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A Comprehensive Guide to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-9-14: Safety of Household Portable Cooking Appliances
Understanding Canadian Adoptions of IEC 60335-2-9 for Toasters, Grills, Roasters, and Similar Appliances
Scope and Purpose
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-9-14, titled Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2-9: Particular Requirements for Toasters, Grills, Roasters and Similar Appliances, is the Canadian national adoption of the international standard IEC 60335-2-9 (Edition 6.1: 2014). It forms part of the CSA C22.2 series under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II. This standard specifies safety requirements for portable electric cooking appliances intended for household and similar purposes, such as:
- Toasters (pop-up, conveyor, and rotating types)
- Waffle irons and sandwich grills
- Portable ovens (including countertop ovens and rotisseries)
- Portable grills, roasters, and similar appliances used for dry-heat cooking
- Electric fondue pots, raclette grills, and hot plates intended for direct cooking
Appliances covered by this standard have a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase appliances. The standard applies to both mains-powered appliances and those that are battery-operated with a mains connection. It does not cover stationary ovens, stationary hobs, microwave ovens (covered by CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-25 and -2-40), or commercial cooking equipment. The objective is to mitigate risks of fire, electric shock, mechanical hazards, and excessive temperature during normal use and foreseeable misuse.
Technical Requirements
Construction and Materials
The standard mandates robust mechanical construction. Enclosures must be made of approved materials that are heat‑resistant, flame‑retardant, and electrically insulating where required. Metal enclosures must be adequately bonded to the protective earthing conductor. All components carrying live current at voltages above 30 V must be protected against accidental contact.
Particular attention is given to the stability of toasters and portable ovens. Appliances must not tip over when placed on a 15° inclined plane with the heating elements operating at maximum input. For tilt‑down toasters, additional stability tests apply during the toasting cycle.
Temperature Limits and Overheating Protection
To prevent burns and fire hazards, the standard defines maximum permissible temperature rises for external accessible surfaces, handles, knobs, and surrounding materials. The following table summarizes key temperature limits (ambient temperature of 23 °C ± 2 °C):
| Component / Surface | Maximum Temperature Rise (K) | Absolute Limit (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| External surfaces of metal enclosures (top/side of toasters) | 60 | 85 |
| Glass or ceramic panels (e.g., oven doors) | 75 | 100 |
| Handles and knobs (metal) | 35 | 60 |
| Handles and knobs (plastic) | 55 | 80 |
| Supply cord (at the cord entry point) | 45 | 70 |
| Surrounding table surface (simulated wooden shelf) | 65 | 90 |
| Heating element terminals (insulated) | 100 | 125 |
All limits apply under normal operation at the most severe load conditions. Where an appliance incorporates a lid that can be closed (e.g., a portable roaster), the temperature of the lid’s external surface is measured separately. Thermal cut-outs and thermostats must be designed to prevent surface temperatures from exceeding the specified limits under both normal and abnormal operation.
Note: For appliances intended for use with a removable tray or cooking plate (e.g., grills), the temperature limits apply both with and without the accessory in place to simulate user scenarios where the tray is missing or damaged.
Electrical Safety and Insulation
Clearances and creepage distances must comply with the Canadian deviations from IEC 60335-1. For example, the minimum distance between live parts of opposite polarity is 3 mm for basic insulation and 6 mm for reinforced insulation when the working voltage does not exceed 250 V. Printed circuit boards used for control circuits must be of material with a comparative tracking index (CTI) of at least 175 V unless encapsulated.
Leakage current measurements are performed with the appliance at normal operating temperature. The maximum leakage current allowed for portable cooking appliances is 0.75 mA (or 0.5 mA per part for multi-part appliances). The standard also requires dielectric strength testing with a 1 250 V AC (or 1 760 V DC) applied for 1 second between live parts and accessible metal parts.
Implementation and Compliance
Certification Path for Canadian Market
Manufacturers seeking to sell portable cooking appliances in Canada must obtain certification from an accredited certification body (e.g., CSA, UL, Intertek). The certification process involves submission of samples, technical documentation, and a factory inspection. Key documents required include:
- Drawings and parts list
- Ratings label and marking details
- Bill of materials showing component approvals
- Test reports for all applicable clauses (safety, EMC, energy efficiency where relevant)
The standard is recognized by the provinces and territories under the Canadian Electrical Code and is mandatory for all appliances sold in Canada. Products that comply with CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-9-14 may bear the CSA mark or another accredited certification mark.
