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CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17: Switches for Appliances – Safety and Performance Requirements
A comprehensive guide to the Canadian adoption of IEC 61058-1-1 for mechanical switches in household and similar electrical appliances
Scope and Application
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17 is a Canadian national standard developed by the CSA Group under the C22.2 series, which constitutes Part II of the Canadian Electrical Code. It is an identical adoption of IEC 61058-1-1:2016, with amendments and modifications suitable for the Canadian regulatory environment.
This standard specifies safety and performance requirements for mechanical switches for appliances, intended for use by equipment manufacturers and product safety certifiers. Switches covered are those intended to be incorporated in or mounted directly on appliances for household and similar purposes, including air conditioners, kitchen equipment, laundry machines, power tools, and other electrical equipment. The rated voltage does not exceed 440 V a.c. or 250 V d.c., and the rated current does not exceed 63 A.
The scope includes switches that are operated by a person or by part of an appliance, such as push-button, rocker, toggle, rotary, micro-gap switches, and electronic switches when the electronic portion is used only for control of the switch function. Switches intended for motor control or for heating circuits are also covered. Excluded are switches covered by other dedicated standards (e.g., switches for transformers, automatic electrical controls).
Note: CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17 aligns with the international IEC 61058-1-1, but includes essential Canadian modifications such as mandatory wire sizes and terminal tightening torques, additional marking requirements, and adjustments for climatic conditions (temperature range −40 °C to 125 °C).
Technical Requirements
Electrical Ratings and Marking
Every switch must be clearly marked with its rated voltage, rated current, and, if applicable, type of load (e.g., resistive, inductive, motor, tungsten filament). For switches intended for multiple load types, each rating must be declared. The marking must be indelible and located on the switch body or on a label attached to the switch. The standard mandates a minimum marking legibility test (rub test with water and gasoline).
Creepage Distances and Clearances
To ensure safe isolation between live parts and accessible parts, CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17 specifies minimum creepage distances and clearances based on rated voltage, pollution degree (PD1–PD3), and the material group according to CTI (Comparative Tracking Index).
| Rated Voltage (V a.c./d.c.) | Pollution Degree 1 (mm) | Pollution Degree 2 (mm) | Pollution Degree 3 (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 1.0 |
| 51–125 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 1.5 |
| 126–250 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 2.5 |
| 251–440 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 3.0 |
Pollution degree is typically assigned based on the expected operating environment. Materials with a higher CTI (e.g., group I) permit reduced creepage compared to group IIIa/IIIb materials. The standard also requires that clearances withstand a dielectric strength test of 1500 V a.c. for basic insulation and 3000 V a.c. for reinforced insulation.
Mechanical and Electrical Endurance
Switches must withstand a mechanical endurance test of 10 000 cycles for normal operation (unless a higher number is specified by the manufacturer). The electrical endurance test consists of 6 000 cycles with rated current and rated voltage for a typical resistive load and 600 cycles at a power factor of 0.6 for inductive loads. No failure of the switching function or electrical breakdown is permitted.
Heating and Overload
Under normal operating conditions the temperature rise of terminals and internal parts must not exceed the limits given in the standard (e.g., 45 K rise for terminals with a rated current up to 16 A, 55 K for larger terminals). An overload test is conducted at 1.25 times rated current for 1 hour; the switch must not exceed 120 °C at the terminals. These thermal tests ensure long-term reliability and fire safety.
Important: When switches are used in Canada, ambient temperature extremes must be considered. The standard requires testing at the declared lower and upper limits (default −10 °C to +55 °C for indoor appliances). Designs intended for outdoor use must validate operation at −40 °C and +85 °C as part of the assessment.
Implementation and Testing
Manufacturers designing switches for the Canadian market should integrate the requirements of CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17 from the early concept phase. Testing must be performed by an accredited laboratory (e.g., CSA, Intertek, UL) on representative samples. The following checklist summarises the main test sequence:
- Marking and documentation check
- Construction and dimension verification (clearances, creepage, terminal sizes)
- Dielectric strength test and insulation resistance measurement
- Mechanical endurance test (10 000‡ cycles, 5 operations per minute)
- Electrical endurance test (6000 cycles at rated load)
- Heating test (rated load, 1 h thermal stabilization)
- Overload test (1.25 × rated current, non-inductive)
- Moisture resistance (93 ± 2 % RH, 20 h, 20–30 °C)
- Abnormal operation test (e.g., blocking of actuator)
Because the standard is harmonized with the IEC baseline, test results from IEC 61058-1-1 can be accepted in Canada if the specific Canadian modifications are also met. This provides a streamlined pathway for global product certification.
