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CAN/CSA C871-13 (R2018): Performance Requirements for Solid-State Lighting Products
A Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Standard for LED Luminaire Performance, Testing, and Compliance
Introduction
CAN/CSA C871-13 (R2018) is a Canadian national standard that specifies performance requirements for solid-state lighting (SSL) products, including LED lamps and luminaires used in general illumination applications. Developed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) and reaffirmed in 2018, the standard provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating efficacy, colour quality, lifetime, and electrical characteristics. It serves as a key reference for manufacturers, testing laboratories, regulators, and specifiers seeking to ensure consistent, energy-efficient lighting performance in the Canadian market.
Standard Status: CAN/CSA C871-13 was reaffirmed in 2018 without significant technical changes, confirming its continued relevance for SSL product compliance in Canada.
Scope and Product Coverage
CAN/CSA C871-13 (R2018) applies to SSL products intended for general illumination, including:
- Integral LED luminaires (indoor and outdoor)
- LED replacement lamps (e.g., A-lamps, PAR lamps, MR16)
- LED modules and light engines intended for incorporation into luminaires
- Portable and task lighting with integrated LEDs
The standard covers products that operate from mains voltage (120–347 V ac) or from low-voltage DC sources (e.g., 24 V). It does not apply to LED products used in signal, road traffic, or emergency exit lighting unless explicitly referenced. The scope is organized into three performance categories based on application environment: Category A (indoor), Category B (outdoor), and Category C (specialty).
Tip: Category C includes cold-temperature operation, decorative lighting, and other speciality applications. Always verify which category your product falls under before testing.
Technical Requirements
The standard sets minimum performance thresholds and measurement methods for the following key parameters:
Luminous Efficacy
Minimum initial efficacy values are defined for each product category. For example, Category A indoor luminaires must achieve at least 65 lm/W, while Category B outdoor luminaires require at least 95 lm/W. These values are measured in accordance with IES LM-79-19.
Colour Quality
The standard mandates a minimum Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 for most indoor applications, with a higher requirement of 90 for products claiming high colour quality. Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) must be within the 7-step MacAdam ellipse when measured according to ANSI C78.377-2017. Products must also maintain colour consistency within a 4-step MacAdam ellipse for premium grading.
Lumen Maintenance and Lifetime
Lumen maintenance is projected using IES TM-21-11 based on LM-80-15 test data at rated current and temperature. Minimum requirements:
- L70 lifetime ≥ 25,000 hours for Category A
- L70 lifetime ≥ 50,000 hours for Category B
- L90 lifetime ≥ 30,000 hours for products marketed as “long life”
Electrical Performance
Minimum power factor requirements are specified: ≥ 0.90 for Category A indoor luminaires ≥ 25 W, ≥ 0.70 for Category B outdoor luminaires, and ≥ 0.50 for low‑wattage (< 10 W) retrofit lamps. Total harmonic distortion (THD) is limited to 20 % for products above 25 W.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
While CAN/CSA C871-13 focuses on performance, it requires that all submitted products comply with applicable safety standards (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 250.13 for LED luminaires). EMC and susceptibility demands are referenced through CSA CISPR 15 and IEC 61547.
| Parameter | Category A (Indoor) | Category B (Outdoor) | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Efficacy (lm/W) | ≥ 65 | ≥ 95 | IES LM-79-19 |
| Colour Rendering Index (CRI, Ra) | ≥ 80 | ≥ 75 | IES LM-79-19 with CIE 13.3 |
| Colour Consistency (MacAdam) | ≤ 4-step | ≤ 7-step | ANSI C78.377-2017 |
| Minimum L70 Life (hours) | 25,000 | 50,000 | IES LM-80-15 + TM-21-11 |
| Power Factor | ≥ 0.90 (≥ 25 W) | ≥ 0.70 | IES LM-79-19 |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | ≤ 20 % | ≤ 30 % | IEC 61000-3-2 |
Important: Lumen maintenance projections must be performed at the rated test current and at the maximum rated case temperature (Tc). Deviating from these conditions may invalidate the reported lifetime claims.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers wishing to demonstrate compliance with CAN/CSA C871-13 (R2018) should follow these practical steps:
- Product Classification: Determine the appropriate category (indoor, outdoor, or specialty) and verify all electrical ratings (voltage, frequency, wattage).
