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CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-56-15: Safety Standard for Projectors and Similar Appliances
Comprehensive overview of the Canadian adoption of IEC 60335-2-56, covering scope, key technical requirements, and compliance strategies
Scope and Application
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-56-15 is the Canadian national adoption of IEC 60335-2-56 (including amendments). It applies to the safety of electric projectors and similar appliances intended for household and similar purposes, with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V. The standard covers:
- Slide projectors
- Overhead projectors
- Film projectors
- Liquid crystal (LCD) and digital light processing (DLP) projectors
- Video projectors
- Other appliances incorporating a projection function
Appliances not intended for normal household use but that may be used in shops, offices, schools, hotels, or similar environments are also within the scope. This Part 2 standard is used in conjunction with the general standard CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-1 (safety of household and similar electrical appliances). The particular requirements replace or modify the corresponding clauses in Part 1.
Tip: The standard is harmonized with IEC 60335-2-56. Manufacturers already familiar with the international requirements will find the Canadian version largely consistent, but must account for national deviations such as voltage and frequency testing conditions and wiring color codes.
Key Technical Requirements
The standard establishes requirements to reduce risks from electric shock, mechanical hazards, thermal hazards, and radiation. Below are the major technical provisions specific to projectors and similar appliances.
Protection Against Electric Shock
Accessible metal parts must be reliably earthed or double-insulated from live parts. Creepage and clearance distances follow Part 1 but are sometimes modified for parts associated with projection lamps due to high temperatures. Additional requirements apply to low-voltage connectors for external control interfaces.
Mechanical Hazards
Projectors often include moving parts for lens adjustment, slide changers, or cooling fans. The standard requires guards or interlocks to prevent access to hazardous moving parts. Stability tests are performed with the projector tilted up to 10° in the least favorable orientation. Floor-standing projectors must not tip over when a horizontal force is applied.
Temperature Limits and Abnormal Operation
The temperature of accessible surfaces is limited to prevent burns. For parts held by the hand (e.g., carrying handles), the temperature rise limit is 15 K (thermocouple method) or 20 K (globe thermometer). Special attention is given to projector lamp enclosures: forced ventilation must be interlocked so that cooling continues for a defined period after the lamp is switched off, or the lamp cannot operate if the fan fails. Abnormal operation tests simulate fan blockage, lamp failure (bursting), and motor overload.
Lamp Protection and Enclosure
High-intensity projection lamps (halogen, HID, or high-pressure mercury) can explode due to internal overpressure or thermal shock. The standard requires that the lamp enclosure withstands the effects of a burst lamp without projecting hot fragments. A protective screen must be between the lamp and the user. The screen is subjected to a ball-impact test (0.3 J or 0.5 J depending on lamp type) to ensure mechanical strength.
UV and IR Radiation
If the projector uses a lamp emitting ultraviolet or infrared radiation, the standard sets limits on irradiance measured at 10 cm from the projector. For projectors sold as household equipment, the UV emission must not exceed 0.1 µW/lm (effective). IR limits are set to avoid corneal damage.
| Parameter | Condition | Limit (max.) | Reference Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessible surface temperature rise (hand-held parts) | Normal operation, steady state | 15 K (thermocouple) / 20 K (globe) | 11.2 |
| Protective screen impact resistance | Ball drop (50 mm diameter, 0.3 J or 0.5 J) | No cracking allowing access to live parts or lamp fragments | 22.3 |
| Creepage distance between live parts and accessible metal | Between parts of opposite polarity | 3.0 mm (basic) / 6.0 mm (reinforced) | 29.1.1 |
| Lamp cooling interlock – fan run-on period | After lamp switched off | ≥ 5 minutes or until lamp temperature drops below 90 °C | 11.101 |
| UV effective irradiance | At 100 mm distance | 0.1 µW/lm | 32.3 |
Warning: Projectors equipped with high-pressure mercury lamps (e.g., UHP) must include a safety interlock on the lamp access cover that prevents lamp operation when the cover is removed. Replace the lamp only with the manufacturer’s specified type to avoid explosion hazards.
Implementation Considerations for Certification in Canada
Manufacturers seeking Canadian certification (CSA mark) should incorporate the following aspects during design and development:
- Voltage and frequency: Testing is performed at 120 V/60 Hz, 240 V/60 Hz, or both as appropriate. The standard allows testing at rated voltage ±1 %. For dual-voltage units, each voltage must be evaluated.
- Wiring colors: Follow the Canadian Electrical Code (C22.1): green or green/yellow for ground, black for live, white for neutral. Internal wiring should use colors not easily confused with protective earth.
