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CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60947‑7‑4‑18: Low‑Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear – PCB Terminal Safety and Performance Requirements
Comprehensive guide to the Canadian adoption of IEC 60947‑7‑4 for PCB terminals used in controlgear assemblies
Scope and Application
The standard CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60947‑7‑4‑18 (hereafter referred to as “the Standard”) is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60947‑7‑4, with national deviations to reflect Canadian electrical safety practices. It applies to PCB terminals (printed‑circuit‑board terminals) intended for the connection of copper conductors, used in low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies (e.g., control panels, distribution boards, motor control centres).
The Standard covers terminals that are mounted on PCBs and are designed for industrial environments (pollution degree 3), ensuring safe and reliable electrical connections under normal service conditions. It does not apply to terminals for aluminium conductors, terminals used in hazardous locations, or terminals rated for high‑frequency applications.
National Deviation: CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60947‑7‑4‑18 includes additional marking requirements and dielectric test voltages that differ from the original IEC publication. Canadian manufacturers and importers must verify these differences during product design and certification.
Technical Requirements
1. Rated Characteristics and Marking
Each PCB terminal must be permanently marked with at least the rated voltage (Ue), rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp), rated current (Ie) or rated cross‑sectional area of the connectable conductor, and the manufacturer’s name or trademark. The rated values shall be selected from the preferred series given in Table 1 of the Standard.
| Rated Cross‑section (mm²) | Rated Current (A) @ 60 °C ambient | Rated Voltage (V) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 – 1.0 | 12 – 15 | 250/400 |
| 1.5 – 2.5 | 20 – 25 | 400/630 |
| 4.0 – 6.0 | 32 – 41 | 630/800 |
| 10 – 16 | 57 – 76 | 800/1000 |
| 25 – 35 | 101 – 125 | 1000 |
Table 1 – Typical rated values for PCB terminals (extract from the Standard). Actual values depend on design and verification tests.
2. Construction Requirements
PCB terminals must be designed to securely clamp copper conductors (solid, stranded, or flexible) without damaging the conductor or the PCB. The clamping unit shall ensure a consistent contact pressure even after repeated insertions. Materials used for live parts must be resistant to corrosion and thermal stress. The Standard specifies:
- Clearances and creepage distances according to pollution degree 3 and the rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp).
- Dielectric strength – test voltage of 2 Ue + 1000 V (min. 1500 V) for 60 s.
- Temperature‑rise limits – at rated current, the temperature rise of the terminal body must not exceed 65 K above ambient, and the PCB track temperature must not exceed the PCB material’s rated temperature.
- Mechanical endurance – 100 insertion/extraction cycles without detectable damage.
Design Tip: When selecting PCB terminals, always check the rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp) against the overvoltage category of your application. For industrial control gear, Uimp ≥ 4 kV is typical for category III.
3. Electrical Performance Verification
To qualify as compliant, each terminal type must pass a series of type‑tests defined in Clause 8 of the Standard:
- Temperature‑rise test at 1.0 Ie.
- Short‑circuit withstand test (if rated for conditional short‑circuit current).
- Dielectric test (power‑frequency and impulse).
- Verification of clamping force and conductor pull‑out resistance.
Implementation Highlights
Engineers working on control panels for the Canadian market should incorporate the following considerations from the Standard:
- PCB Layout: The terminal’s pin‑out must match the PCB footprint specified by the manufacturer. Clearance to adjacent components must respect the values listed in the terminal’s data sheet (based on the Standard’s tables).
- Conductor Preparation: Conductors must be stripped to the correct length (typically 8–12 mm). Ferrule usage is recommended for flexible conductors.
- Torque Values: Clamping screws must be tightened to the torque specified by the terminal manufacturer (usually between 0.4 N·m and 1.2 N·m, depending on cross‑section).
- Environmental Protection: For use in damp or corrosive environments, the terminal’s protective coating or enclosure must be specified accordingly.
Compliance Checklist: When using a CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60947‑7‑4‑18 certified terminal, always request the manufacturer’s test report and check that the terminal’s marking includes the CSA mark or the “C‑CSAus” logo. This ensures the product has been evaluated for the Canadian national differences.
Compliance Notes
Products that meet the requirements of the Standard can be certified under the CSA Group’s Certification Program. Key points for compliance:
- Certification is mandatory in most Canadian provinces under the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Part I.
- The manufacturer must hold a valid CSA license or the terminal must be covered by a component acceptance service (e.g., CSA Component Acceptance or Category 1876‑01).
- Sampling and routine testing (100 % dielectric test) are required for ongoing production.
- National differences from IEC 60947‑7‑4 relate mainly to ambient temperature range (higher operating temperature for Canadian industrial environments) and colour coding of conductor clamps (if used).
Warning: Using uncertified PCB terminals in a CSA‑listed panel voids the panel’s certification. Always use approved components that bear the CSA mark with the “C‑CSAus” indication for both Canada and the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60947‑7‑4‑18 and IEC 60947‑7‑4?
A: The Canadian standard adopts the IEC text but includes national deviations for ambient temperature, pollution degree, and marking requirements (e.g., CSA‑specific certification marks). The dielectric test voltages and clearance distances are sometimes more stringent in the CSA edition.
A: The Canadian standard adopts the IEC text but includes national deviations for ambient temperature, pollution degree, and marking requirements (e.g., CSA‑specific certification marks). The dielectric test voltages and clearance distances are sometimes more stringent in the CSA edition.
Q: Can I use terminals rated for 250 V in a 600 V panel?
A: No. The rated voltage of the terminal must be equal to or greater than the maximum system voltage (phase‑to‑phase). For a 600 V panel, use terminals with Ue ≥ 600 V and appropriate Uimp.
A: No. The rated voltage of the terminal must be equal to or greater than the maximum system voltage (phase‑to‑phase). For a 600 V panel, use terminals with Ue ≥ 600 V and appropriate Uimp.
Q: Does the Standard cover terminals for aluminium conductors?
A: No. The Standard explicitly addresses copper conductors only. For aluminium conductors, refer to CSA C22.2 No. 65 (Wire connectors) or specific terminal standards.
A: No. The Standard explicitly addresses copper conductors only. For aluminium conductors, refer to CSA C22.2 No. 65 (Wire connectors) or specific terminal standards.
Q: Are routine tests mandatory for each production batch?
A: Yes, the Standard requires routine dielectric tests on 100 % of production (AC, 60 s at 2 Ue + 1000 V). Manufacturers may also perform additional checks (e.g., torque, continuity).
A: Yes, the Standard requires routine dielectric tests on 100 % of production (AC, 60 s at 2 Ue + 1000 V). Manufacturers may also perform additional checks (e.g., torque, continuity).
Article produced in 2026. Always consult the latest edition of CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60947‑7‑4‑18 for the most up‑to‑date requirements.