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CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-22-12 (2017): Safety Requirements for Die Grinders, Small Rotary Tools, and Similar Hand-Held Motor-Operated Electric Tools
Understanding the Canadian Adoption of IEC 60745-2-22 for Industrial and Household Rotary Tools
Scope and Application
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-22-12 (2017) is the Canadian harmonized adoption of the IEC 60745-2-22 standard, which specifies particular safety requirements for hand-held motor-operated electric tools classified as die grinders, small rotary tools, and similar tools. This standard applies to tools intended for grinding, polishing, cutting, and surface treatment operations using mounted points, grinding wheels, abrasive discs, and rotary files where the tool is held in the hand during normal operation.
The standard covers:
- Die grinders with collet chucks or keyless chucks for rotating accessories up to a specified maximum capacity;
- Small rotary tools (commonly known as rotary multitools) with a free mass not exceeding 3 kg and intended for use with small abrasive wheels, polishing wheels, and drill bits;
- Straight grinders and similar tools that employ a rotating spindle for mounting accessories with a nominal diameter typically not exceeding 125 mm.
This standard supplements the general requirements of CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-1 (IEC 60745-1) — Safety of Hand-Held Motor-Operated Electric Tools — Part 1: General Requirements. It is intended to ensure a consistent level of safety for users operating rotary tools in both industrial and household environments within Canada.
Key Technical Requirements
The standard establishes mandatory design and performance criteria that must be verified through type testing. The requirements address mechanical, electrical, thermal, and ergonomic aspects unique to die grinders and small rotary tools.
Mechanical Safety and Guarding
One of the critical areas is the provision of guards for abrasive wheels. The standard distinguishes between small mounted points (typically tool diameter ≤ 80 mm and peripheral speed ≤ 50 m/s) and larger wheels. For larger abrasive wheels, a fixed guard must be provided that captures fragments in case of burst. Exceptions exist for certain mounted points where the workpiece or chuck configuration renders a guard impracticable.
Important: Tools that are designed for use without a guard must have clear and permanent marking indicating that only accessories specifically rated for the tool’s no-load speed shall be used. Additionally, the tool must pass a burst test with the intended accessory at 1.1 times the maximum rated speed.
Spindle locking mechanisms or collet chuck designs must prevent accessories from being ejected under centrifugal force. The standard requires that the collet nut or chuck key cannot be tightened without a positive locking action to prevent accidental loosening.
Electrical and Thermal Protection
Insulation, creepage distances, and clearances follow the general requirements but with specific adaptations for small tools. The thermal protection is crucial due to the high-speed nature of rotary tools. Overload protection must be provided, either by a thermal cut-out or electronic motor controller. The locked rotor test, conducted on tools with a rotor locked, must not result in fire, excessive thermal deformation, or accessible parts exceeding allowable temperature limits as specified in the standard.
| Test Parameter | Requirement (Clause) | Typical Limits |
|---|---|---|
| No-load speed tolerance | ≤ 10% of rated speed | Rated speed ±10% at rated voltage |
| Locked rotor temperature (motor winding) | Class E ≤ 140 °C, Class B ≤ 155 °C | After 10 s locked rotor |
| Guard burst test | No fragment penetration beyond guard | At 1.1 × maximum speed with unbalanced accessory |
| Switch endurance | ≥ 50,000 cycles for hand-held tools | No failure of switching function |
| Collet chuck clamping test | Withdraw force ≥ 3× tool weight | Accessory must not slip at 3× tool weight pull |
| Vibration emission (hand-arm) | ≤ 7.5 m/s² (declared in 3-axis) | Per ISO 28927-1 modified for small tools |
Switching and Controls
The standard requires that tools be provided with a switch that prevents unintentional starting. For tools with a maximum rated capacity exceeding 50 mm, a paddle switch or slider with lock-off function is mandatory. Tools with smaller capacities may use a push-button switch provided it is recessed or requires a deliberate two-finger operation. The switch must be capable of withstanding endurance testing without loss of contact or electrical failure.
Tip: When designing the switch actuator, pay close attention to the force required to operate it. The standard requires that the switch actuator be operable at any grip position without requiring the operator to reposition the hand. This is especially important for left-handed users.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers intending to certify tools to CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-22-12 must integrate the following design considerations early in the development phase:
Accessory Compatibility
The standard mandates that the tool’s instruction manual include a list of compatible accessory types (e.g., mounted points, abrasive wheels, collet shanks) together with their maximum permissible dimensions and rated speeds. The instruction manual must also state that only accessories with a safe operating speed equal to or greater than the tool’s no-load speed shall be used.
Compliance Advantage: Tools that incorporate an electronic speed control system (e.g., adjustable speed dial) can offer better application versatility. However, the electronic controller must ensure that the speed at maximum setting does not exceed the rated no-load speed even at rated voltage +6% tolerance.
Guard Design and Testing
Where a guard is required, its design must:
- Provide a closed top and side that covers at least 180° of the wheel periphery;
- Be constructed from sheet steel of minimum 1.5 mm thickness (or equivalent strength material);
- Retain fragments during a burst test performed with an artificially unbalanced wheel (eccentricity of 1.0 mm).
Critical: Tools that are designed for grinding with abrasive wheels larger than 80 mm diameter must be provided with a guard. Operating such tools without a guard is a violation of the standard and exposes the user to risk of severe injury.
