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CAN/CSA C360-13 (2018): Energy Consumption Test Methods for Household Dishwashers – A Technical Overview
Understanding the Canadian Standard for Measuring Dishwasher Energy Performance and Capacity
Purpose: CAN/CSA C360-13 (Reaffirmed 2018) provides standardized test methods for measuring the energy consumption, water consumption, and cleaning performance of household electric dishwashers. Compliance with this standard is required for energy efficiency labeling and regulatory acceptance across Canadian jurisdictions.
1. Scope and Application
The standard applies to all electric household dishwashers of the built-in, portable, and countertop types intended for residential use. It covers both machines that heat their own water (internal heater) and those designed for hot water connection (external supply). The scope includes:
- Measurement of electrical energy consumption during a complete normal cycle in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Determination of water consumption in litres per cycle.
- Evaluation of cleaning performance using standardized soil loads and a scoring system (cleaning index).
- Calculation of energy factor and capacity expressed as number of place settings.
The methods are designed to produce reproducible results that reflect typical use under controlled laboratory conditions.
Tip: The standard references several companion documents, including CSA P.5 (for test load soil preparation) and ANSI/AHAM DW-1 (for cleaning assessment). Ensure all referenced documents are available and up to date before conducting certification testing.
2. Technical Requirements
2.1 Test Cycle Definition
Testing must be conducted on the normal cycle as recommended by the manufacturer for everyday use. If no specific normal cycle is indicated, the default program that the machine automatically selects without user intervention shall be used. The cycle must include both wash and dry phases.
2.2 Load Configuration
A standard load consists of 12 place settings for a full-size dishwasher (capacity > 10 place settings). The load configuration follows a prescribed arrangement of dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, glasses, cups, saucers, and flatware in the racks. The number of place settings is determined according to the loading diagrams in the standard, which define maximum and minimum dimensions for each item.
2.3 Soil Preparation and Application
To evaluate cleaning performance, a standardized composite soil is prepared from margarine, dehydrated eggs, cooked starch, and tomato juice. The soil is applied to a subset of plates and glasses using a template to ensure consistent coverage. The soiled items are then allowed to dry for a specified period before being loaded into the dishwasher.
2.4 Energy and Water Measurement
Electrical energy consumption is recorded by a watt-hour meter or a power analyzer over the entire test cycle. When water heating is performed externally (cold fill), the energy equivalent of the hot water supplied is calculated based on the measured inlet water temperature, the delivered temperature, and the volume used. Water consumption is measured by a flow meter or by collecting and weighing the discharged water.
2.5 Cleaning and Rinse Performance
After the cycle, each soiled item is visually inspected under controlled lighting. Soil removal is rated on a 0–5 scale for each item, and the overall cleaning index is the average of all rated items expressed on a normalized scale where 1.0 corresponds to perfect cleaning. The standard sets a minimum cleaning index of 0.70 for the test to be valid.
Important: The cleaning index threshold must be met simultaneously with the energy consumption measurement. A machine that consumes less energy but fails to meet the cleaning index does not pass the energy efficiency test combination.
Table 1: Summary of Key Test Conditions
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Test Cycle | Normal cycle (or manufacturer’s recommended cycle) |
| Water Supply Temperature | 50 ± 2 °C (unless machine is cold-fill only) |
| Ambient Room Temperature | 22 ± 3 °C |
| Water Supply Pressure | 240 ± 70 kPa |
| Test Load Size | 12 place settings (full-size) |
| Cleaning Index Threshold | ≥ 0.70 |
| Energy Measurement Accuracy | ± 1% of reading |
3. Implementation Highlights
Testing laboratories must maintain strict environmental controls and calibrate instrumentation regularly. The following implementation points are critical:
- Pre-conditioning: The dishwasher must be installed and operated through three preliminary cycles using a standard detergent and clean load to stabilize mechanical and chemical performance.
- Detergent and Rinse Agent: Use the detergent type and amount recommended by the manufacturer, or a reference standardized detergent if none is specified. Rinse agent dispensers should be filled if the machine is so equipped.
