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CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-11-04 (2018): Safety Requirements for Hand-Held Motor-Operated Reciprocating Saws
Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Adoption of IEC 60745-2-11 for Jig and Sabre Saws
Scope and General Applicability
The standard CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-11-04 (2018) applies to hand-held motor-operated or magnetically driven reciprocating saws, including jig saws and sabre saws, intended for indoor or outdoor use. It is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60745-2-11:2003 with specific national deviations to address local safety regulations and climatic conditions.
This part of the CSA C22.2 series deals with the safety of tools rated up to 250 V single-phase or 480 V three-phase. It covers all significant hazards presented by reciprocating saws, such as mechanical hazards (kickback, blade ejection, blade contact), thermal hazards, electrical hazards, and noise/vibration exposure.
Tip: Manufacturers targeting the Canadian market must ensure their reciprocating saws comply with this standard in addition to the general requirements of CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-1, which directly references IEC 60745-1 with Canadian differences.
The scope excludes tools intended for use with water or abrasive products, and tools designed exclusively for professional demolition where different safety provisions apply. This standard is harmonized with the general requirements of Part 1 but extends them with particular requirements for reciprocating saws.
Technical Safety Requirements
Mechanical and Structural Requirements
The standard mandates specific constructional features for blade guards, adjustable shoe plates, and blade retention mechanisms. Key provisions include:
- Blade guard: A fixed or adjustable guard must effectively cover the blade at all times except during the actual cut. For jig saws, the guard must prevent accidental contact with the upper part of the blade.
- Blade clamping: Systems shall be designed to prevent the blade from being ejected under normal operation; a minimum blade ejection test is specified with a force of 10 N.
- Adjustable shoe plate: The shoe must be positively lockable to prevent unintended movement; material requirements are given to avoid sparking.
- Vibration damping: Although not mandatory, the standard provides guidance for measuring hand-arm vibration – manufacturers should aim for levels below 2.5 m/s² for safety labelling in Canada.
| Requirement | IEC 60745-2-11 (2003) | CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-11-04 (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Blade guard coverage (idle) | 80% minimum | 80% minimum; additional 5% for tools > 2 kg |
| Lock-off switch travel | ≥ 2 mm | ≥ 2 mm (Canadian deviation adds 0,5 mm for gloved operation) |
| Creepage distance (basic insulation) | 3 mm / 4 mm (pollution degree 2) | 3,2 mm / 4 mm (pollution degree 2; Canadian requirement for 50 μS/cm conductive dust) |
| Maximum blade stroke | Not specified | 40 mm (jig saws) / 50 mm (sabre saws) – Canadian addition |
| Noise emission (LWA) | ≤ 100 dB(A) | ≤ 100 dB(A); Canadian labelling requires declared value |
Warning: The Canadian deviations include stricter requirements for lock-off switch design to accommodate bulky winter gloves. Manufacturers must perform the simulated gloved-hand test as described in Annex BB of the standard.
Electrical and Thermal Requirements
The standard requires all reciprocating saws to have double or reinforced insulation (Class II) unless the tool is provided with an earthing conductor. For tools rated above 1500 W, an overcurrent protection device integrated into the switch is mandatory. The maximum allowed winding temperature for Class F insulation under normal load is 120 °C (instead of 125 °C in the IEC parent document) to align with Canadian climatic extremes.
A significant technical requirement is the thermal cut-out test: the tool must operate continuously at rated voltage for 15 minutes without the thermal protector tripping at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C. This is especially critical for jig saws used in heavy-duty cutting of metal, where longer operation may occur.
Implementation Highlights
Bringing a reciprocating saw into the Canadian market requires compliance with this standard through certification by an accredited body (e.g., CSA, cUL, cTÜV). Key implementation steps include:
- Design review: Verify blade guard dimensions, lock-off mechanism travel, and shoe plate locking against the specific Canadian deviations.
- Type testing: Perform the full set of tests outlined in Clauses 8–26 including abnormal operation (Clause 19), mechanical strength (Clause 20), and component testing for switches and cords. Note that Canadian deviation demands a 10% higher impact energy on the drop test for saws intended for construction sites.