Tip: When designing for the Canadian market, always review the latest official copy of the standard as published by CSA Group. Revisions or amendments (such as those aligning with the US National Electrical Code) may introduce additional requirements for cord length, plug configurations, or grounding.
Marking and Instructions
The standard requires that each appliance be permanently marked with:
- Rated voltage (V) and frequency (Hz)
- Rated power input (W) or current (A)
- Manufacturer’s name, trademark, or identification mark
- Model and serial number
- Symbol of certification body (e.g., CSA, cUL)
The instruction manual must include warnings regarding:
- Risk of fire if the appliance is used without supervision
- Need to keep the appliance away from flammable materials
- Proper cleaning and removal of food residues to prevent ignition
- Do not immerse the cord or base in water (unless waterproof construction is claimed)
Compliance Benefit: Adhering to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-9-14 not only fulfills legal requirements but also improves product reliability and consumer trust. Many retailers in Canada will only stock certified products.
Differences Between the Canadian Adoption and IEC 60335-2-9
While CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-9-14 is technically aligned with IEC 60335-2-9, it includes several Canada-specific deviations, notably:
- Creepage distances and clearances – Canada requires 3 mm / 6 mm for basic / reinforced insulation versus 2 mm / 4 mm in some IEC versions.
- Plug and cord restrictions – The cord must be a CSA‑certified Type SJT or equivalent; plugs must be Canadian standard configurations (NEMA 1-15P or 5-15P).
- Grounding – All portable cooking appliances with an accessible metal enclosure must incorporate a three-prong grounding plug, unless double-insulated and marked as such.
- Temperature limits for cooking surfaces – The Canadian standard includes stricter limits for surfaces that may be touched during normal use, reflecting Canadian regulatory preferences.
Important: The standard is referenced by the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) for the installation and use of appliances. Failure to comply may lead to a product being prohibited from sale under provincial electrical safety acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-9-14 apply to appliances used in commercial kitchens?
A: No. This standard is exclusively for household and similar purposes. Commercial cooking appliances (e.g., in restaurants or cafeterias) are covered by separate standards such as CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-42 for commercial electric cooking appliances.
A: No. This standard is exclusively for household and similar purposes. Commercial cooking appliances (e.g., in restaurants or cafeterias) are covered by separate standards such as CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-42 for commercial electric cooking appliances.
Q: Can a product certified to IEC 60335-2-9 be sold in Canada without re-testing?
A: Only if the product is also certified to the Canadian deviation by an accredited certification body. In practice, most certification bodies require additional tests to confirm compliance with the C22.2 modifications (e.g., creepage, cord set, marking). A simple IEC CB Report may not be sufficient without a National Difference assessment.
A: Only if the product is also certified to the Canadian deviation by an accredited certification body. In practice, most certification bodies require additional tests to confirm compliance with the C22.2 modifications (e.g., creepage, cord set, marking). A simple IEC CB Report may not be sufficient without a National Difference assessment.
Q: What are the consequences of non-compliance in Canada?
A: Non-compliant appliances cannot be legally sold, leased, or distributed in Canada. The provincial electrical safety authorities can issue recall orders, impose fines, and require removal from shelves. Retailers may also demand proof of certification before listing products.
A: Non-compliant appliances cannot be legally sold, leased, or distributed in Canada. The provincial electrical safety authorities can issue recall orders, impose fines, and require removal from shelves. Retailers may also demand proof of certification before listing products.
Q: How often is this standard updated?
A: The standard is updated as amendments to IEC 60335-2-9 are published and as the Canadian Advisory Committee proposes changes. The current edition (2014) has seen several amendments; users should reference the latest consolidated version (e.g., Edition 6.2 with amendments 1 and 2) if applicable.
A: The standard is updated as amendments to IEC 60335-2-9 are published and as the Canadian Advisory Committee proposes changes. The current edition (2014) has seen several amendments; users should reference the latest consolidated version (e.g., Edition 6.2 with amendments 1 and 2) if applicable.
This article is based on publicly available information about CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-9-14. For comprehensive compliance, always consult the official standard published by CSA Group. © 2026