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CAN CSA E60335-2-68-01: Safety Requirements for Commercial Spray Extraction Machines
Technical Overview of Canadian Adoption of IEC 60335-2-68 for Floor Cleaning Equipment
Scope and Application
CAN CSA E60335-2-68-01 is the Canadian adoption of the international standard IEC 60335-2-68, which addresses the safety of electrical spray extraction machines intended for commercial use. These machines are designed to clean floors, carpets, and other surfaces by spraying a cleaning solution and immediately extracting the dirty liquid, all in a single pass. Typical applications include use in hotels, hospitals, offices, shopping malls, and other commercial premises where thorough wet cleaning is required.
The standard applies to machines with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for three-phase appliances. It covers both motor-operated and electrically driven pump-operated machines, including those with integrated heating elements for hot water delivery. The scope explicitly excludes machines intended exclusively for household use, as well as those designed for hazardous locations (e.g., explosive atmospheres) unless specifically permitted by other standards.
Tip: Manufacturers should verify that their spray extraction machine is classified under the ‘commercial’ category based on the intended operating environment and usage patterns. Household machines fall under IEC 60335-2-2 (vacuum cleaners) or other relevant part 2 standards.
Key definitions within the standard include:
- Spray extraction machine: An appliance that delivers a cleaning liquid to the surface and simultaneously extracts the soiled liquid through a suction nozzle.
- Commercial use: Operation by trained personnel in non-household environments, often for extended periods per day.
- Rated pressure: The maximum pressure stated by the manufacturer for the spray pump.
- Wet environment: Conditions where water or cleaning solution may splash or spill during normal operation or maintenance.
Technical Requirements
Electrical Safety and Protection Against Electric Shock
CAN CSA E60335-2-68-01 mandates robust insulation and protection against moisture ingress. All live parts must be protected against accidental contact, and the entire machine must meet IPX4 ingress protection at minimum due to the wet nature of operation. Creepage distances and clearances are specified in accordance with the general standard IEC 60335-1, with additional tightening for machines that operate with conductive cleaning solutions.
Leakage current limits are set at 0.75 mA for portable machines and 3.5 mA for stationary machines under normal operating conditions. Earth leakage current must not exceed the values given in Table 1, and protective earthing must be provided for all Class I constructions.
| Machine Category | Rated Input ≤ 1.5 kW | Rated Input > 1.5 kW |
|---|---|---|
| Portable (Class I) | 0.75 mA | 1.5 mA |
| Stationary (Class I) | 3.5 mA | 5.0 mA |
| Class II (any) | 0.25 mA | |
Mechanical Hazards and Moving Parts
Spray extraction machines often incorporate rotating brushes, pumps, and suction fans. The standard requires that all hazardous moving parts be enclosed or guarded such that they cannot be accessed during normal use or routine cleaning. Guards must withstand a force of 50 N without permanent deformation. Also, the suction mouth must be designed to prevent the user from drawing in fingers or loose clothing — a test using a calibrated test finger is specified.
Warning: Machines with brush mechanisms must include a safety interlock that disconnects power to the brush drive when the operator releases the handle or when the machine is tilted beyond a threshold angle (typically 15°). This prevents injury if the machine overturns or is lifted improperly.
Fluid Handling and Leakage
Given that spray extraction machines use water and sometimes detergents, rigorous tests for liquid spillage and leakage are prescribed. The machine must be capable of withstanding a spill of 0.5 L of water over a period of 1 minute on any external surface without compromising electrical insulation. Additionally, the spray nozzle and pump system must not leak at the rated pressure, and a hydrostatic pressure test at 1.5 times the rated pressure must be passed with no rupture or permanent deformation.
The standard also covers the heating of cleaning liquids: if the machine is equipped with a heater (e.g., for hot water extraction), the maximum temperature of liquid leaving the spray nozzle is limited to 60 °C to prevent scalding. The heater must have a thermal cut-out that operates at 65 °C or lower.
Protection Against Moisture and Cleaning Agents
All electrical components, including the motor, switches, and control boards, must be protected against ingress of water and cleaning solutions. The standard requires that the machine meet IPX4 (splashing water) under normal operation, but if the machine can be rinsed with a hose, IPX5 (water jets) must be satisfied. The test for IPX4 involves splashing the machine from all directions for 10 minutes, after which the dielectric strength must be maintained.
Implementation Highlights
Design for Accessibility and Maintenance
To facilitate compliance with cleaning and hygiene requirements, the standard expects that parts in contact with the cleaning fluid be easily removable or accessible for cleaning. Water tanks must be detachable or have large openings to allow manual cleaning of biofilm and debris. The standard also provides guidance on the materials used for fluid‐carrying parts: they must be resistant to the intended cleaning detergents and not degrade under normal use or when exposed to common disinfectants.
Thermal Protection for Motors and Pumps
The standard requires overcurrent and overtemperature protection for motors and pumps consistent with their duty rating. For intermittently rated motors (e.g., S2, S3), the nameplate must clearly indicate the duty cycle. The standard also mandates a thermal cut-out or overload relay that automatically resets if the motor is expected to restart after cooling, otherwise a manual reset is required.
Best Practice: Use a thermal cut-out with manual reset for spray extraction machines that contain a heater, as this prevents the heater from cycling unexpectedly after a fault, reducing scalding risk. Many recognized certification bodies recommend this approach.
