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CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-44-14 (2018): Safety of Household Combination Washer-Dryers – Technical Requirements and Compliance
A comprehensive guide to the Canadian adoption of IEC 60335-2-44 for combined laundry appliances, covering scope, safety provisions, and certification pathways.
Introduction
The standard CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-44-14 (2018) is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60335-2-44, which addresses the safety of household and similar electrical appliances – particularly combined washing and drying appliances in a single cabinet. As part of the CSA C22.2 series, it harmonizes with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CE Code) and specifies additional requirements for the Canadian market. This article provides a detailed technical overview of its scope, critical safety requirements, implementation considerations, and compliance framework.
Scope and Application
Appliances Covered
The standard applies to electric combination washer-dryers intended for household use, with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase appliances (or 480 V for polyphase). These units perform both washing and drying functions within the same drum and cabinet. The standard also covers appliances that incorporate provisions for heating fluids or for connection to water supplies, as well as those that include electronic controls, timers, or programmable logic.
Exclusions
- Separate washing machines (covered by CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-7)
- Separate clothes dryers (covered by CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-43)
- Commercial or industrial laundry equipment
- Appliances intended exclusively for professional use
Canadian Deviations
The Canadian version includes market‑specific adjustments:
- Supply voltages: 120/240 V, single‑phase, 60 Hz (three‑wire or four‑wire systems)
- Ambient temperature range for tests: 23 °C ± 5 °C (vs. 20 °C ± 5 °C in the IEC base)
- Clearance and creepage distances adapted to the Canadian electrical environment
- Specific requirements for grounding and bonding conductors
Tip: When designing for both the Canadian and U.S. markets, always check for additional NRTL requirements (e.g., UL 2158) that may supplement this standard.
Key Technical Requirements
Electrical Safety
Protection against electric shock is addressed through:
- Leakage current limits: ≤ 0.75 mA for cord‑connected appliances at rated voltage
- Insulation resistance: not less than 1 MΩ after humidity conditioning
- Dielectric strength: 1000 V for basic insulation, 1250 V for reinforced, applied for 1 minute
Moisture and Water‑Ingress Protection
Combination washer‑dryers are subject to water spray and condensation. The standard mandates:
- IPX4 (or higher) for electrical enclosures exposed to water
- Wash cycle spillage tests (0.5 L of water poured on top surfaces)
- Condensation tests simulating humid operating conditions
Door and Safety Interlocks
To prevent access to moving parts during operation:
- Interlocks must be mechanically or electronically locked during the spin and dry cycles
- Door opening must not be possible before the drum stops (max. opening speed at less than 60 r/min)
- Double‑interlock systems for heating elements (thermal cut‑outs and door switches)
Heating Elements and Thermal Protection
Heaters for drying and water heating require redundant protection:
- Self‑resetting thermal cut‑outs and non‑resetting thermal links in series
- Protection against abnormal operation (blocked drum, clogged lint filter)
- Glow wire / hot wire ignition tests for plastic parts near heaters (650 °C)
Mechanical Hazards
- Drum imbalance detection and control
- Sharp edges and corners must be rounded or padded
- Stability test: appliance tilted 10° must not tip over
Example – Creepage and Clearance Distances
| Insulation Type | Rated Voltage (V) | Clearance (mm) | Creepage (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | ≤ 150 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| Basic | 151 – 250 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| Reinforced | ≤ 150 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Reinforced | 151 – 250 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
Warning: For appliance inlets and connectors, the Canadian standard requires additional creepage distances if the appliance is intended for use in a damp environment (e.g., laundry room without ventilation). Always verify the Pollution Degree 2 or 3 classification.
Success: Many modern designs easily meet the 20,000‑cycle endurance requirement for door locks if they use tested solenoid and microswitch assemblies.
Implementation and Compliance Testing
Test Setup and Conditioning
Testing is performed under controlled conditions:
- Place appliance on a horizontal surface with a 5 mm clearance to walls
- Connect to water supply: (15 ± 5) °C for cold, (60 ± 5) °C for hot
- Supply voltage maintained at rated voltage ± 2 % during tests
- Ambient still air, temperature 23 °C ± 5 °C
Critical Test Sequences
- Wash & dry cycle test: appliance runs a full wash and dry cycle, with monitoring of leakage current and temperature rise on accessible parts.
