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CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-9-04 (2018): Safety Standard for Hand-Held Electric Tappers
A Technical Overview of the Canadian Adoption of IEC 60745-2-9 for Tapping Machines
Scope and Application
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-9-04 (2018) is a National Standard of Canada that specifies safety requirements for hand-held motor-operated electric tappers. These tools are used for threading (cutting internal threads) in metal or other materials. The standard applies to tappers powered by electricity, including those with a universal motor, and covers tools with rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase AC or DC, and 480 V for three-phase AC.
This document is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60745-2-9: Hand-held motor-operated electric tools – Safety – Part 2-9: Particular requirements for tappers, including its Amendment 1 (2008). It supplements or modifies the clauses of the general standard CSA C22.2 No. 60745-1 (or CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60745-1) which covers the general safety requirements for hand-held electric tools.
Tip: Compliance with both Part 1 and Part 2 is mandatory. The particular requirements of this standard take precedence over conflicting requirements in the general standard unless otherwise stated.
Standard Conformance and National Deviations
The 2018 edition reaffirms the 2004 original publication and incorporates Canadian deviations essential for harmonization with Canadian electrical codes (e.g., Canadian Electrical Code Part I). These deviations include adjustments in insulation coordination, grounding requirements, and marking instructions specific to Canada’s voltage and frequency supply (120/240 V, 60 Hz).
Technical Requirements
Electrical and Mechanical Safety
All tappers must meet rigorous electrical shock protection, mechanical hazard prevention, and thermal endurance criteria. Key areas include:
- Insulation: Tools must provide Class I, Class II, or Class III protection as defined in the general standard. Tapper-specific requirements demand reinforced insulation on the spindle drive assembly due to potential contact during tap changes.
- Enclosure: Minimum IP protection for the motor housing is IP44 when tools are intended for outdoor use; otherwise IP30 is required.
- Reverse Lock: A dedicated reversing switch or mechanism must prevent unintentional reversal when the tool is in forward operation. The reverse torque control must interrupt motor power if the tap binds and exceeds a preset torque threshold.
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Rated power input | ≤ 2000 W (for single-phase) | Per CSA C22.2 No. 60745-1 |
| Maximum torque (forward) | ≥ 4.0 N·m (Class I) | With a tap of nominal size M10 |
| Dielectric strength | 2500 V rms (Class II) | At 60 Hz, 1 min |
| Rated operate time (max) | 30 s on / 30 s off (intermittent) | Typical tapping duty |
| Tap collet retention | No slip after 20 N·m static test | Per annex specific test |
Warning: Tapper-specific hazards such as sudden tap breakage, chip ejection, and torque reaction must be addressed by additional guards or a dual-switch control system. Always consult the manufacturer’s risk assessment.
Requirements for Reversing Mechanism
Because tappers require a reverse action to remove taps from blind holes, the standard insists on a control device that returns to the stop
position automatically when released (dead-man type). A secondary lock-off button is mandatory to prevent accidental start when reversing direction.
Additional Requirements for Electronic Controls
Modern tappers often use speed/torque controllers. The standard mandates that electronic circuits must withstand overvoltages of category II (up to 2500 V peak), and any software-based safety logic must be validated to SIL 1 (IEC 61508) level in Canada.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers designing tappers for the Canadian market must address these specific points:
- Harmonized Marking: Symbols for reversing and forward must follow CSA C22.2 No. 60745-1, Annex G. The CE
&
mark (if used) must be accompanied by the CSA certification mark. - Duty Cycle: All tappers must have a nameplate stating the
ON/OFFcycle rating (e.g., S2 30s/30s). Failure to do so is a non‑compliance under CSA‑B78.1. - Calibration of Torque Limiter: If fitted, the torque limiter must be tested after 6000 simulated tapping cycles with a hardened steel tap.
- Battery‑Powered Tappers: Cordless tappers now fall under this standard only when rated at 120 V DC or below; otherwise they must comply with CSA C22.2 No. 62841-2-9 (future update).
Success Insight: Early compliance testing at a recognized lab (e.g., CSA Group, UL) can reduce time to market. Many manufacturers integrate the reverse lock and dead‑man switch as a module for multi‑tool platforms.
Compliance Notes
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-9-04 (2018) is a mandatory standard under the jurisdiction of provincial and territorial electrical safety acts in Canada. Certification is required before sale or installation. The standard is referenced in the National Building Code of Canada and by work safety authorities (e.g., WSIB, WorkSafeBC).
Key compliance steps include:
- Submitting a sample to a SCC‑accredited testing organization for evaluation against both Part 1 and Part 2.
- Providing a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) citing the specific deviation list from CSA C22.2 No. 60745-1.
- Ensuring all markings, warnings, and instructions are bilingual (English/French) as required by Canadian law.
- Renewal certification every five years – the 2018 edition remains valid until the next update or reaffirmation expected around 2023‑2026.
Critical: Do not assume that a product complying only with IEC 60745-2-9 is acceptable for the Canadian market. The Canadian deviations may include stricter requirements for reverse switch durability and tap jam protection. Always request the Canadian version of the test report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this standard cover both corded and cordless tappers?
A: Yes, but only for those with rated voltage ≤ 250 V AC/DC (single‑phase) or ≤ 480 V (three‑phase) for corded, and ≤ 120 V DC for battery‑powered models. Higher‑voltage battery tappers are covered under the newer CSA C22.2 No. 62841 series.
A: Yes, but only for those with rated voltage ≤ 250 V AC/DC (single‑phase) or ≤ 480 V (three‑phase) for corded, and ≤ 120 V DC for battery‑powered models. Higher‑voltage battery tappers are covered under the newer CSA C22.2 No. 62841 series.
Q: What are the most common non‑conformities found during testing?
A: Frequent issues include: inadequate torque limiter accuracy (>±20% deviation), reverse switch failure after 10,000 cycles, and lack of clear marking for duty cycle or tap size range.
A: Frequent issues include: inadequate torque limiter accuracy (>±20% deviation), reverse switch failure after 10,000 cycles, and lack of clear marking for duty cycle or tap size range.
Q: Is there a specific requirement for a chip guard?
A: The standard requires a barrier that deflects chips away from the operator, but it does not specify exact dimensions – the manufacturer must demonstrate that the guard prevents chip projection beyond a 150 mm radius from the tap centre.
A: The standard requires a barrier that deflects chips away from the operator, but it does not specify exact dimensions – the manufacturer must demonstrate that the guard prevents chip projection beyond a 150 mm radius from the tap centre.
Q: How does this standard relate to ISO 11148-7 for pneumatic tappers?
A: CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-9 applies solely to electric tappers. Pneumatic tools are covered by ISO 11148-7. However, some manufacturers combine both power sources; hybrid tools must satisfy both relevant standards.
A: CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60745-2-9 applies solely to electric tappers. Pneumatic tools are covered by ISO 11148-7. However, some manufacturers combine both power sources; hybrid tools must satisfy both relevant standards.