Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
CAN/CSA E922-98 – Auxiliary Contactors and Contactor Relays for Household and Similar Purposes: Technical Requirements and Compliance
A comprehensive review of the Canadian national adoption of IEC 60922, covering rated characteristics, electromechanical performance, and conformity assessment
Scope and Application
CAN/CSA E922-98 is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60922, titled Auxiliary contactors and contactor relays for household and similar purposes. This standard applies to auxiliary contactors and contactor relays intended for use in household, commercial, and light industrial installations, with a rated voltage not exceeding 1 000 V a.c. or 1 500 V d.c. and a rated current up to 63 A. Devices covered by this standard are primarily used for control, signal transmission, and switching of auxiliary circuits in electrical installations and equipment.
The standard establishes uniform safety and performance requirements for components that do not directly control loads above the specified rating but are essential in control circuits, such as those found in motor starters, automatic transfer switches, and building automation systems. It also covers the associated electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) aspects for industrial and residential environments.
Tip: In Canada, CAN/CSA E922-98 is considered a harmonized standard with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I. Devices certified to this standard are accepted for use in installations under the Code.
Technical Requirements
Rated Characteristics and Utilization Categories
CAN/CSA E922-98 defines rated operational current (Ie), rated insulation voltage (Ui), and rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp) for each device. The standard specifies several utilization categories, the most common being:
| Category | Typical Application | Example Load |
|---|---|---|
| AC-12 | Control of resistive loads and solid-state loads with optocouplers | Resistive heaters, indicator lamps |
| AC-14 | Control of small electromagnetic loads ≤ 72 VA | Small contactors, relays |
| AC-15 | Control of electromagnetic loads > 72 VA | Large contactors, solenoid valves |
| DC-12 | Control of resistive loads in DC circuits | Resistive loads |
| DC-13 | Control of electromagnets and clutches | DC operated brakes |
Insulation Coordination and Dielectric Tests
The standard requires devices to withstand specified dielectric test voltages and impulse voltages depending on the rated insulation voltage and the expected overvoltage category (II, III, or IV). Clearances and creepage distances must comply with pollution degree 2 or 3, as applicable. Routine dielectric tests at 2 Ui + 1 000 V (minimum 1 500 V) are mandatory for production units, while type tests also include impulse voltage tests up to 6 kV.
Operation Performance and Endurance
Mechanical endurance is verified through 106 operations for standard auxiliary contactors, with electrical endurance depending on utilization category. The temperature rise of terminals and external parts must not exceed the limits defined in the standard (typically 65 K above ambient for metal parts). Thermal tests are performed at rated current after steady-state conditions are reached.
Warning: Devices with rated current above 16 A may require additional cooling or derating when installed in enclosures. Always check the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
EMC and Environmental Conditions
CAN/CSA E922-98 references IEC 60947-1 for EMC immunity and emission limits. Devices must meet the relevant levels for electrostatic discharge, radiated and conducted radio-frequency disturbances, and fast transient bursts. The standard also specifies operating temperature range (normally –25 °C to +55 °C) and humidity conditions (up to 95 % RH).
Implementation Highlights
Design and Construction
Manufacturers shall ensure creepage distances between live parts and between live parts and accessible metal parts are not less than the values specified in Table 5 of the standard (based on Ui and pollution degree). For example, at 250 V AC and pollution degree 2, the minimum creepage distance is 3 mm. Marking must include rated voltage, rated current (or kW/HP), utilization category, and the certification body’s mark if tested by a recognized third party.
Testing and Certification
Type tests include dielectric withstand, temperature rise, making and breaking capacity, mechanical and electrical endurance, and verifying the validity of the rated characteristics. Routine tests are performed on every device produced and consist of a high-voltage withstand test, verification of wiring and marking, and functional check.
Best Practice: When designing for the Canadian market, submit your product for testing to a Standards Council of Canada (SCC) accredited laboratory. This ensures your certificate will be recognized by provincial authorities across Canada.
Key Differences from IEC 60922
Although CAN/CSA E922-98 is technically equivalent to IEC 60922, it includes Canadian-specific modifications such as: a) Clarification of acceptable marking for the Canadian market (both French and English) b) Reference to CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 0 (General Requirements) for basic safety c) Revised pollution degree definitions for Canadian environmental conditions. Manufacturers exporting to other countries should verify national deviations.
Compliance Notes
Compliance with CAN/CSA E922-98 is typically mandatory under provincial electrical safety acts when the product is sold or installed in Canada. Certification by an SCC-accredited body (e.g., CSA Group, UL Canada, Intertek) is required for most sales channels. Audits typically include quarterly retesting of samples from production lines.
Important: Using components that are not certified to CAN/CSA E922-98 in a control panel may invalidate the entire panel’s CSA approval. Always specify certified auxiliary contactors for Canadian projects.
Retention of technical documentation: The manufacturer must retain test reports, design calculations, and quality records for at least 10 years after production of the last unit. These must be available to the certification body upon request. The standard also requires traceability through serial numbers or date codes.
It is recommended to review the latest edition of the standard (currently CAN/CSA E922-01 (R2021) for new designs) to ensure alignment with the most recent safety requirements. However, CAN/CSA E922-98 is still referenced in some legacy installations and replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CAN/CSA E922-98 and the later edition CAN/CSA E922-01?
A: The 2001 edition introduced updated references to IEC 60947-1 and a more rigorous EMC test setup. From a technical requirement standpoint, the main changes were in the impulse voltage test levels and the addition of requirements for contactors with integrated solid-state devices. However, many components certified to the 1998 edition are still acceptable for replacement purposes.
A: The 2001 edition introduced updated references to IEC 60947-1 and a more rigorous EMC test setup. From a technical requirement standpoint, the main changes were in the impulse voltage test levels and the addition of requirements for contactors with integrated solid-state devices. However, many components certified to the 1998 edition are still acceptable for replacement purposes.
Q: Are devices certified under CAN/CSA E922-98 acceptable in the United States?
A: No, the US uses UL 508 for industrial control equipment. However, if the device is also certified to UL 508, it can be used in both countries. Some dual‑listed products are available that carry both CSA and UL marks.
A: No, the US uses UL 508 for industrial control equipment. However, if the device is also certified to UL 508, it can be used in both countries. Some dual‑listed products are available that carry both CSA and UL marks.
Q: Do I need to test every variant (e.g., different coil voltages)?
A: According to the standard, only the most onerous variant in each family needs to undergo full type tests. However, you must ensure that all variants meet the same critical insulation distances and thermal limits. The certification body will review the family logic to minimize redundant testing.
A: According to the standard, only the most onerous variant in each family needs to undergo full type tests. However, you must ensure that all variants meet the same critical insulation distances and thermal limits. The certification body will review the family logic to minimize redundant testing.
Q: What are the marking requirements for a device certified to this standard?
A: The marking must include the manufacturer’s name or trademark, model designation, rated operational current and voltage, utilization category, and the certification mark (e.g., CSA seal). Canadian regulations also require bilingual safety instructions if the product is intended for consumer installation (French/English).
A: The marking must include the manufacturer’s name or trademark, model designation, rated operational current and voltage, utilization category, and the certification mark (e.g., CSA seal). Canadian regulations also require bilingual safety instructions if the product is intended for consumer installation (French/English).
© 2026 – This article is for informational purposes only. Always refer to the official published standard for full compliance requirements.