- Abnormal operation: blocked drum, locked rotor, removal of lint filter, heating element continuous operation.
- Water spill and spray: simulated spills on top and control panel.
- Component endurance: door lock, selector switch, relay contacts (≥ 20,000 cycles).
Differences from IEC 60335-2-44:2002+AMD1+AMD2
The Canadian version adheres closely to the IEC base but includes:
- Tighter tolerances for cord lengths and grounding conductor sizes
- Requirement for a dedicated bonding conductor (green/yellow) and impedance measurement
- Additional provisions for motor overload protection (based on Canadian Electrical Code Table 50)
- Use of Canadian standard sizes for wires and overcurrent devices
Danger: Failure to properly bond the dryer heating element to the chassis can lead to hazardous voltage on the cabinet. The standard requires a bonding resistance ≤ 0.1 Ω between any exposed metal and the supply ground.
Certification and Market Access
To legally sell a combination washer‑dryer in Canada, the appliance must be certified to CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-44-14 (2018) and the general part CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-1 (latest edition). Certification is typically performed by an accredited certification body such as CSA Group (formerly CSA International) or other SCC‑accredited organizations. The certification process involves:
- Full test report to the standard
- Factory inspection and product marking
- Annual follow‑up inspections
This standard is also recognized by provincial and territorial authorities as meeting the safety requirements of the CE Code. Products complying with this standard are generally accepted for sale across Canada without further electrical safety testing.
Conclusion
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-44-14 (2018) provides a robust safety framework for household combination washer‑dryers. Manufacturers aiming for the Canadian market should pay special attention to the deviations from the IEC base, particularly regarding voltage, grounding, and environmental test conditions. By integrating these requirements early in the design stage, compliance can be streamlined, reducing time to market while ensuring user safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-44-14 (2018) apply to separate washing machines or dryers?
A: No. Separate washing machines are covered by CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-7, and separate clothes dryers by CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-43. This standard specifically applies to combined washer‑dryer units where both functions share the same cabinet and drum.
A: No. Separate washing machines are covered by CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-7, and separate clothes dryers by CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-43. This standard specifically applies to combined washer‑dryer units where both functions share the same cabinet and drum.
Q: What are the main differences from the original IEC 60335-2-44?
A: The Canadian version includes modifications for 120/240 V, 60 Hz supply, tighter bonding resistance requirements, larger clearance/creepage distances for some components, and adjustments to test ambient temperature. It also aligns with the Canadian Electrical Code rules for wiring and grounding.
A: The Canadian version includes modifications for 120/240 V, 60 Hz supply, tighter bonding resistance requirements, larger clearance/creepage distances for some components, and adjustments to test ambient temperature. It also aligns with the Canadian Electrical Code rules for wiring and grounding.
Q: Is third‑party certification mandatory?
A: Yes. Under Canadian law, most household appliances must be certified by an accredited organization (like CSA, UL, or Intertek) to the relevant C22.2 standards before being sold. The certification mark (e.g., CSA mark) is evidence of compliance.
A: Yes. Under Canadian law, most household appliances must be certified by an accredited organization (like CSA, UL, or Intertek) to the relevant C22.2 standards before being sold. The certification mark (e.g., CSA mark) is evidence of compliance.
Q: How often is the standard updated?
A: CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-44-14 (2018) is a stable edition. Updated versions are published when significant amendments occur in the IEC base or when Canadian regulatory requirements change. Always check the latest version on the CSA Store for current requirements.
A: CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-44-14 (2018) is a stable edition. Updated versions are published when significant amendments occur in the IEC base or when Canadian regulatory requirements change. Always check the latest version on the CSA Store for current requirements.
© 2026 – This technical summary is provided for informational purposes. Readers should refer to the official standard text for exact requirements and for any amendments published after 2018.