- Water Heating Mode: For machines with internal heaters, the machine must operate without any external hot water supply. For external-heat machines, the water heating energy is computed from the temperature rise and volume, with the inlet temperature measured at the connection point.
- Reporting: The test report must include the cycle duration, energy consumption (kWh), water consumption (L), cleaning index, rinse performance rating, and the capacity in place settings. Any deviations from the standard conditions must be documented.
Common Error: Failing to correctly apply the soil drying time or using expired test soil components can invalidate the cleaning index results. Always prepare fresh soil batches and adhere to the specified drying times (usually 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the item type).
4. Compliance and Verification Notes
Manufacturers seeking ENERGY STAR® Canada or similar energy efficiency certification must test their dishwashers according to CAN/CSA C360-13. Regulatory bodies, such as Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), reference this standard in the Energy Efficiency Regulations. Key compliance points:
- Tolerances: The standard allows a 5% tolerance on the declared energy and water consumption when verified by an independent test house. However, the cleaning index must be at or above 0.70 with no tolerance.
- Round Robin Testing: Laboratories should participate in inter-laboratory comparisons to ensure reproducibility.
- Product Changes: Any design change that could affect energy or cleaning performance requires re-testing under the standard.
- Labeling: The EnerGuide label for dishwashers in Canada displays the annual energy consumption calculated from the test results of C360-13 (using 280 cycles per year).
Tip for Manufacturers: To optimize energy performance while maintaining a cleaning index above 0.70, focus on improving wash pump efficiency, heat exchanger design, and intelligent cycle control. Several leading brands achieve energy consumption below 1.0 kWh per cycle with excellent cleaning scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CAN/CSA C360-13 apply to commercial dishwashers or machines intended for non-household use?
A: No. The standard is explicitly limited to household dishwashers as defined in its scope. Commercial and industrial dishwashers are covered by other standards, such as CSA C22.2 No. 167 or NSF/ANSI 3.
A: No. The standard is explicitly limited to household dishwashers as defined in its scope. Commercial and industrial dishwashers are covered by other standards, such as CSA C22.2 No. 167 or NSF/ANSI 3.
Q: Is the 0.70 cleaning index minimum hard to achieve with very low energy cycles?
A: It is a challenge. Modern dishwashers that use energy–saving features such as half-load, soil sensors, and improved spray patterns can meet the index while consuming less than 0.9 kWh per cycle. The key is ensuring adequate water coverage and temperature maintenance.
A: It is a challenge. Modern dishwashers that use energy–saving features such as half-load, soil sensors, and improved spray patterns can meet the index while consuming less than 0.9 kWh per cycle. The key is ensuring adequate water coverage and temperature maintenance.
Q: Can I use a cycle other than the normal cycle for the test if my machine does not have a distinct “normal” program?
A: Yes, the standard says to use the cycle recommended by the manufacturer for normal use. If no such recommendation exists, use the default cycle that starts without any additional selection, which is typically the cycle used for energy labeling.
A: Yes, the standard says to use the cycle recommended by the manufacturer for normal use. If no such recommendation exists, use the default cycle that starts without any additional selection, which is typically the cycle used for energy labeling.
Q: What is the difference between CSA C360-13 and the US standard (AHAM DW-1)?
A: While both standards share many principles, CA C360-13 is the official Canadian adoption. It includes specific water temperature requirements for cold fill machines and references Canadian energy efficiency regulations. AHAM DW-1 is more commonly used in the United States, but NRCan accepts results based on either standard when equivalent conditions are met.
A: While both standards share many principles, CA C360-13 is the official Canadian adoption. It includes specific water temperature requirements for cold fill machines and references Canadian energy efficiency regulations. AHAM DW-1 is more commonly used in the United States, but NRCan accepts results based on either standard when equivalent conditions are met.
© 2026. This article provides a technical summary of CAN/CSA C360-13 (2018). For complete normative requirements, consult the official standard published by the CSA Group.