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CAN CSA E60335-2-3-13 (2018): Comprehensive Safety Requirements for Electric Irons in Canada
An in-depth technical overview of the Canadian standard for electric iron safety, covering scope, key requirements, and compliance pathways
1. Scope and Application
CAN CSA E60335-2-3-13 (2018) is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60335-2-3, specifically addressing the safety of electric irons for household and similar purposes. This standard applies to electric irons rated at not more than 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for other appliances. It covers conventional dry irons, steam irons, spray irons, and cordless irons with a separate stand or base unit.
Tip: While the standard closely follows the IEC base document, manufacturers must also consider Canadian deviations, especially those related to temperature limits for accessible surfaces and marking requirements.
The scope includes appliances intended for use in normal household environments as well as in similar settings such as shops, offices, hotels, and light industry. However, it explicitly excludes irons designed exclusively for commercial or industrial laundry applications. Cordless irons that operate from a separate heating base are included, provided the base and iron are tested as a system.
The standard also covers irons that incorporate additional functions such as self-cleaning, anti-drip, or electronic temperature control, as long as the primary function remains ironing of textiles.
2. Technical Requirements
2.1 Construction and Materials
All exposed metal parts that could become live in case of insulation failure must be reliably grounded or double-insulated. The soleplate, if metallic and heated directly by a resistive element, requires particular attention to bonding and insulation. Heating elements must be protected against moisture ingress and mechanical stress during normal use and foreseeable misuse.
Thermal controls (e.g., thermostats, thermal fuses) must be provided to limit the soleplate temperature. The standard specifies a maximum allowable temperature under abnormal conditions to prevent fire or surface damage. For irons with separate bases (cordless types), the electrical connections between the iron and the base must be designed to prevent flashover or short circuits when the iron is removed or replaced.
2.2 Protection Against Electric Shock
Creepage distances and clearances follow the principles of IEC 60335-1. The standard mandates additional requirements for parts that are handled frequently, such as the handle or trigger for steam burst. The handle must not become live if the insulation of internal wiring fails. All user-accessible parts, including the soleplate, must be protected by basic or supplementary insulation and a reliable protective earth connection when metallic.
Warning: Moisture is a key hazard for irons. The standard requires specific protection against water ingress in steam and spray irons. Even during normal operation, steam vents must be designed so that condensation does not cause electrical leakage or short circuits.
2.3 Temperature Limits
Table 1 summarizes the maximum permissible temperatures under normal operation, as per the standard.
| Component / Surface | Maximum Temperature (°C) | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Soleplate (set to maximum) | 220 (except for special fabrics) | Stabilized after 10 min on a cotton cloth |
| Handle (grip area) | 55 (metal), 70 (plastic) | During continuous operation at max setting |
| External surfaces (side, top) | 85 (if touched during normal use) | Measured after 30 min of use |
| Water tank (if accessible) | 60 | During steam operation |
| Base contacts (cordless) | 90 | While iron is parked on base |
The temperatures must be measured under the most adverse voltage conditions (typically 1.06 times the rated voltage) and with all controls set to maximum.
2.4 Mechanical Strength
Irons must withstand a free fall onto a rigid wooden board from a height of 350 mm (or as specified in IEC 60335-1 for handheld appliances). No damage that compromises safety is permitted. The soleplate must not crack or separate, and internal wiring must remain intact. Cordless irons and their base units are individually tested for drop impact.
2.5 Abnormal Operation and Fault Conditions
The standard requires that under any single fault condition (such as blocked steam vent, stuck thermostat, or locked motor if any), the iron shall not emit flames, molten metal, or dangerous amounts of toxic or flammable gas. The temperature of the soleplate is monitored during a stall test where the iron is placed on a soft insulating surface and left energized. The temperature must stabilize or be limited by a thermal cut-out before reaching unsafe levels.
3. Implementation Highlights
3.1 Key Differences from IEC 60335-2-3
CAN CSA E60335-2-3-13 includes Canadian deviations to align with the Canadian Electrical Code and Canadian safety practices. Notable differences include:
- Marking language: Information and warnings must be in both English and French.
- Grounding requirements: More stringent bonding requirements for metal parts, especially in steam‑generating irons.
- Power cord: The cord must be a type suitable for Canadian conditions (e.g., CSA‐certified cord with a NEMA plug).
- Temperature limits: The maximum permissible handle temperature for metal parts is 55 °C, whereas the IEC (Europe) often allows 70 °C for short periods.
