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CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16 (2017): Canadian Requirements for Zone 0 Electrical Equipment with EPL Ga
Understanding the Standard for Equipment Protection Level Ga in Explosive Gas Atmospheres
Scope and Purpose
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16 (2017) is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60079-26:2014, with modifications to align with the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code) and local regulatory requirements. This standard specifies the requirements for the design, construction, testing, and marking of electrical equipment intended for use in explosive gas atmospheres where the hazard is present continuously or for long periods—i.e., Zone 0 locations. Equipment covered under this standard is assigned an Equipment Protection Level (EPL) of Ga, indicating the highest level of protection against gas explosion risks.
This standard is essential for manufacturers, certifiers, and end-users who need to ensure that electrical equipment installed in Zone 0 fails to a safe condition or provides multiple layers of protection. By following the requirements of CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16, stakeholders can reduce the risk of ignition and comply with the Canadian provincial and territorial electrical codes.
Key Benefit: Adopting EPL Ga equipment under this standard simplifies hazardous area classification by providing a clear, certified path for Zone 0 installations, reducing the need for case-by-case engineering assessments.
Technical Requirements and Protection Concepts
Equipment Protection Level (EPL) Ga
Equipment Protection Level Ga is the highest EPL for gas atmospheres. It requires that even under rare and abnormal conditions, the equipment will not be a source of ignition. This is typically achieved by employing two independent protective techniques or by ensuring that a single fault does not lead to ignition. The standard recognizes all protection concepts that can meet this level, such as intrinsic safety Ex ia, encapsulation Ex ma, and optical radiation Ex op is, along with any combination of protection methods that together meet the “Ga” reliability.
Key Design Requirements
The standard mandates that Ga equipment must be designed so that a single fault (with a low probability of occurrence) cannot cause an explosion. This often means:
- Each protective device or circuit shall have a high degree of safety integrity.
- Two independent protection techniques must be present, or the equipment must be designed to fail to a safe state under all normal and foreseeable abnormal conditions.
- Components must be selected and installed to meet the thermal and mechanical stresses of Zone 0 environments.
- Additional requirements for ambient temperature range, voltage variations, and Canadian wiring practices are included as national modifications.
| EPL | Associated Zone | Level of Protection | Typical Protection Concepts | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ga | Zone 0 | Very high (two independent means or fails safe) | Ex ia, Ex ma, Ex op is, combined Ex d + Ex i | Intrinsically safe transmitters, encapsulation of exposed electronics |
| Gb | Zone 1 | High (normal + expected faults) | Ex d, Ex e, Ex p, Ex ib | Flameproof enclosures, increased safety terminals |
| Gc | Zone 2 | Normal (normal operation only) | Ex nA, Ex nC, Ex nR | Non-sparking equipment, restricted breathing enclosures |
Common Misconception: Ex ia equipment does not automatically meet all CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16 requirements. Canadian modifications—such as additional environmental enclosures, marked temperature class limits, and specific wiring configurations—must be verified during certification.
Implementation and Certification Process
Manufacturers seeking certification to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16 must submit their equipment to an accredited certification body (e.g., CSA Group, UL, or Intertek). The process includes:
- Documentation review: The manufacturer must provide a detailed description of the protection concepts, component ratings, and fault analysis.
- Type testing: Samples undergo tests for thermal, mechanical, and electrical integrity under normal and fault conditions.
- Canadian deviations: Compliance with ambient temperature range (typically –25°C to +40°C unless otherwise stated), voltage marking in volts, and adherence to CE Code Part I installation rules.
- Factory production control (FPC): The certification includes initial inspection and ongoing surveillance to ensure consistent quality.
Marking and Documentation
Equipment certified to this standard must carry the following minimum markings:
- Manufacturer name or trademark
- Type designation and serial number
- Electrical ratings (voltage, current, power)
- EPL: Ga
- Gas group and temperature class (e.g., IIC T4)
- Certificate number and certification body mark
- Special conditions for safe use (if any)
The instruction manual must include installation, operation, and maintenance guidelines that reflect Canadian electrical practices, such as the use of CSA-listed conduit and cable glands.
Tip for Specifiers: Always require a copy of the certificate and the marking plan from the supplier. Verify that the certification explicitly references CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16 (2017) and not solely the international IEC version.
Compliance Notes
In Canada, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16 is referenced by the CE Code (CSA C22.1). Equipment that meets this standard is generally accepted by provincial and territorial inspection authorities without further testing. However, the following points should be considered:
- Acceptance of IECEx and ATEX: While equipment certified to IEC 60079-26:2014 may be submitted for Canadian acceptance, it must be reviewed for any modifications required by this standard. Some certification bodies offer a dual-logo (CSA/IECEx) scheme that streamlines the process.
- Installation requirements: All Ga equipment installed in Zone 0 must be part of a documented hazardous location wiring system as per Section 18 of the CE Code.
- Maintenance and repair: Only trained personnel should repair EPL Ga equipment; any replacement parts must maintain the original protection level.
Warning: Do not install equipment marked only as Ex d (EPL Gb) or Ex nA (EPL Gc) in Zone 0 unless the certification explicitly confirms compliance with EPL Ga per this standard. Improper selection can create an ignition source and lead to catastrophic incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main differences between IEC 60079-26:2014 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16?
A: The Canadian standard includes national modifications for ambient temperature ranges, voltage labeling (V instead of V), specific enclosure requirements for Canadian climates, and references to the CE Code for installation. The core technical requirements for EPL Ga are identical to the IEC edition, but manufacturers must ensure their certification covers the Canadian deviations.
A: The Canadian standard includes national modifications for ambient temperature ranges, voltage labeling (V instead of V), specific enclosure requirements for Canadian climates, and references to the CE Code for installation. The core technical requirements for EPL Ga are identical to the IEC edition, but manufacturers must ensure their certification covers the Canadian deviations.
Q: Can I use equipment certified to the international version (IEC 60079-26) in Canadian Zone 0 installations?
A: Not automatically. Although the technical content is aligned, Canadian regulatory authorities require equipment to be certified to the national version or to have an additional evaluation showing compliance with the Canadian modifications. Many certifiers offer an IECEx-to-CSA conversion service to facilitate this.
A: Not automatically. Although the technical content is aligned, Canadian regulatory authorities require equipment to be certified to the national version or to have an additional evaluation showing compliance with the Canadian modifications. Many certifiers offer an IECEx-to-CSA conversion service to facilitate this.
Q: Do all devices in a Zone 0 area need EPL Ga?
A: Yes, if the equipment is electrical and located within Zone 0. However, simple apparatus (e.g., thermocouples, switches) that meet the criteria of intrinsic safety may be installed without full Ga certification if they are part of a certified intrinsically safe circuit. This standard clarifies the requirements for such cases.
A: Yes, if the equipment is electrical and located within Zone 0. However, simple apparatus (e.g., thermocouples, switches) that meet the criteria of intrinsic safety may be installed without full Ga certification if they are part of a certified intrinsically safe circuit. This standard clarifies the requirements for such cases.
Q: Is this standard still relevant in 2026?
A: Yes. CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16 (2017) remains a current standard through 2026, though periodic updates may occur. Always check the latest edition from CSA Group. This standard continues to be the primary reference for Ga equipment in Canada, and compliance is enforced by provincial authorities under the CE Code.
A: Yes. CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-26-16 (2017) remains a current standard through 2026, though periodic updates may occur. Always check the latest edition from CSA Group. This standard continues to be the primary reference for Ga equipment in Canada, and compliance is enforced by provincial authorities under the CE Code.