- Accredited Testing: Engage a laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 for LM-79, LM-80, and safety testing. Ensure the lab holds specific scope for CSA performance standards.
- Data Submission: Provide complete test reports, including photometric distribution, chromaticity coordinates, electrical data, and TM-21 projections.
- Quality Management: Implement a production‑line audit plan that verifies initial sampling and ongoing quality control per CSA C871-13 Annex A.
- Marking and Packaging: Display the CSA performance mark (if certified) along with rated lumens, CCT, CRI, and rated life.
Tip: When designing for Category B outdoor use, pay special attention to thermal management at low ambient temperatures. Passive cooling that works indoors may be insufficient at –30 °C. Use the standard’s thermal design validation guidelines.
Compliance Notes
CAN/CSA C871-13 (R2018) is a normative standard referenced by several provincial energy efficiency regulations, including the British Columbia Energy Efficiency Standards Regulation and Quebec’s Regulation respecting energy efficiency in electrical appliances. While the standard itself is voluntary, compliance becomes mandatory when referenced by such regulatory instruments.
Key compliance considerations:
- The standard does not replace safety requirements; products must still comply with CSA C22.2 No. 250.13 or equivalent.
- The 2018 reaffirmation did not introduce new technical requirements but clarified test condition tolerances and sample selection procedures.
- Products claiming compliance to earlier versions (e.g., CAN/CSA C871-05) are not automatically recognized under the 2018 edition.
- Third‑party certification by a CSA‑accredited body is required for regulatory compliance. Self‑declaration is not accepted in most mandated contexts.
Caution: Some provincial regulations require compliance with the most recent edition. Since the standard was reaffirmed in 2018 without changes, products certified to the 2013 edition are still accepted. However, any new certification must reference the R2018 edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which types of LED products are NOT covered by CAN/CSA C871-13?
A: The standard explicitly excludes LED devices used solely for emergency exit signs, traffic signals, and automotive lighting. It also does not apply to OLED panels or organic SSL products unless the product standard is referenced.
A: The standard explicitly excludes LED devices used solely for emergency exit signs, traffic signals, and automotive lighting. It also does not apply to OLED panels or organic SSL products unless the product standard is referenced.
Q: Is the standard mandatory across Canada?
A: CAN/CSA C871-13 (R2018) is a voluntary nationally recognized standard. It becomes mandatory when adopted into provincial energy efficiency regulations. Currently, British Columbia, Quebec, and Manitoba enforce it for certain product classes.
A: CAN/CSA C871-13 (R2018) is a voluntary nationally recognized standard. It becomes mandatory when adopted into provincial energy efficiency regulations. Currently, British Columbia, Quebec, and Manitoba enforce it for certain product classes.
Q: How does this standard relate to IES LM-79 and LM-80?
A: The standard directly references both. LM-79 is the required test method for all electrical, photometric, and chromaticity measurements. LM-80 and TM-21 are used for lumen maintenance projections. No alternative test methods are accepted.
A: The standard directly references both. LM-79 is the required test method for all electrical, photometric, and chromaticity measurements. LM-80 and TM-21 are used for lumen maintenance projections. No alternative test methods are accepted.
Q: Can I use an ENERGY STAR® rating as equivalency?
A: Not directly. While ENERGY STAR® specifications are harmonized in many areas, CAN/CSA C871-13 contains unique Canadian requirements (e.g., cold‑temperature performance, 347 V operation) that are not covered by the EPA program. Separate testing is usually required.
A: Not directly. While ENERGY STAR® specifications are harmonized in many areas, CAN/CSA C871-13 contains unique Canadian requirements (e.g., cold‑temperature performance, 347 V operation) that are not covered by the EPA program. Separate testing is usually required.