Temperature Rise and Abnormal Operation
During the locked rotor test, the tool is energised at 1.1 times rated voltage with the rotor mechanically locked. The thermal cut-out (if provided) must operate within 60 seconds. The accessible metallic parts must not exceed 75 °C (or 100 °C for plastics) when measured after the cut-out operation. The standard also requires a running torque test to verify that the tool can deliver sufficient torque for the intended application without stalling under normal load conditions.
Compliance and Certification
Compliance with this standard is mandatory for products sold in Canada under the jurisdiction of provincial electrical safety regulations. Certification is typically handled by accredited bodies such as CSA Group, Intertek, or UL Canada. The certification process includes:
- Review of technical documentation (including circuit diagrams, material specifications, instruction manual);
- Type testing of one or more samples of each model variant;
- Factory inspection (for initial certification and periodic follow-up) to ensure continued conformity of production;
- Marking: The tool must bear the certification mark of the accredited body (e.g., CSA mark) and the standard designation “CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-22-12”.
The standard was published in 2017 and remains current as a national standard of Canada. While it is based on the IEC 60745-2-22 Edition 2 (2009) plus subsequent amendments, it includes Canadian deviations. These deviations typically address:
- Voltage and frequency (120 V/60 Hz as nominal);
- Plug cap requirements in accordance with CSA C22.2 No. 42.1 (General requirements for cord sets and power-supply cords);
- Clarified requirements for guarding based on Canadian Electrical Code Part II.
Tip: For exporters to Canada, it is critical to obtain a copy of the Canadian deviation sheets (available from CSA Group) as these contain modifications that may differ from the IEC base text. Ignoring these deviations can lead to costly re-testing.
As of 2026, manufacturers are also expected to be aware of the upcoming replacement of CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60745 series by CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62841 series (the Canadian adoption of IEC 62841), which integrates the particular requirements for rotary tools into a new framework. However, the 2017 edition remains in force for certification until the transition period ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-22-12 (2017) and IEC 60745-2-22?
A: The Canadian standard adopts the technical content of IEC 60745-2-22 but includes national deviations that address Canadian electrical system requirements (e.g., 120 V/60 Hz), plug configuration (NEMA 5-15 or similar), and specific wording for guarding requirements. The standard also references Canadian Electrical Code Part II (CSA C22.2 No. 0) for general safety requirements. It is essentially the IEC standard modified for Canadian regulatory use.
A: The Canadian standard adopts the technical content of IEC 60745-2-22 but includes national deviations that address Canadian electrical system requirements (e.g., 120 V/60 Hz), plug configuration (NEMA 5-15 or similar), and specific wording for guarding requirements. The standard also references Canadian Electrical Code Part II (CSA C22.2 No. 0) for general safety requirements. It is essentially the IEC standard modified for Canadian regulatory use.
Q: Which tools require a guard according to this standard?
A: A guard is required for tools that accommodate abrasive wheels with a diameter greater than 80 mm. For smaller tools (e.g., typical rotary multitools with wheels ≤ 25 mm), a guard may be omitted if the tool is intended exclusively for use with mounted points and small abrasives that are inherently resistant to bursting. In all cases, the instruction manual must warn against using accessories not rated for the tool’s speed.
A: A guard is required for tools that accommodate abrasive wheels with a diameter greater than 80 mm. For smaller tools (e.g., typical rotary multitools with wheels ≤ 25 mm), a guard may be omitted if the tool is intended exclusively for use with mounted points and small abrasives that are inherently resistant to bursting. In all cases, the instruction manual must warn against using accessories not rated for the tool’s speed.
Q: What is the required marking for tools certified to this standard?
A: In addition to the certification mark, the tool must bear: the manufacturer’s name or trademark, model number, rated voltage, rated current or power, symbol for protection class (Class I, II, or III), and the no-load speed expressed in revolutions per minute. The marking must be legible and permanent.
A: In addition to the certification mark, the tool must bear: the manufacturer’s name or trademark, model number, rated voltage, rated current or power, symbol for protection class (Class I, II, or III), and the no-load speed expressed in revolutions per minute. The marking must be legible and permanent.
Q: How does the locked rotor test differ for die grinders compared to larger grinders covered by other standards?
A: For die grinders and small rotary tools, the locked rotor test is performed with the rotor mechanically locked, but the test duration is typically shorter (e.g., 10 seconds instead of 30 seconds) because of the higher winding speeds and smaller thermal mass. The acceptable temperature limits are identical to those specified in the general standard, but the tool’s overload protection devices, if any, are allowed to trip earlier. The standard also requires that after the test, the tool must still operate (or be capable of resetting) without hazard.
A: For die grinders and small rotary tools, the locked rotor test is performed with the rotor mechanically locked, but the test duration is typically shorter (e.g., 10 seconds instead of 30 seconds) because of the higher winding speeds and smaller thermal mass. The acceptable temperature limits are identical to those specified in the general standard, but the tool’s overload protection devices, if any, are allowed to trip earlier. The standard also requires that after the test, the tool must still operate (or be capable of resetting) without hazard.
© 2026 — This article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute official certification guidance. Always refer to the current published standard and consult with a recognized certification body for compliance verification.