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CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-6-04 amd1-2006 (2018): Safety Requirements for Hand-Held Motor-Operated Electric Tools — Particular Requirements for Hammers
A Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Standard for Electric Hammer Safety, Including Scope, Technical Revisions, and Compliance Strategies
Scope of the Standard
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-6-04 amd1-2006 (R2018) is the Canadian national adoption of the international standard IEC 60745-2-6, with specific national variations. It applies to hand-held motor-operated electric tools that produce impact, such as rotary hammers, chipping hammers, and demolition hammers, designed for professional and domestic use. The standard covers tools rated for single-phase supply up to 250 V and three-phase supply up to 480 V. The amendment 1:2006 introduced significant technical changes, particularly in vibration measurement methods, and the 2018 reaffirmation confirms the standard’s continued validity.
The standard works in conjunction with the general requirements of CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60745-1. It specifies safety criteria intended to protect users against electrical shock, mechanical hazards, excessive vibration, noise, and other risks. Tools certified to this standard are accepted for sale and use across Canada under provincial and territorial safety regulations.
Note: This standard is referenced in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II. Manufacturers must ensure that their products comply with the latest edition and any applicable provincial amendments. The 2018 reaffirmation indicates no further changes were made, but the standard remains current.
Key Technical Requirements
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-6-04 amd1-2006 (2018) sets forth a comprehensive set of requirements that address mechanical construction, electrical safety, and environmental emissions. Below we highlight the most critical technical areas.
2.1 Mechanical Safety
Hammers must incorporate guards that prevent access to moving parts, especially the impact mechanism and tool holder. The guard design must comply with accessibility probes specified in the standard. Additionally, the switch must be of the dead-man type (return to OFF when released) for certain classes of hammers. The tool must withstand a drop test and an impact test without creating a hazard. Vibration-damping handles are recommended to reduce operator exposure, though not mandated.
2.2 Electrical Safety
Electrical insulation must meet requirements for Class I or Class II construction as per the general standard. Creepage and clearance distances are specified for different voltage levels, and all accessible metal parts must be reliably connected to the protective earthing conductor in Class I tools. Insulation resistance and dielectric strength tests are required. Amendment 1 also introduced updated creepage distances for double-insulated tools to reflect higher impulse voltage withstand. Overheating protection (thermal cutouts) may be necessary for tools intended for heavy-duty use.
2.3 Vibration and Noise
One of the most important changes in amendment 1:2006 is the adoption of a three-axis vibration measurement method, replacing the previous two-axis approach. The test code, now aligned with ISO 28927-3 (Hand-held portable power tools — Test methods for evaluation of vibration emission), requires measurement in x, y, and z axes at the hand grips. The vector sum is calculated and declared in the user manual. The standard does not set absolute vibration limits but requires the manufacturer to provide measured values so that users can perform risk assessments according to Canadian occupational health and safety regulations.
Noise limits are specified as both sound pressure level (LpA) and sound power level (LwA). For typical hammer tools, the A-weighted sound power level must not exceed 100 dB(A) unless justified by the design. Sound power levels must be marked on the tool or in the instructions.
Tip: When testing for vibration emission, ensure your laboratory is equipped with a three-axis accelerometer array and follows the exact hand positions and tool orientations defined in Amendment 1. Deviations can produce non‑compliant results.
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Rated voltage | ≤ 250 V single-phase, ≤ 480 V three-phase | 6.1 |
| Vibration emission (declared) | Triaxial measurement per ISO 28927-3 / Annex H | 20.2 |
| Impact energy (for rotary hammers) | Measured per 18.1, no limit set | 18.1 |
| Minimum protection against moisture | IPX4 (splashproof) for tools marked for outdoor use | 15 |
| Guard opening width | Not to allow ingress of 2 mm diameter probe | 19.1 |
| Creepage distance (Class II, 250 V) | ≥ 6.0 mm (after amd1) | 29.2 |
| Sound power level (LwA) | ≤ 100 dB(A) unless higher declared | 14.1 |
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers designing or updating hammer products for the Canadian market should pay special attention to the following areas:
- Vibration measurement update: Any tool certified to the previous edition (without amendment 1) may require retesting if the vibration values are to be updated. The three-axis method generally yields higher declared values, which can affect marketing claims. Consider incorporating vibration-damping solutions early in the design phase.
