fractional and integral horsepower types, with no limit on maximum horsepower or voltage (they have certified up to 10,000 hp at voltages to 13,800 V).

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