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CAN/CSA E60335-2-70-06: Safety Requirements for Milking Machines – A Technical Overview
Understanding the Canadian Standard for Electrical Milking Machine Safety and Compliance
CAN/CSA E60335-2-70-06 is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60335-2-70, part of the IEC 60335 series dealing with the safety of household and similar electrical appliances. This particular standard specifies safety requirements for electric milking machines. Designed for the demanding environments of dairy farms, the standard addresses electrical, mechanical, and environmental hazards to protect both operators and animals. This article provides a technical overview of the scope, essential requirements, and compliance pathways for manufacturers seeking CSA certification for milking machine equipment.
Scope of CAN/CSA E60335-2-70-06
The standard applies to electric milking machines intended for use on farms and in agricultural settings. It covers stationary and mobile units, including the milking cluster, pulsator system, milk pipeline, and associated electrical controls. The standard does not apply to machines used in hazardous locations (e.g., explosive atmospheres) or those rated above a certain voltage (typically 250 V for single-phase and 480 V for three-phase, as per the general family of IEC 60335).
Key inclusions in the scope:
- Milking machines with an electric motor or electronic controllers.
- Appliances intended for indoor use only (milking parlors) unless specified otherwise.
- Appliances intended for use by untrained personnel (farm workers).
Technical Requirements
Electrical Safety
- Protection against electric shock: Compliance with Class I or Class II construction is mandatory. All accessible conductive parts must be earthed (Class I) or double insulated (Class II). Leakage current must not exceed 0.75 mA for portable equipment and 3.5 mA for stationary equipment under normal conditions.
- Clearance and creepage distances: Must conform to IEC 60335-1 requirements, with additional margins for wet environments.
- Moisture resistance: IPX4 (splashproof) minimum for all electrical enclosures, with IPX5 (water jet) recommended for parts that are prone to washdown.
Mechanical Safety
- Moving parts: Pulsators, vacuum pumps, and rotary claws must be guarded to prevent accidental contact. Guards shall withstand a force of 50 N without permanent deformation.
- Stability: Milking machines must remain stable on a 10° inclined plane in any direction.
- Vacuum system: Overpressure relief valves or vacuum breakers are required when the pump can exceed 60 kPa below atmospheric pressure.
Environmental and Operational Conditions
- Rated temperature range: 5 °C to 40 °C, with relative humidity up to 95 %.
- Maximum permissible noise: 85 dB(A) for stationary units.
- Controls must be clearly marked with symbols per ISO 7000 or equivalent.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Protection class | Class I or Class II |
| Max. leakage current (stationary) | 3.5 mA |
| Minimum enclosure IP rating | IPX4 |
| Insulation resistance (500 Vdc) | ≥ 1 MΩ |
| Dielectric strength (Class I) | 1250 V for 1 minute (basic insulation) |
| Max. noise level | 85 dB(A) |
| Stability tilt angle | 10° without tipping |
Implementation and Compliance
Tip: When designing the power supply cord, ensure the cord guard is tested to 10 000 cycles of flexing to avoid premature wear on dairy farms where machines are moved daily.
Warning: Do not rely solely on the general IEC 60335-1 temperature limits. Part 2-70 requires that surfaces that may be touched during operation (e.g., milk bucket handles) do not exceed 60 °C under normal operating conditions.
Success: Many CSA-certified milking machines now incorporate redundant earth connections that satisfy both CSA C22.2 No. 0 and the requirements of this standard, simplifying compliance audits.
Danger: The use of unsealed switches or connectors in zones where washdown is common can lead to rapid corrosion and potential electric shock. Always select components with at least IPX4 ingress protection, and prefer IPX5 for washdown areas.
Compliance Notes and Certification
Manufacturers seeking CSA certification for milking machines must follow the requirements of both the general standard (CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60335-1) and this Part 2-70. The Canadian standard includes national deviations, such as specific requirements for supply connections in wet locations and the use of recognized components (e.g., CSA-certified cords and plugs).
- Testing: Samples of each model are subjected to type tests including leakage current, dielectric strength, stability, moisture resistance, and endurance of the pulsator system.
- Marking: Each appliance must be marked with the manufacturer’s name, model number, electrical ratings (V, Hz, A or W), and the CSA certification mark.
- Documentation: Technical files must include a description of the product, circuit diagrams, and a list of critical components. Instruction manuals must be in English and French.
It is important to note that CAN/CSA E60335-2-70-06 is referenced by provincial electrical codes, and its use is mandatory for all milking machines sold in Canada. Revisions are harmonized with IEC editions, but manufacturers should always consult the latest CSA supplement for Canadian-specific modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CAN/CSA E60335-2-70-06 apply to portable milking machines?
A: Yes. The standard covers both stationary and portable units. Portable machines must also meet additional mechanical tests for handling and transport stability, including a drop test from 50 mm onto a hardwood surface.
A: Yes. The standard covers both stationary and portable units. Portable machines must also meet additional mechanical tests for handling and transport stability, including a drop test from 50 mm onto a hardwood surface.
Q: Are there any specific requirements for the pulsator system under this standard?
A: Yes. The pulsator must undergo an endurance test of 200 000 cycles without failure. In addition, the maximum pulsation rate must not exceed 120 cycles per minute to ensure animal comfort, though this requirement is derived from animal welfare guidelines referenced in Annex AA.
A: Yes. The pulsator must undergo an endurance test of 200 000 cycles without failure. In addition, the maximum pulsation rate must not exceed 120 cycles per minute to ensure animal comfort, though this requirement is derived from animal welfare guidelines referenced in Annex AA.
Q: Can I use a general-purpose IEC 60335-1 mark instead of the CSA mark?
A: No. Products sold in Canada must bear the CSA certification mark or an accredited certification body mark recognized by the Standards Council of Canada. The Canadian standard includes additional testing for moisture, line voltage fluctuations (up to ±10 %), and installation requirements that are not covered by the IEC version alone.
A: No. Products sold in Canada must bear the CSA certification mark or an accredited certification body mark recognized by the Standards Council of Canada. The Canadian standard includes additional testing for moisture, line voltage fluctuations (up to ±10 %), and installation requirements that are not covered by the IEC version alone.
Q: What are the consequences of non‑compliance?
A: Non‑compliant milking machines can be denied entry into the Canadian market, subject to recall, and may lead to liability claims. Provincial safety authorities routinely inspect farm equipment, and citations can result in fines up to $100,000 per violation under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.
A: Non‑compliant milking machines can be denied entry into the Canadian market, subject to recall, and may lead to liability claims. Provincial safety authorities routinely inspect farm equipment, and citations can result in fines up to $100,000 per violation under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.