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CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16: Safety Requirements for Audio, Video, and Similar Electronic Apparatus
A Technical Guide to Canada’s National Standard for Electronic Equipment Safety
Scope and Application
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16 is a National Standard of Canada, part of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II (C22.2 series). It adopts the international standard IEC 60065 (Edition 7.0:2014) with Canadian deviations. This standard specifies safety requirements for electronic apparatus designed for audio, video, and similar applications, intended for connection to the electrical supply or powered by internal batteries.
The standard covers equipment such as televisions, audio amplifiers, digital set-top boxes, video projectors, and similar devices that operate from a supply voltage not exceeding 250 V a.c. single-phase or 433 V a.c. three-phase. It also applies to apparatus intended for professional use or household use.
Key areas addressed include electrical, mechanical, thermal, fire, and radiation hazards. The standard classifies equipment by insulation class (Class I, Class II, Class III) and operating condition (normal, abnormal, single fault).
Key Technical Requirements
Voltage and Current Limits
The standard defines limits for accessible parts and working voltages. For example, accessible parts must not exceed 42.4 V peak or 60 V d.c. under normal conditions. Protective earthing is mandatory for Class I equipment, with continuity resistance ≤ 0.1 Ω. The following table summarizes key electrical parameters.
| Parameter | Requirement (Normal Condition) | Requirement (Fault Condition) |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible voltage limit | ≤ 42.4 V peak / 60 V d.c. | ≤ 42.4 V peak / 60 V d.c. within 2 s |
| Working voltage (Class I) | Up to 250 V a.c. (line to neutral) | Up to 250 V a.c. + transients |
| Protective earthing continuity | ≤ 0.1 Ω (Class I) | Fuse or overcurrent device may operate |
| Dielectric strength (reinforced) | 3000 V a.c., 60 s | Not required |
Creepage, Clearance, and Insulation
Insulation requirements are graded as functional, basic, supplementary, reinforced, or double. Creepage distances depend on working voltage, pollution degree (PD), and material group. For mains circuits at 250 V a.c., typical reinforced insulation creepage is 4.0 mm for PD2, with clearance of 6.0 mm. The table below presents creepage distances for basic insulation.
| Working Voltage (V rms or d.c.) | Pollution Degree 1 | Pollution Degree 2 | Pollution Degree 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 50 | 0.2 mm | 0.6 mm | 1.2 mm |
| ≤ 125 | 0.5 mm | 1.5 mm | 2.5 mm |
| ≤ 250 | 1.0 mm | 2.5 mm | 4.0 mm |
| ≤ 400 | 2.0 mm | 4.0 mm | 6.0 mm |
Clearances are similarly specified per working voltage and altitude. For reinforced insulation at 250 V, clearance is typically 6.0 mm at altitudes up to 2000 m. These values must be maintained after consideration of production tolerances.
Abnormal Conditions and Fault Testing
The standard mandates testing under single-fault conditions, including short-circuit of insulation barriers, failure of cooling fans, blocked ventilation, and overload of output stages. The equipment must not emit flames, molten metal, or exceed specified temperature limits on accessible surfaces. Flammability classification of printed boards (V-0, V-1, V-2) is required for components that carry hazardous voltage or energy.
Tip: When retrofitting existing designs from IEC 60065 to CAN/CSA, pay close attention to Canadian deviations regarding supply cord requirements and field wiring terminal markings. CSA also requires specific temperature limits for accessible parts under fault conditions, which may be more restrictive than the international edition.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers designing for the Canadian market must comply with the national deviations included in CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16. Key implementation considerations include:
- Use of CSA-certified components (transformers, power cords, switches) to streamline acceptance.
- Bilingual (English and French) markings for safety warnings, ratings, and terminal identification.
- Supply cord type: must be suitable for Canadian wiring methods (e.g., SJT, SVT, with NEMA 1-15 or 5-15 plug).
- Thermal testing under Canadian ambient conditions (23°C / 50% RH unless otherwise specified).
- Derating of components for line voltage of 120/240 V at 60 Hz.
Compliance and Certification Notes
Compliance with CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16 is mandatory under provincial electrical codes (e.g., Ontario Electrical Safety Code, CEC Part I). Certification is obtained through accredited bodies such as CSA Group, UL (under the CSA scheme), Intertek, or TÜV SÜD. The certification process involves:
- Product testing to all applicable clauses.
- Factory inspection for production line testing and traceability.
- Review of markings, instructions, and bill of materials.
Although IEC 60065 and CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16 are being phased out in favor of the merged standard IEC/CSA 62368-1 (hazard-based), the 60065 standard remains valid for existing product lines and for certain equipment categories that have not yet transitioned. The Canadian Electrical Code continues to reference 60065-16 for installations.
Warning: The transition period for moving from CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16 to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1 ended in 2020 for new designs; however, 60065-16 remains accepted for legacy products. Always verify current requirements with your certification body.
Note: Products certified to ANSI/UL 60065 (USA) or IEC 60065 (international) are not automatically accepted in Canada unless they also meet Canadian deviations. Additional testing may be required for compliance with Canadian differences.
Caution: Overlooking requirements for bilingual markings (English and French) or for supply cord installation (e.g., required connectors) can result in certification delays. Ensure product labels and user manuals are prepared in both languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16 and IEC 60065?
A: CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16 is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60065:2014 with national deviations. The main differences include Canadian requirements for line voltage (120/240 V, 60 Hz), bilingual markings, specific supply cord type, and cold temperature test requirements.
A: CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16 is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60065:2014 with national deviations. The main differences include Canadian requirements for line voltage (120/240 V, 60 Hz), bilingual markings, specific supply cord type, and cold temperature test requirements.
Q: Is CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065-16 still valid?
A: While the standard has not been formally withdrawn, new designs should transition to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1 (Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment). However, existing certifications to 60065-16 can still be maintained, and the standard remains referenced in the Canadian Electrical Code.
A: While the standard has not been formally withdrawn, new designs should transition to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1 (Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment). However, existing certifications to 60065-16 can still be maintained, and the standard remains referenced in the Canadian Electrical Code.
Q: What tests are required for compliance with creepage and clearance?
A: Tests include measurement of distances through air (clearance) and over surfaces (creepage) using the prescribed methods in the standard. Dielectric strength tests (hipot) are also performed based on the insulation class and working voltage.
A: Tests include measurement of distances through air (clearance) and over surfaces (creepage) using the prescribed methods in the standard. Dielectric strength tests (hipot) are also performed based on the insulation class and working voltage.
Q: Can a product certified to UL 60065 be sold in Canada?
A: Not without additional Canadian certification or recognition. UL 60065 covers US requirements, but CSA differences (e.g., bilingual labeling, different plug configuration, specific temperature limits) must be addressed. Some certification bodies offer combined testing for both UL and CSA standards.
A: Not without additional Canadian certification or recognition. UL 60065 covers US requirements, but CSA differences (e.g., bilingual labeling, different plug configuration, specific temperature limits) must be addressed. Some certification bodies offer combined testing for both UL and CSA standards.