- National differences: Canada requires specific supply cord types (NISPT, SJTW, etc.) and plug configurations (CSA configuration). These are detailed in the C22.2 No. 60745-1 general standard. Always verify the latest edition.
- User instructions: Amendment 1 reinforces the requirement to include a vibration emission declaration, a description of the measurement standard used, and guidance on reducing exposure (e.g., using auxiliary handles, taking breaks). The manual must be in both English and French.
- Thermal management: For heavy‑duty rotary hammers, ensure that the internal temperature rise does not exceed the limits of the applicable insulation class (e.g., Class B = 130 °C hot‑spot). Thermal cutouts must be of the self‑resetting type unless the tool is intended for continuous operation.
Success Strategy: Starting the development process with a gap analysis of your current design against the requirements of the 2006 amendment will reduce the need for costly redesigns later. Engage a CSA-recognized laboratory early for pre‑testing.
Compliance and Certification Notes
To place hammers on the Canadian market, manufacturers must obtain certification from an accredited certification body such as CSA Group, Intertek, or UL (who also test to CSA standards). The certification process typically involves:
- Submitting the product and its technical documentation (including schematics, bill of materials, and instruction manuals) to the certification body.
- Testing in accordance with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-6-04 amd1-2006 (2018) and the general standard.
- Factory inspections (usually initial and periodic) to ensure production consistency.
The 2006 amendment introduced a new clause on the conditioning of tools before vibration measurement, requiring a break‑in period of 10 % of the nominal hammering time. Certification bodies are strictly requiring this step. Additionally, tools with rechargeable batteries are outside the scope of this standard and must be evaluated under the relevant battery‑powered tool standards (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 62841‑1).
Warning: Using a pre‑2005 version of the standard (e.g., the original 60745-2-6:2003) for certification applications will not be accepted by most Canadian regulators. Always reference the current consolidated version including amendment 1 and the 2018 reaffirmation date.
Compliance with this standard is not only a legal requirement but also helps manage liability. Insurers and retailers increasingly demand proof of CSA certification for power tools sold in Canada. Furthermore, incorporating the technical improvements of amendment 1 can improve user perception and reduce warranty claims related to vibration‑related injuries.
Q: Does this standard apply to demolition hammers that are only used in a horizontal position?
A: Yes, as long as the tool is hand‑held and motor‑operated. The standard covers all hammers intended to be supported by the operator’s hands during normal use.
A: Yes, as long as the tool is hand‑held and motor‑operated. The standard covers all hammers intended to be supported by the operator’s hands during normal use.
Q: What is the main change introduced by Amendment 1:2006?
A: The primary change is the replacement of the two‑axis vibration measurement method with a three‑axis measurement method aligned with ISO 28927-3. This provides more accurate assessment of total hand‑transmitted vibration.
A: The primary change is the replacement of the two‑axis vibration measurement method with a three‑axis measurement method aligned with ISO 28927-3. This provides more accurate assessment of total hand‑transmitted vibration.
Q: Is compliance with this standard mandatory in Canada?
A: Yes. All electrical tools sold in Canada must be certified to applicable CSA standards or equivalent (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-6-04 amd1-2006). Provinces enforce these requirements under their electrical safety regulations.
A: Yes. All electrical tools sold in Canada must be certified to applicable CSA standards or equivalent (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-6-04 amd1-2006). Provinces enforce these requirements under their electrical safety regulations.
Q: Can a tool certified to IEC 60745-2-6:2008+A1:2008 be considered equivalent to the CSA standard?
A: Not automatically. The CSA standard includes national differences for supply cords, plugs, and some climatic testing conditions. A separate CSA certification or an IECEE CB test report with Canadian national differences must be secured.
A: Not automatically. The CSA standard includes national differences for supply cords, plugs, and some climatic testing conditions. A separate CSA certification or an IECEE CB test report with Canadian national differences must be secured.
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