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CAN/CSA E968-99 (2018): Ensuring Safety of Electric Toys in Canada
Technical Overview of the Canadian Adoption of IEC 62115 for Electric Toy Safety
Scope of CAN/CSA E968-99 (2018)
CAN/CSA E968-99 (2018) is a National Standard of Canada that adopts IEC 62115 (Electric Toys – Safety) with national deviations. It specifies safety requirements for electric toys designed for children aged 0–14 years. The standard covers any toy that incorporates an electrical function, including toys powered by batteries, transformers, or mains adapters, as long as the rated voltage does not exceed 24 V AC or DC. It also applies to transformers and battery chargers supplied with toys. The standard does not cover toys intended solely for adults, nor does it address general mechanical or chemical hazards beyond those related to electrical construction and operation.
Category E designates this standard as part of the Canadian Electrical Code framework, ensuring harmonization with other CSA electrical safety standards. Manufacturers, importers, and certifiers use this document to evaluate the safety of electric toys before they enter the Canadian market.
Technical Requirements
Construction and Design
All electric toys must be constructed to minimize risk of electric shock, mechanical hazards, excessive heating, and fire. Key construction requirements include:
- Enclosures: No sharp edges, corners, or accessible live parts. For toys intended for children under 3 years, enclosures must resist breakage and small parts generation.
- Supply connections: Battery compartments must be protected against incorrect polarity. Mains adapters must comply with CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1 or equivalent.
- Wiring: Internal wiring must be adequately insulated and routed to avoid chafing. Minimum cross-sectional area for power cables is 0.5 mm².
Electrical Testing
Each toy must undergo a series of type tests. Table 1 summarizes mandatory electrical tests and acceptance criteria.
| Test | Condition | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength | Basic insulation: 1500 V AC for 1 min | No flashover or breakdown |
| Touch Current | Normal operation, worst-case supply | ≤ 0.5 mA (peak) for accessible conductive parts |
| Ground Bond | Where protective earth provided | Resistance ≤ 0.1 Ω for Class I products |
| Short Circuit & Overload | Abnormal operation (blocked motor, output short) | No fire, no risk of electric shock. Temperature < limit values |
Thermal and Mechanical Safety
Temperature rise is measured under normal and abnormal conditions. Maximum permissible temperature rises (ambient 25°C) are:
- Metal surfaces: 30 K
- Plastic surfaces: 50 K
- Winding insulation: (Class A) 75 K, (Class B) 95 K
Mechanical tests include drop tests (1 m height) and torque/impact tests on accessible components to ensure no hazardous live parts become exposed.
WARNING: Non‑compliance with CAN/CSA E968‑99 can lead to product recalls, legal penalties, and serious injury to children. Always perform full type testing before launch.
Implementation and Certification
Design Phase Integration
Manufacturers should integrate the standard’s requirements from the concept stage. Using certified components (e.g., CSA‑approved adapters) reduces the final testing burden.
Third‑Party Testing
Most retailers and provincial regulators require a test report from a recognized lab (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, TÜV). The report must demonstrate conformity to all clauses of the standard. A summary test report with clear pass/fail decisions is mandatory.
TIP: Engage a certification body early. Pre‑compliance testing during prototyping can cut time‑to‑market by 40 %.
Compliance and Market Access
While CAN/CSA E968‑99 is not a regulation in itself, it is referenced by Health Canada’s Hazardous Products Act and by the provincial Electrical Safety Authorities. Toys that bear the CSA mark (or recognized equivalent) gain faster market acceptance. Non‑compliance can result in seizure and fines.
The 2018 reaffirmation introduced editorial updates for alignment with the latest IEC 62115 edition and clarified requirements for battery‑powered toys intended for children under 36 months.
SUCCESS: A product compliant with CAN/CSA E968‑99 is well positioned for the Canadian market. The CSA mark signals quality and child safety.
DANGER: Failure to meet the standard’s temperature rise or insulation requirements can lead to fire, electric shock, and severe liability claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly does CAN/CSA E968-99 (2018) cover?
A: It covers safety requirements for electric toys with rated voltage ≤ 24 V, including battery‑operated and mains‑powered toys (with adapters). It excludes toys exclusively for adults and non‑electrical hazards.
A: It covers safety requirements for electric toys with rated voltage ≤ 24 V, including battery‑operated and mains‑powered toys (with adapters). It excludes toys exclusively for adults and non‑electrical hazards.
Q: How does this Canadian standard differ from the international IEC 62115?
A: The technical requirements are largely harmonized. National differences concern plug types (North American configuration), power cord requirements (CSA C22.2), and mandatory inclusion of bilingual safety marking. The national deviations are documented in the front matter of the CSA publication.
A: The technical requirements are largely harmonized. National differences concern plug types (North American configuration), power cord requirements (CSA C22.2), and mandatory inclusion of bilingual safety marking. The national deviations are documented in the front matter of the CSA publication.
Q: Is certification mandatory to sell electric toys in Canada?
A: While not a federal mandatory mark, provincial electrical codes and retail chains often require compliance to CAN/CSA E968‑99. Practical market access demands third‑party certification.
A: While not a federal mandatory mark, provincial electrical codes and retail chains often require compliance to CAN/CSA E968‑99. Practical market access demands third‑party certification.
Q: What are the main changes in the 2018 reaffirmation compared to the 1999 edition?
A: The 2018 edition incorporates amendments up to IEC 62115:2011 and clarifies requirements for small batteries, button cell retention, and temperature limits for toys intended for children under 3 years.
A: The 2018 edition incorporates amendments up to IEC 62115:2011 and clarifies requirements for small batteries, button cell retention, and temperature limits for toys intended for children under 3 years.
Last updated: 2026