Tip: To facilitate compliance, design your switch with a minimum of 25 % extra margin on creepage distances over the values in Table 4.5 of the standard. This helps cover batch variation and reduces the risk of failure during the dielectric strength test.
Compliance and Certification
In Canada, the supply of electrical products is regulated by provincial/territorial statutes that reference the Canadian Electrical Code Part I and Part II. CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17, as Part II of the code, is mandatory for switches installed in appliances sold or used in Canada. Compliance is demonstrated through certification from a recognized certification body (e.g., CSA, cUL, cETL).
When a switch complies with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17, it is eligible to bear the CSA Mark or other approved marks. The standard also harmonises with the Low Voltage Directive in the EU when the manufacturer adopts the common IEC edition. However, the Canadian version adds requirements for wire types (AVVG, AVLV, etc.), minimum conductor size (14 AWG for rated current ≤ 16 A), and an additional fault current withstand test (3 kA prospective current).
Risk of Non‑compliance: Using a switch that does not comply with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17 can lead to regulatory orders (e.g., removal from sale), product liability exposure, and voiding of insurance coverage. Always confirm that the final switch assembly carries a valid certification listing for Canada.
Transition periods apply when the standard is updated. As of 2025, the 2017 edition (with amendment 1 published in 2019) is current. For earlier editions (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-14), manufacturers must update their designs to the 2017 edition within the timelines specified by the certification bodies. The CSA Group recommends a proactive review of existing certified switches to ensure continued compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17 and IEC 61058-1-1?
A: The Canadian standard is technically identical to IEC 61058-1-1:2016, but includes modifications to align with the Canadian Electrical Code. These changes affect marking, wire sizes, terminal specifications, and the addition of a fault current test (3 kA). It also references CSA wiring practices rather than CENELEC harmonized documents.
A: The Canadian standard is technically identical to IEC 61058-1-1:2016, but includes modifications to align with the Canadian Electrical Code. These changes affect marking, wire sizes, terminal specifications, and the addition of a fault current test (3 kA). It also references CSA wiring practices rather than CENELEC harmonized documents.
Q: Is CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17 mandatory for all switches used in appliances in Canada?
A: Yes, for switches that fall under its scope. Provincial electrical safety regulations require that electrical equipment meet the applicable CSA C22.2 standards. For switches not directly covered (e.g., those in cord‑connected appliances), they must comply with the overarching appliance standard (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 60335 series).
A: Yes, for switches that fall under its scope. Provincial electrical safety regulations require that electrical equipment meet the applicable CSA C22.2 standards. For switches not directly covered (e.g., those in cord‑connected appliances), they must comply with the overarching appliance standard (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 60335 series).
Q: Can I use a switch certified to IEC 61058-1-1 in a product sold in Canada?
A: Only if the switch also complies with the Canadian national deviations documented in CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17. Most certification bodies accept IEC test reports but require additional testing for the Canadian‑specific clauses. It is advisable to obtain a full Canadian certification to avoid delays.
A: Only if the switch also complies with the Canadian national deviations documented in CAN CSA C22.2 No. 61058-1-1-17. Most certification bodies accept IEC test reports but require additional testing for the Canadian‑specific clauses. It is advisable to obtain a full Canadian certification to avoid delays.
Q: How often is this standard updated?
A: CSA typically revises the C22.2 series to keep pace with IEC editions. A new edition of IEC 61058‑1‑1 was published in 2025; CSA is expected to adopt it as an amendment or new edition within two years. Always check the CSA website for the latest version before starting a new design.
A: CSA typically revises the C22.2 series to keep pace with IEC editions. A new edition of IEC 61058‑1‑1 was published in 2025; CSA is expected to adopt it as an amendment or new edition within two years. Always check the CSA website for the latest version before starting a new design.
* This article is prepared for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or professional compliance advice. Always refer to the official standard published by CSA Group and consult a qualified certification body. Last updated: 2026.