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CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14: The Canadian Adoption of IEC 62368-1 for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment Safety
A comprehensive guide to the hazard-based safety framework, technical requirements, and compliance strategies for AV, ICT, and CE products in Canada
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 is the Canadian national adoption of IEC 62368-1 (Third Edition, 2014), the international hazard-based safety standard for audio/video, information and communication technology equipment. Developed under the auspices of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group), this standard replaces the legacy prescriptive standards CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1 (IT equipment) and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60065 (audio/video and similar electronic equipment) in the Canadian regulatory landscape. It introduces a revolutionary approach to product safety by focusing on the identification and control of energy sources rather than prescribing detailed construction rules. This article provides a technical overview of the scope, critical requirements, implementation considerations, and compliance pathways associated with this standard.
Scope and Applicability
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 applies to electrical and electronic equipment intended for use as audio, video, information technology, and communication technology equipment. This includes a broad range of products such as personal computers, servers, networking equipment, televisions, audio amplifiers, set-top boxes, telecommunication devices, and their associated accessories. The standard also covers equipment intended for home, office, data centers, and outdoor environments where the product is directly connected to the mains supply or powered by a limited-energy source.
Tip: Unlike its predecessors, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 does not limit applications by technology or form factor. Products previously covered by separate standards (e.g., laboratory equipment, household appliances) that incorporate AV or ICT functions may also fall under this scope. Always confirm the primary function of the product to determine applicability.
The standard applies to equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V (for input to the equipment) and is designed for use in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code, CSA C22.1). It includes requirements for both end-use equipment and components intended for integration into larger systems. The standard explicitly excludes some product categories, such as medical electrical equipment (covered by CSA C22.2 No. 60601 series) and explosive atmosphere equipment.
Technical Requirements and Hazard-Based Approach
The core philosophy of CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 is the Hazard-Based Safety Engineering (HBSE) framework. Instead of specifying how to build a product (prescriptive), the standard defines safety objectives and identifies three categories of energy sources: electrical, mechanical, and thermal. Each energy source is classified into one of three levels (ES1, ES2, ES3) based on its inherent risk of causing pain or injury. The equipment must then incorporate defined safeguards to reduce risks to acceptable levels.
Energy Source Classification
The standard requires manufacturers to perform a systematic assessment of all accessible energy sources. The three classes are defined by specific thresholds for voltage, current, power, energy, force, pressure, temperature, etc. The table below summarizes the classification and the associated safeguard requirements.
| Energy Source Class | General Description | Required Safeguards |
|---|---|---|
| ES1 | Not likely to cause pain; usually limited circuits (e.g., SELV, limited current). | No safeguard required for normal condition; basic insulation may be sufficient. |
| ES2 | May cause pain but not injury; typically secondary circuits with limited energy. | Basic safeguard + supplementary safeguard (e.g., double/reinforced insulation, earthing, protective impedance). |
| ES3 | Can cause injury; typically mains voltage circuits or high-power components. | Two independent safeguards required (e.g., Class I with protective earth + double insulation, or redundancy in protection). |
Electrical Safeguards
For electrical energy sources, the standard mandates specific construction requirements including clearance and creepage distances, insulation types (functional, basic, supplementary, double, reinforced), protective earthing, and bonding. Unlike the previous prescriptive standards, creepage and clearance distances are now derived from the required withstand voltage, pollution degree, and material group rather than from voltage mapping tables. This allows greater flexibility for high-efficiency designs while ensuring safety.
Warning: Conversion from IEC 60950-1/60065 to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 is not a simple one-to-one mapping. Designers must re-evaluate creepage and clearance requirements based on the HBSE framework. Using the earlier tables may lead to inadequate insulation distances, especially for equipment with non-sinusoidal waveforms or high-frequency components.
Mechanical and Thermal Safeguards
The standard addresses mechanical hazards from moving parts, sharp edges, and instability. Thermal safeguards prevent burns and fire from hot surfaces and internal overheating. For example:
- Mechanical energy sources (e.g., fans, moving assemblies) are classified into levels similar to electrical sources. Safeguards include guards, interlocks, and safe speeds.
- Thermal energy sources require testing of accessible surface temperatures, protection against abnormal operation (e.g., fan failure, blocked vents), and use of fire retardant materials for enclosures (based on flammability class V-1, V-0, etc.).
Implementation Highlights
Transition from IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 consolidates and supersedes Canadian standards C22.2 No. 60950-1 (information technology) and C22.2 No. 60065 (audio/video). Manufacturers transitioning from those standards face both opportunities and challenges:
- Reduced testing complexity – HBSE may reduce the number of prescriptive tests for well-understood product families, as rational analysis of energy sources can substitute for certain constructional tests.
- Need for comprehensive documentation – The standard greatly expands the amount of engineering analysis required. A Hazard-Based Safety Report must document energy source classification, safeguard rationale, and test results.
- Synergy with IEC 62368-1 – Because CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 is harmonized with IEC 62368-1:2014, products designed for global markets require only minor modifications for Canadian adoption. Differences are primarily in annexes reflecting Canadian deviations (e.g., voltage limits derived from the Canadian Electrical Code).
