CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-13-11 (2017): Safety Requirements for Hand‑Held Electric Chain Saws

1. Introduction and Scope

CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-13-11 (2017) is the Canadian national adoption of the international standard IEC 60745-2-13, addressing the safety of hand‑held motor‑operated electric tools – Part 2-13: Particular requirements for chain saws. It belongs to the CSA C22.2 series of standards for electrical equipment, ensuring products meet the rigorous safety expectations of the Canadian market. The standard applies to corded (plug‑in) hand‑held electric chain saws designed for cutting wood and similar materials.

The standard is nominally identical to IEC 60745-2-13:2009, incorporating Canadian deviations documented in a national annex. These deviations address Canadian electrical distribution practices (e.g., nominal voltage ratings and plug configurations) and may impose additional requirements for grounding and environmental exposure. Compliance with the standard is mandatory for products sold in Canada and is typically verified through CSA Group certification.

2. Technical Requirements

CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-13-11 imposes a comprehensive set of safety requirements that supplement the general requirements of the base standard CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-1 (adoption of IEC 60745-1). The particular requirements for chain saws focus on the unique hazards of these tools, notably cutting injuries, kickback, and electrical shock in demanding environments.

2.1 Mechanical Safety and Guards

The standard mandates several mechanical protective features:

• Chain brake: A manually or inertially activated brake that stops the saw chain within 0.15 seconds of actuation, designed to reduce the risk of injury during kickback events.
• Hand guard: A protective shield on the front handle to protect the operator’s hand from contact with the moving chain in case of slip or kickback.
• Guide bar cover: A non‑removable cover that shields the guide bar and chain when the tool is not in use, requiring a deliberate action to expose the cutting attachment.
• Kickback requirements: The chain saw must be designed to minimize kickback through a combination of low‑kickback chain, reduced‑kickback guide bar, and/or an effective chain brake.

2.2 Electrical Safety

Electrical requirements address the cord‑connected nature of the tool:

• Insulation and dielectric strength: The tool must provide reinforced insulation between live parts and accessible metal parts, with a dielectric strength test of 3750 V for 1 minute for reinforced insulation.
• IP rating: Minimum ingress protection of IPX4 (splash‑proof) is required for outdoor‑use chain saws. The Canadian deviation may require more stringent protection against moisture ingress common in Canadian climates.
• Grounding: For tools rated above 150 V or for non‑double‑insulated designs, a grounding conductor is mandatory. The Canadian deviation specifies a specific plug configuration (NEMA 5‑15P for 120 V).
• Power cord and strain relief: The cord must be a durable, oil‑resistant type (e.g., SJTOW) with a minimum length of 2 m, and the strain relief must withstand a pull test of 100 N.

2.3 Thermal and Environmental Requirements

The standard sets limits for motor winding temperature rise under load, typically not exceeding 120 K (class A insulation) or 140 K (class B) measured by resistance method. The tool must operate safely in ambient temperatures from –15 °C to +40 °C, reflecting Canadian extremes.

2.4 Noise and Vibration

Though primarily a safety standard, it includes provisions for information on noise and vibration levels. The declared A‑weighted sound power level (L_WA) must not exceed 110 dB(A). Hand‑arm vibration emission (a_hv) must be declared and tested according to ISO 5349, with recommended limits for operator exposure.

3. Implementation and Testing

Manufacturers aiming for Canadian market entry must integrate compliance into the design cycle from concept through production. The following steps are essential:

1. Design review: Ensure the product includes all required mechanical guards, a functional chain brake, and electrical design meeting reinforced insulation or grounding requirements.
2. Component selection: Source components (switches, cords, capacitors, thermostats) that are already certified to CSA or equivalent standards.
3. Type testing: Submit samples to a recognized laboratory (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, UL) for full testing according to the standard. Tests include dielectric strength, chain brake timing, mechanical strength, thermal endurance, and IP rating verification.
4. Production control: Implement routine tests (dielectric, ground continuity, lock‑out/brake function) and maintain a quality program (ISO 9001 recommended).

4. Compliance and Certification

Formal compliance is demonstrated by obtaining a CSA certification mark (or an equivalent accredited certification) under the C22.2 framework. The certification process includes:

• Documentation review: Technical data, instruction manuals, and declarations of conformity.
• Factory inspection: Initial and periodic unannounced inspections of production facilities to verify ongoing compliance.
• Marking: Each tool must be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s name, model, voltage, current or power, CSA certification mark, and specific warnings (e.g., “Read manual before use”, “Wear eye and ear protection”).

The standard is periodically updated. As of 2026, the 2017 edition remains current, but manufacturers should monitor for proposed amendments (e.g., alignment with evolving IEC 62841 series). The standard does not have a specified metadata update; however, the CSA Group website provides the latest version information.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or certification advice. For authoritative requirements, refer to the official CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-13-11 (2017) document published by CSA Group.

© 2026 Canadian Standards Association (reference). Last updated: January 2026.