- Marking and instructions: The safety instruction manual must include a warning about battery disposal for cordless models, and instructions for blade selection must include reference to the maximum blade speed.
- Noise and vibration declaration: Provide guaranteed values for LWA and hand-arm vibration in the instructions, measured according to CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60745-1 Annex BB.
Success: A certificate based on this standard plus the general Part 1 is accepted by the provinces and territories under the Canadian Electrical Code Part II. Many electrical safety authorities (ESA, BCSA, etc.) recognize CSA marks without further testing.
Danger: Non-compliance can result in compliance notices, product seizures, and liability. Particularly, the Canadian requirement for a secondary blade guard latch (positive lock on the shoe plate) has been a common deficiency in imported tools that only meet the IEC version.
Compliance and Certification Notes
The standard was reaffirmed in 2018, meaning it is still current. Manufacturers should verify that any claims of compliance refer to the latest consolidated version, which includes all amendments up to 2018 (note: the 2004 edition included Amendment 1; the 2018 reaffirmation only confirmed no changes).
For cordless reciprocating saws, the standard applies to the saw unit itself; the battery pack and charger must separately comply with CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 62133 (safety of portable sealed secondary cells) and CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61558-2-6 (safety of transformers for battery chargers).
Certification bodies will conduct factory inspections every year. A sample of saws is taken from the production line for re-verification of critical parameters, especially blade guard retention and lock-off switch endurance (tested at 1 000 000 cycles against 500 000 in the IEC version).
Q: What is the difference between CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-11-04 and the IEC 60745-2-11?
A: The Canadian standard is essentially identical to the 2003 edition of the IEC standard, but with national deviations including a 5% increase in guard overlap, a 0,5 mm extra switch travel allowance for gloves, and a stricter drop test impact energy. It also includes additional marking requirements for bilingual (English/French) instructions and noise labelling.
A: The Canadian standard is essentially identical to the 2003 edition of the IEC standard, but with national deviations including a 5% increase in guard overlap, a 0,5 mm extra switch travel allowance for gloves, and a stricter drop test impact energy. It also includes additional marking requirements for bilingual (English/French) instructions and noise labelling.
Q: Does the standard apply to cordless (battery) reciprocating saws?
A: Yes, the standard applies regardless of the power source, as long as the tool is hand-held and motor-operated. For battery-powered models, the battery system must be certified to the relevant safety standards (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 62133).
A: Yes, the standard applies regardless of the power source, as long as the tool is hand-held and motor-operated. For battery-powered models, the battery system must be certified to the relevant safety standards (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 62133).
Q: What tests are required for the blade guard?
A: The guard must pass a static force test (100 N applied to the most unfavourable position) and a dynamic test with a 6 mm steel rod representing a finger (no contact allowed). Additionally, the guard must not be removable without a tool unless the saw is switched off and the blade is fully retracted.
A: The guard must pass a static force test (100 N applied to the most unfavourable position) and a dynamic test with a 6 mm steel rod representing a finger (no contact allowed). Additionally, the guard must not be removable without a tool unless the saw is switched off and the blade is fully retracted.
Q: Is there any transition period if a new edition of the IEC standard is published?
A: Typically, CSA adopts new IEC editions after a 2–3 year review period. However, the 2018 reaffirmation confirms that the 2004 edition plus Amendment 1 remains acceptable in Canada. Manufacturers are advised to watch for updates from the CSA Technical Committee on the adoption of IEC 62841-2-11 (the replacement standard for the 60745 series).
A: Typically, CSA adopts new IEC editions after a 2–3 year review period. However, the 2018 reaffirmation confirms that the 2004 edition plus Amendment 1 remains acceptable in Canada. Manufacturers are advised to watch for updates from the CSA Technical Committee on the adoption of IEC 62841-2-11 (the replacement standard for the 60745 series).
© 2026 CSA Group — All rights reserved. This article is for informational purposes and does not substitute the official standard document. For certification, consult the full edition of CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-11-04 (2018) and contact a recognized certification body.