Success: Following the Canadian deviations closely from the start of product design significantly reduces the time and cost of CSA certification. Pre-compliance testing against the CSA deviations is highly recommended.
3.2 Documentation and Marking
The user manual and packaging must include safety instructions in both official languages. The rating label must show the rated voltage, frequency, wattage, and the CSA certification mark once approved. Cordless irons must also indicate the base unit model and its electrical ratings.
A technical file must be maintained, containing circuit diagrams, component ratings, thermal test reports, and a rationale for all safety‐relevant decisions. This file is subject to review during factory inspections.
4. Compliance and Certification Notes
4.1 Certification Routes
Compliance with CAN CSA E60335-2-3-13 is typically verified through the CSA Group certification process. The manufacturer submits samples to a recognized laboratory (such as CSA, Intertek, or TÜV SÜD with CSA accreditation). Testing covers all clauses in Part 1 (IEC 60335‑1) as well as the particular requirements of Part 2‑3.
A factory inspection (initial and periodic) is required for ongoing certification. The manufacturer must implement a quality system for production line testing, including dielectric strength and ground continuity checks.
4.2 Common Non‑Conformities
Field experience reveals several recurring issues:
- Inadequate protection against water ingress at the steam button/trigger.
- Excessive soleplate temperature when the iron is placed in the vertical rest position.
- Insufficient creepage distances in cordless base connectors after prolonged use.
Danger: Never bypass a thermal fuse during testing. Even a single test cycle without the primary protection device can lead to a fire hazard. The standard requires that all protective devices function correctly under both normal and abnormal conditions.
4.3 Maintaining Compliance
Once certified, any change to the design, material, or production process that could affect safety must be reported to the certification body. A “controlled deviation” may require re‑testing of specific clauses. Manufacturers are advised to keep a log of all revisions and trigger CSA review for each change.
5. FAQs
Q: Does CAN CSA E60335-2-3-13 (2018) cover steam irons that use pressurized steam?
A: Yes, the standard covers all electric irons, including steam and spray types, as long as the pressure is generated internally without an external boiler. For irons connected to a separate steam generator, the combination is covered by other standards (such as CAN CSA E60335-2-15 for clothing care appliances).
A: Yes, the standard covers all electric irons, including steam and spray types, as long as the pressure is generated internally without an external boiler. For irons connected to a separate steam generator, the combination is covered by other standards (such as CAN CSA E60335-2-15 for clothing care appliances).
Q: Are cordless irons tested differently than corded ones?
A: Cordless irons are tested as a system together with their base station. The base must meet the requirements of IEC 60335-1 for supply connections, and additional tests evaluate the temperature of the base contacts and the risk of electric shock when the iron is lifted off.
A: Cordless irons are tested as a system together with their base station. The base must meet the requirements of IEC 60335-1 for supply connections, and additional tests evaluate the temperature of the base contacts and the risk of electric shock when the iron is lifted off.
Q: What are the main marking requirements under the Canadian deviation?
A: All safety markings and instructions must be provided in both English and French. The rating label must include the CSA certification mark, the manufacturer’s logo, rated voltage, frequency, power rating, and the certification number. The box must also display the model number and date code.
A: All safety markings and instructions must be provided in both English and French. The rating label must include the CSA certification mark, the manufacturer’s logo, rated voltage, frequency, power rating, and the certification number. The box must also display the model number and date code.
Q: Can I self-declare compliance and sell without third-party certification?
A: In Canada, many provinces enforce the CSA standard as part of the electrical safety regulations (e.g., Québec). While self-declaration is possible under some federal market surveillance programs, most retailers and inspectors require a recognized certification mark (CSA, cUL, cETL) to verify compliance. Third-party certification is strongly recommended for market access.
A: In Canada, many provinces enforce the CSA standard as part of the electrical safety regulations (e.g., Québec). While self-declaration is possible under some federal market surveillance programs, most retailers and inspectors require a recognized certification mark (CSA, cUL, cETL) to verify compliance. Third-party certification is strongly recommended for market access.
Article prepared for informational purposes. Latest revision includes updates from 2026 references. Always consult the official CAN CSA E60335-2-3-13 (2018) document and the current Canadian Electrical Code for complete legal requirements.
Footnotes: All temperature values cited in Table 1 are based on the typical limits in the standard. For exact values under specific test conditions, refer to the full text of CAN CSA E60335-2-3-13 (2018).
Year: 2026