Marking and Instructions
The standard specifies that the machine must be marked with:
- Rated voltage and frequency
- Rated input or current
- Rated spray pressure (if applicable)
- Symbol for protection class
- IP rating (e.g., IPX4)
- Warning: 'Read instruction manual before use'
- Warning: 'Do not use without water in the solution tank' (to protect the pump)
Instructions must include details on proper handling, maintenance (especially cleaning of tanks and nozzles), and the recommended cleaning agents. They must also caution against using the machine in environments where flammable vapors may be present.
Compliance Notes
Certification and Testing
Compliance with CAN CSA E60335-2-68-01 is typically demonstrated through type testing by an accredited third-party laboratory (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, UL). The testing regime includes all clauses of the general standard IEC 60335-1 (as adopted by CSA) plus the specific requirements of Part 2-68. Key tests include:
- Heating test under normal operating conditions
- Leakage current and electric strength tests before and after moisture conditioning
- Mechanical strength test (drop, impact, and guard tests)
- Stability test: machine must not tip over on a 10° incline
- Spray nozzle pressure test
- Pipe and hose endurance test (e.g., 10,000 cycles of flexing for externally connected hoses)
For machines intended for use in Canada, CSA marks or other recognized certification marks are required for sale and installation. The standard is referenced in provincial electrical codes and by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) across Canada.
Differences from the International Edition
CAN CSA E60335-2-68-01 includes national deviations from IEC 60335-2-68:2002, primarily related to Canadian electrical supply voltages (120/240 V, 60 Hz) and grounding requirements. For instance, the requirement that all Class I machines must have a power cord with an attachment plug rated at 15 A or 20 A (NEMA 5-15 or 5-20) for 120 V supply, and that the cord must be of a type suitable for wet locations (SJTW or equivalent). Additionally, the standard aligns with Canadian wiring color codes: green/yellow for ground, black for line, and white for neutral in 120 V configurations.
Important for Export: Machines designed for the Canadian market must comply with these deviations. If the same model is sold globally, separate assessments may be needed because IEC 60335-2-68 does not automatically satisfy the Canadian national requirements.
Risk Assessment and Documentation
Manufacturers are expected to conduct a risk assessment in accordance with ISO 12100 or similar guidance to identify all significant hazards (electrical, mechanical, thermal, fluid pressure, noise, etc.) and to ensure that the safety measures of CAN CSA E60335-2-68-01 adequately address them. The technical file must include the risk assessment results and a justification for any deviations from the standard’s prescriptive requirements. This documentation is essential for certification and for maintaining a continuous compliance program under the Canadian Electrical Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CAN CSA E60335-2-68-01 identical to IEC 60335-2-68?
A: The Canadian standard adopts the international standard with national deviations to reflect Canadian electrical practices (voltage, frequency, cord types, and grounding). While the core safety requirements are the same, manufacturers must review the CSA edition for specific variations in marking, cord requirements, and test conditions. The document number CAN CSA E60335-2-68-01 indicates it is the 2001 edition of the Canadian adoption.
A: The Canadian standard adopts the international standard with national deviations to reflect Canadian electrical practices (voltage, frequency, cord types, and grounding). While the core safety requirements are the same, manufacturers must review the CSA edition for specific variations in marking, cord requirements, and test conditions. The document number CAN CSA E60335-2-68-01 indicates it is the 2001 edition of the Canadian adoption.
Q: Can a spray extraction machine certified to the European EN 60335-2-68 be sold in Canada without changes?
A: Not without review. The European and Canadian editions diverge in power supply parameters (230 V/50 Hz vs. 120 V/60 Hz), cord types, plug configurations, and some IP ingress requirements. An adapter or conversion kit may be required, and recertification to the Canadian standard is typically needed to obtain the CSA mark.
A: Not without review. The European and Canadian editions diverge in power supply parameters (230 V/50 Hz vs. 120 V/60 Hz), cord types, plug configurations, and some IP ingress requirements. An adapter or conversion kit may be required, and recertification to the Canadian standard is typically needed to obtain the CSA mark.
Q: Does the standard cover battery-powered (cordless) spray extraction machines?
A: Yes, the standard applies to cordless machines as well. However, additional requirements from IEC 60335-1 related to battery chargers and battery packs (e.g., Clause 21 for overheating protection) must also be satisfied. The spray extraction specific requirements remain unchanged.
A: Yes, the standard applies to cordless machines as well. However, additional requirements from IEC 60335-1 related to battery chargers and battery packs (e.g., Clause 21 for overheating protection) must also be satisfied. The spray extraction specific requirements remain unchanged.
Q: What is the significance of the ’01’ in the standard number?
A: The ’01’ indicates the year of adoption (2001) by CSA. The standard has likely been reaffirmed or updated since then; users should check the latest revision status from CSA Group. However, the technical content of this specific edition remains the basis for many current certifications unless a newer edition has been officially adopted by Canadian authorities.
A: The ’01’ indicates the year of adoption (2001) by CSA. The standard has likely been reaffirmed or updated since then; users should check the latest revision status from CSA Group. However, the technical content of this specific edition remains the basis for many current certifications unless a newer edition has been officially adopted by Canadian authorities.
Note: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for educational and reference purposes only. For official compliance, refer to the latest version of CAN CSA E60335-2-68 from CSA Group and consult with a qualified certification body.