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CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18: Technical Guide to Flexible Cords and Cables Certification
Understanding the scope, construction parameters, flame tests, and compliance pathway for the Canadian Electrical Code
Scope and Application of CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18 applies to flexible cords and cables rated up to 600 V, intended for use in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CE Code, C22.1). It covers a wide range of constructions including thermoset and thermoplastic insulations and jackets. Common cable types include SJO, SO, SJOW, SOW, SJEO, SEO, STO, SJTO, NMWU, and specialty cables for hard, junior hard, and extra-hard usage. The standard specifies requirements for dry, damp, and wet locations, and addresses the environmental demands of the Canadian market.
Note: While largely harmonized with the US standard UL 62, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18 contains specific variations to meet the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code, particularly regarding flame propagation and temperature ratings for Canadian climate conditions.
Key Technical Requirements and Construction Parameters
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18 mandates strict guidelines for construction, materials, and performance. The standard defines specific requirements for stranding, conductor sizes (AWG), insulation thicknesses, and jacket compounds.
Conductor and Insulation Requirements
The following table outlines typical requirements for common flexible cable types covered by the standard:
| Cable Type | Voltage Rating | Temperature Rating | Conductor Size (AWG) | Insulation Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOW / SOOW | 600 V | 90°C (600 V) / 105°C (300 V) | 18 – 2 | EPDM / CSP (Thermoset) |
| SJOW / SJOOW | 300 V | 90°C (600 V) / 105°C (300 V) | 18 – 10 | EPDM / CSP (Thermoset) |
| STO / STOW | 600 V | 105°C | 18 – 2 | PVC / Nylon (Thermoplastic) |
| SJTO / SJTOW | 300 V | 105°C | 18 – 10 | PVC / Nylon (Thermoplastic) |
| NMWU | 600 V | 90°C | 14 – 2 | XLPE / Nylon |
Critical Compliance Point: The flame propagation requirements (FT1, FT4) under CSA C22.2 No. 49-18 often require a different formulation of jacket compounds compared to cables built solely to the US UL 62 standard. A UL-listed cable is not automatically CSA-certified.
Testing and Performance Verification
Cables must pass rigorous testing to receive certification. Key performance tests include:
- Flame Propagation: Vertical flame tests (FT1, FT4) specified by the CE Code. FT4 is the more stringent requirement, commonly applied to cables in building cavities and cable trays.
- Dielectric Strength: High-potential (hi-pot) testing to verify insulation integrity (e.g., 2000 V for 600 V rated cables).
- Cold Bend: Ensures flexibility remains intact at low temperatures down to -40°C, which is critical for Canadian installation environments.
- Heat Aging: Tensile strength and elongation retention are measured after accelerated aging in ovens to simulate long-term performance.
- Deformation: Resistance to mechanical deformation at high operating temperatures is verified to prevent short circuits.
Implementation and Certification Considerations
Adherence to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18 is mandatory for flexible cords and cables installed in Canada. Products must be certified by an accredited certification body.
Certification Pathway: Manufacturers must obtain a product listing recognized by the Canadian Standards Council. This involves factory inspections, testing of representative samples by an accredited laboratory (such as CSA Group, Intertek, or UL), and regular follow-up inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.
Marking requirements are stringent. Every length of cord or cable must be durably marked with:
- The manufacturer’s identification or trademark.
- The CSA certification mark (or recognized equivalent like cUL, cETL, cCSAus).
- The cable type designation (e.g., SOOW, SJOOW).
- The conductor size (AWG or kcmil) and number of conductors.
- The voltage rating (300 V or 600 V).
- The temperature rating.
Tip for Manufacturers: When designing a product for the Canadian and US markets, look for ‘dual-listed’ or ‘harmonized’ designs. Pay close attention to jacket thickness and compound formulations, as CSA requirements for flame retardance and low-temperature performance can differ notably from their UL counterparts.
Compliance Notes and Recent Updates
The 2018 edition of CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49 supersedes previous editions. Key compliance notes for industry professionals include:
- Harmonization: Closely aligned with the US standard UL 62, but maintains distinct differences in testing sequence and criteria (e.g., Cold Bend test at -40°C vs -25°C for some classes in UL 62).
- Hazardous Locations: The standard addresses types suitable for outdoor use and recognized hazardous locations (e.g., Class I, Division 2) when properly marked and certified.
- New Technologies: Acceptance of advanced polymer compounds and manufacturing processes is permitted, provided they meet the historical safety performance benchmarks.
Enforcement Risk: Failing to comply with CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18 exposes manufacturers and importers to significant liability. Electrical authorities across Canada, such as the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in Ontario and the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), strictly enforce the requirements of the CE Code, which mandates that flexible cords and cables bear a recognized certification mark.
Q: What is the difference between CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18 and UL 62?
A: While both standards are largely harmonized for flexible cords and cables, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18 includes specific requirements tailored to the Canadian Electrical Code. Notable differences include stricter cold bend test temperatures (-40°C for FT4 flame tests), specific requirements for Class I Zone 2/Division 2 hazardous locations, and distinct mandatory marking requirements for Canadian installation.
A: While both standards are largely harmonized for flexible cords and cables, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18 includes specific requirements tailored to the Canadian Electrical Code. Notable differences include stricter cold bend test temperatures (-40°C for FT4 flame tests), specific requirements for Class I Zone 2/Division 2 hazardous locations, and distinct mandatory marking requirements for Canadian installation.
Q: Is a CSA mark required for cords sold in Canada?
A: Yes. The Canadian Electrical Code (C22.1) requires that all electrical products, including flexible cords and cables, be certified by an accredited certification body. The CSA mark is the most widely recognized, though marks from other accredited bodies (such as cUL, cETL, or cCSAus) are also accepted. The key requirement is that the product is certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18.
A: Yes. The Canadian Electrical Code (C22.1) requires that all electrical products, including flexible cords and cables, be certified by an accredited certification body. The CSA mark is the most widely recognized, though marks from other accredited bodies (such as cUL, cETL, or cCSAus) are also accepted. The key requirement is that the product is certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 49-18.
Q: What types of flexible cords are covered under CSA C22.2 No. 49-18?
A: The standard covers a comprehensive range of flexible cords and cables for hard, junior hard, and extra-hard usage. This includes types such as SOOW, SJOOW, SEOW, SJEO, STO, SJTO, and specialty cables like NMWU and TECK 90 for hazardous or industrial locations, as well as elevator cables and portable power cables.
A: The standard covers a comprehensive range of flexible cords and cables for hard, junior hard, and extra-hard usage. This includes types such as SOOW, SJOOW, SEOW, SJEO, STO, SJTO, and specialty cables like NMWU and TECK 90 for hazardous or industrial locations, as well as elevator cables and portable power cables.
Q: What are the FT1 and FT4 flame tests mentioned in the standard?
A: These are vertical flame propagation tests defined by the standard. FT1 applies to cables that are not required to pass a more rigorous test. FT4 is a more demanding test for cables installed in building cavities, cable trays, or hazardous locations. Passing an FT4 test often requires specialized jacket or insulation compounds that provide greater fire resistance.
A: These are vertical flame propagation tests defined by the standard. FT1 applies to cables that are not required to pass a more rigorous test. FT4 is a more demanding test for cables installed in building cavities, cable trays, or hazardous locations. Passing an FT4 test often requires specialized jacket or insulation compounds that provide greater fire resistance.
Technical Review Date: 2026.