- Marking: Product markings must be in English and French for the Canadian market. The standard itself does not require bilingual markings, but the Canadian Electrical Code and provincial regulations do. At minimum, important safety warnings must be bilingual.
- Supply cords: Must be CSA certified cord sets with appropriate plug (e.g., NEMA 5-15P for 125 V). Cord length and strain relief must comply.
- Component recognition: Use CSA or equivalently certified components (switches, lamps, thermal protectors, fans). This simplifies acceptance during certification.
Best Practice: Engage a recognized certification body (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, TÜV SÜD) early in the design phase. Pre-compliance testing against the most critical clauses—lamp enclosure impact test, temperature rise, and abnormal operation—can reduce the risk of late-stage failures.
Compliance and Testing Notes
The standard requires both type tests and routine tests for production. Key type tests include:
- Input test (power consumption within tolerance)
- Heating test under normal operation (lamp on, ventilation as designed)
- Moisture resistance (humidity exposure, followed by insulation resistance and dielectric strength)
- Mechanical strength (impact test on housing using spring hammer, drop test)
- Abnormal operation (blocked ventilation, stalled fan, lamp burst simulation)
Routine tests (factory production line): earth continuity check, dielectric strength test, and functional check of interlocks. These are summarized in Annex A of Canada’s adoption.
The standard also refers to the general standard for environmental conditions: normal ambient temperature is 23 °C ± 2 °C during tests. The projector must function safely under 0 °C to 40 °C ambient, but testing at extremes is not typically required unless specified by the manufacturer’s temperature rating.
Danger: Never bypass the chassis grounding or interlock mechanisms during testing or in the field. These safeguards are essential to prevent electric shock and lamp-explosion injuries. Verify that the protective earth connection properly carries fault current before any powered test.
For projectors intended for installation in a fixed location (e.g., ceiling mount), additional stability and mechanical attachment tests apply. The mounting brackets must be evaluated per the standard’s requirements for built-in appliances (if applicable).
Updates and amendments: Although CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-56-15 refers to the 2015 edition, users should monitor CSA’s website for any published amendments or revisions that may modify test methods or limits.
Q: What is the main difference between IEC 60335-2-56 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-56-15?
A: The Canadian standard includes deviations for voltage (120 V / 240 V, 60 Hz), wiring color codes per the Canadian Electrical Code, and specific requirements for supply cords and plugs suitable for Canada. In addition, the CSA version may have different marking requirements (bilingual) and refers to CSA constituent standards instead of IEC ones where possible. The safety objectives remain the same.
A: The Canadian standard includes deviations for voltage (120 V / 240 V, 60 Hz), wiring color codes per the Canadian Electrical Code, and specific requirements for supply cords and plugs suitable for Canada. In addition, the CSA version may have different marking requirements (bilingual) and refers to CSA constituent standards instead of IEC ones where possible. The safety objectives remain the same.
Q: Does this standard cover commercial or professional projectors used in cinemas?
A: The standard covers projectors for household and similar use, including light commercial applications (office, classroom). Professional cinema projectors with higher power ratings or special installations are usually covered by other safety standards (e.g., IEC 62368-1, CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1). Always check the rated voltage and the intended environment.
A: The standard covers projectors for household and similar use, including light commercial applications (office, classroom). Professional cinema projectors with higher power ratings or special installations are usually covered by other safety standards (e.g., IEC 62368-1, CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1). Always check the rated voltage and the intended environment.
Q: Are there any specific requirements for LED‑based projectors?
A: The standard is technology-neutral. LED projectors must meet the same fundamental safety requirements. However, certain clauses such as lamp burst (clause 22.101) may not apply to solid-state light sources. The manufacturer must demonstrate that the LED module does not present an explosion hazard. Thermal and photobiological safety limits still apply.
A: The standard is technology-neutral. LED projectors must meet the same fundamental safety requirements. However, certain clauses such as lamp burst (clause 22.101) may not apply to solid-state light sources. The manufacturer must demonstrate that the LED module does not present an explosion hazard. Thermal and photobiological safety limits still apply.
Q: Where can I obtain a copy of CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-56-15?
A: It is available from CSA Group’s online store or from authorized distributors such as Techstreet, ANSI, or SAE. Always ensure you have the latest edition and any applicable amendments.
A: It is available from CSA Group’s online store or from authorized distributors such as Techstreet, ANSI, or SAE. Always ensure you have the latest edition and any applicable amendments.
Article updated for 2026 — © 2026 International Standards Review. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace the official standard text.