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CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60950-23-07 (2016): Safety Requirements for Large Data Storage Equipment
Canadian Adoption of IEC 60950-23 for Information Technology Equipment – Part 23
Scope and Purpose
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60950-23-07 (2016) is the Canadian national adoption of IEC 60950-23:2005, which establishes safety requirements for large data storage equipment (LDSE). This standard applies to systems that exceed a total mass of 1 000 kg or an energy content (electrical, mechanical, thermal) exceeding 20 MJ, and are intended for installation in restricted‑access areas (e.g., data centers, server rooms). It covers storage subsystems—including arrays of hard disk drives or solid‑state drives, power distribution units, and associated cooling systems—that are typically supplied as open‑frame assemblies not enclosed in a standard IT cabinet. The standard is designed to be used together with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60950‑1 (the general ITE safety standard) and supplements it with specific provisions for the unique hazards of large open‑frame storage equipment, such as fire containment, high‑current distribution, and integrated cooling systems.
Technical Requirements
Fire Enclosure and Flammability
Because LDSE often occupies multiple racks and contains high densities of electrical and electronic components, the fire enclosure must be capable of containing an internal fire. The standard requires that the fire enclosure be constructed from metal or from materials having a flammability rating of V‑1 or better in accordance with UL 94. Openings in the enclosure are limited to the minimum necessary for ventilation and cable routing, and the design must ensure that flames do not propagate beyond the equipment boundary. The standard also mandates that the equipment be provided with a risk assessment addressing the potential for fire spread, and in some cases requires automatic shutdown or detection.
Electrical Safety
All exposed conductive parts must be bonded to the protective earthing system with conductors sized to carry the full fault current. The main grounding terminal must accommodate conductors per the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code). Leakage current limits follow the requirements of CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60950‑1, but with additional provisions for equipment that may be supplied by multiple power sources. Table 1 provides key electrical parameters for compliance.
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance (primary to ground) | ≥ 3.0 mm | 250 V rms |
| Creepage (basic insulation) | ≥ 4.0 mm | Pollution degree 2 |
| Leakage current (stationary) | ≤ 5 % of input rating | Normal operation at rated voltage |
| Temperature rise (accessible metal surfaces) | ≤ 70 K | Maximum ambient 40 °C |
| Flammability rating (fire enclosure) | V‑1 or metal (≥ 1.2 mm) | Per UL 94 |
Cooling and Thermal Management
LDSE may employ forced air cooling, liquid cooling, or a combination. For liquid cooling, the standard requires that the cooling fluid be non‑flammable or have a flash point above 150 °C, and that the cooling system be designed so that under fault conditions (e.g., a leak) no hazardous voltage or fire results. Leak detection must be provided, and the system must automatically shut off both the fluid circulation and the electrical supply to the affected zone upon detection of a significant leak. For air cooling, the equipment must include monitoring of airflow and temperature, with automatic shutdown if cooling fails.
Marking and Documentation
Equipment must be marked with the rated voltage, current, frequency, and total power consumption. Additional markings are required to indicate the need for restricted access and the location of the main disconnect or emergency power‑off (EPO) circuit. All marking must be in both English and French for the Canadian market. Instructions must include details for installation, bonding, overcurrent protection sizing, and a statement that the equipment is intended for installation in a restricted‑access area.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers integrating LDSE should consider the following design strategies to facilitate compliance:
- Power Distribution – Use integrated power distribution units (PDUs) that are already certified to CSA C22.2 No. 60950‑1. Ensure the PDU provides branch‑circuit‑rated overcurrent protection for each subsystem.
- Bonding and Grounding – Size the main bonding conductor in accordance with CE Code Table 16 based on the available fault current. Use two‑hole compression lugs for all grounding terminations to ensure reliable connections under high fault currents.
- Cooling Integration – If liquid cooling is used, incorporate dielectric isolation between the fluid path and live electrical parts, and install dedicated leak detection sensors in the lowest point of the coolant loop.
- EPO and Signage – Provide a single emergency power‑off switch that disconnects all supply circuits. Clearly label the EPO location and ensure it is accessible from the restricted‑access area.
Tip: To streamline certification, source power supplies, cooling fans, and connectors that already carry a CSA certification mark. This reduces the need for additional component testing and simplifies the overall approval process.
Warning: Bonding conductor sizing for LDSE is often underestimated. A chassis with multiple power supplies and a high‑current bus can deliver thousands of amperes during a line‑to‑ground fault. Always calculate the minimum size based on the upstream overcurrent device rating.
Compliance Notes
In Canada, compliance with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60950-23-07 is mandatory under provincial electrical regulations for equipment falling within its scope. The standard is typically enforced by application of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CE Code). Certification must be performed by an accredited standards development organization (SDO) such as CSA Group or another recognized testing laboratory, and the product must bear the appropriate certification mark for the Canadian market (e.g., the CSA mark or an equivalent mark from a recognized certification body).
Manufacturers should note that the standard is harmonized with UL 60950‑23 in the United States, so a single design can often satisfy both Canadian and US requirements with minor deviations—primarily in voltage ratings, bonding conductor sizing, and bilingual marking. The standard was reaffirmed in 2016, and although it is based on the 2005 edition of IEC 60950-23, it remains the current edition for Canada. Periodic compliance audits and factory inspections are required as part of the certification process.
Success: Achieving CSA certification for large data storage equipment not only meets regulatory obligations but also provides a competitive advantage, as electrical inspectors and data center operators recognize the CSA mark as a benchmark for safety and quality.
Finally, equipment manufacturers must keep abreast of amendments or new editions of the standard. Transition periods are typically provided when a new edition is published, and early adoption can simplify market access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60950‑1 and No. 60950‑23?
A: No. 60950‑1 covers general information technology equipment, while No. 60950‑23 specifically applies to large data storage equipment (LDSE) that exceeds certain size, weight, or energy limits, requiring additional safety measures such as enhanced fire containment, cooling system safety, and restricted‑access provisions.
A: No. 60950‑1 covers general information technology equipment, while No. 60950‑23 specifically applies to large data storage equipment (LDSE) that exceeds certain size, weight, or energy limits, requiring additional safety measures such as enhanced fire containment, cooling system safety, and restricted‑access provisions.
Q: Is compliance with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60950-23-07 mandatory for all large storage systems sold in Canada?
A: Yes, for those systems falling within the scope definition (mass > 1 000 kg or energy content > 20 MJ, and intended for restricted‑access areas). Compliance is required under provincial electrical regulations and is enforced by local authorities. Certification from an accredited body is typically needed.
A: Yes, for those systems falling within the scope definition (mass > 1 000 kg or energy content > 20 MJ, and intended for restricted‑access areas). Compliance is required under provincial electrical regulations and is enforced by local authorities. Certification from an accredited body is typically needed.
Q: Does the standard cover immersion cooling or other advanced cooling methods?
A: The standard includes requirements for all cooling methods that can affect safety, including immersion cooling. It mandates that cooling fluids be non‑flammable or have a flash point above 150 °C, and that leakage detection and containment measures prevent contact with live parts. Any cooling system design must be subjected to the risk assessment process required by the standard.
A: The standard includes requirements for all cooling methods that can affect safety, including immersion cooling. It mandates that cooling fluids be non‑flammable or have a flash point above 150 °C, and that leakage detection and containment measures prevent contact with live parts. Any cooling system design must be subjected to the risk assessment process required by the standard.