Success: A well-implemented HBSE design can reduce overall certification time by up to 30% when replacing multiple legacy safety standards with a single analysis. The flexibility in choosing safeguards (such as using a combination of enclosure, insulation, and spacing instead of relying solely on double insulation) can also lead to cost and space savings.
Key Differences from the International Edition
While adoptions of IEC 62368-1 in other countries (e.g., EN 62368-1 in Europe) are harmonized with the international edition, the Canadian standard includes technical modifications identified in the National Deviations. These include:
- Different requirements for audio amplifier output terminals (based on Canadian Electrical Code Part I).
- Additional requirements for cord-connected equipment, including strain relief and anchoring of power supply cords.
- Specific clauses for motor protection and heating equipment that are not fully covered by the IEC edition.
Compliance and Certification in Canada
To demonstrate compliance with CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14, manufacturers typically engage a recognized certification body (CB) accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). Common paths include:
- Full product certification (e.g., CSA Mark, cUL, cETL) – Products are tested by the CB for conformity to the standard and any required Canadian deviations.
- CB Scheme Certification – Many Canadian CBs participate in the IECEE CB Scheme, which permits combined testing to IEC 62368-1 plus Canadian national differences.
- Self-declaration – For some product categories, issuance of a supplier’s declaration of conformity (SDOC) based on testing from an accredited laboratory may be accepted by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), though most retailers and safety authorities prefer third-party marks.
Important: Non-compliance with CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 can lead to product seizures at the border, market removal orders, and liability under provincial electrical safety regulations. The standard is listed as a mandatory requirement in provincial electrical codes (e.g., Ontario Electrical Safety Code, British Columbia Electrical Code). Certification marks are required for products sold through major retail and distribution channels.
In addition to electrical safety, the standard also covers some fire and mechanical safety aspects. However, it does not cover other hazards such as chemical, biological, or ergonomic concerns; those continue to be regulated by other standards (e.g., CSA Z626, CSA C22.2 No. 94).
Testing and Documentation Essentials
A complete compliance submission should include:
- Energy source classification tables for all accessible parts and circuits.
- Rationale for each applied safeguard (e.g., why a particular distance or insulation level is sufficient).
- Test reports covering dielectric strength, leakage current, temperature rise, abnormal operation, and fire enclosure resistance.
- For mechanical hazards, force and motion limits for moving parts.
- Engineering change history to demonstrate ongoing compliance if modifications are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 mandatory in Canada?
A: Yes, it is a provincial mandate for electrical products falling within its scope. Virtually all provinces and territories have adopted the Canadian Electrical Code, which in turn requires compliance with applicable CSA standards. For AV, ICT, and CE equipment, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 is the currently recognized safety standard.
A: Yes, it is a provincial mandate for electrical products falling within its scope. Virtually all provinces and territories have adopted the Canadian Electrical Code, which in turn requires compliance with applicable CSA standards. For AV, ICT, and CE equipment, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 is the currently recognized safety standard.
Q: What is the transition timeline from the old standards (60950-1 and 60065) to 62368-1?
A: As of 2026, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 (and its later editions) has superseded the older standards. However, some legacy products may still be accepted if certified under the previous edition. New product certifications (or significant design changes) must comply with 62368-1. Manufacturers should check with their certification body for specific transitional dates, which often align with the final withdrawal dates set by CSA Group.
A: As of 2026, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 (and its later editions) has superseded the older standards. However, some legacy products may still be accepted if certified under the previous edition. New product certifications (or significant design changes) must comply with 62368-1. Manufacturers should check with their certification body for specific transitional dates, which often align with the final withdrawal dates set by CSA Group.
Q: Does the standard exempt automotive or household products that have AV/ICT features?
A: Products primarily intended for automotive use are covered by other standards (e.g., SAE J1659). However, household products such as smart speakers or home automation hubs that incorporate AV/ICT functions fall under the standard’s scope. The primary function and intended environment must be considered. The standard includes a logic tree to help determine applicability.
A: Products primarily intended for automotive use are covered by other standards (e.g., SAE J1659). However, household products such as smart speakers or home automation hubs that incorporate AV/ICT functions fall under the standard’s scope. The primary function and intended environment must be considered. The standard includes a logic tree to help determine applicability.
Q: Are there any specific differences between CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14 and UL 62368-1?
A: Both standards are adoptions of IEC 62368-1:2014. The key differences arise from national conditions: UL uses US national deviations (e.g., 120 V system specifications), while CSA uses Canadian deviations (e.g., 120/240 V system considerations, CANENA requirements). Products sold in Canada must comply with the Canadian deviations; the CB Scheme test report typically identifies these as “National Differences.” Many certification bodies offer combined certification for Canada and the United States using one set of tests.
A: Both standards are adoptions of IEC 62368-1:2014. The key differences arise from national conditions: UL uses US national deviations (e.g., 120 V system specifications), while CSA uses Canadian deviations (e.g., 120/240 V system considerations, CANENA requirements). Products sold in Canada must comply with the Canadian deviations; the CB Scheme test report typically identifies these as “National Differences.” Many certification bodies offer combined certification for Canada and the United States using one set of tests.