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Comprehensive Guide to CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019): Safety Requirements for Washing Machines
Understanding the Canadian Standard for Household Washing Machine Safety and Compliance
CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019) is the Canadian Standards Association’s adoption of IEC 60335-2-7, covering the safety of electric washing machines and similar appliances. This standard applies to household washing machines, including combined washer-dryers and spin extractors, with rated voltages up to 250 V for single-phase and 480 V for three-phase units. It sets mandatory requirements to protect users against electrical shock, mechanical hazards, fire, and thermal risks. This article provides a structured overview of the standard’s scope, technical stipulations, implementation guidance, and compliance pathways for manufacturers, test engineers, and safety assessors.
1. Scope and Application
1.1 Appliances Covered
CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019) applies to:
- Household electric washing machines and washer-dryers
- Spin extractors intended for household use
- Commercial washing machines that are within the scope of household safety requirements
- Appliances that incorporate heating elements for drying
1.2 Exclusions
The standard does not cover:
- Industrial or commercial appliances designed exclusively for professional use
- Washing machines intended for use in hazardous environments
- Appliances that rely on solvents other than water
Tip: CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019) is a part of the IEC 60335 series, but includes Canadian deviations for supply cord types, ambient temperature ranges, and marking languages (English and French).
2. Technical Requirements and Key Provisions
2.1 Protection Against Electrical Shock
The standard mandates reinforced insulation or protective earthing for accessible conductive parts. Creepage and clearance distances follow the general part of CSA E60335-1, with specific modifications for washing machine environments where moisture and detergent residues lower insulation resistance. Leakage current limits are set to 0.75 mA for portable appliances and 3.5 mA for stationary units under normal operating conditions.
2.2 Mechanical Hazards
Spin extractors and washing machine drums must incorporate interlocks that prevent access to moving parts while the drum rotates at speeds above 60 r/min. The interlock must de‑energize the drive motor within 1.5 s after opening the lid. Additionally, an emergency stop mechanism must be provided for appliances with a drum volume greater than 30 L.
2.3 Temperature Limits for Surfaces and Components
Temperature rises during normal operation are strictly limited. The following table summarizes maximum permissible temperature rises for key components (tested at an ambient temperature of 23 °C):
| Component / Location | Maximum Temperature Rise (K) |
|---|---|
| External surfaces (handles, knobs) | 30 K |
| Enclosure metal surfaces | 40 K |
| Power supply cord insulation | 10 K |
| Motor windings (class B insulation) | 60 K |
| Heating elements (during drying cycle) | 85 K |
| Drain pump housing | 35 K |
These values are derived from tests carried out under the most unfavorable supply voltage variation (0.94 × Vrated to 1.06 × Vrated).
2.4 Overload and Abnormal Operation
CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019) requires that the appliance withstand locked‑rotor tests of the drive motor, tests with blocked drain or fill hoses, and a 24‑hour endurance test under overloaded drum capacity (1.2 times the rated dry‑load). The protection devices (thermal cut‑outs, fuses, or electronic controls) must prevent fire or electric shock during these conditions.
2.5 Structural and Marking Requirements
All markings must be durable, in English and French, and include:
- Rated voltage and frequency
- Rated power input (for heating and motor separately)
- Maximum dry‑load capacity in kilograms
- Water supply pressure range
- Wiring diagram reference for service personnel
Warning: Manufacturers must ensure that the appliance’s water connection can withstand at least 1.5 MPa (static pressure) to satisfy CSA plumbing safety requirements. Hoses must be marked with the date of manufacture.
3. Implementation and Testing Highlights
3.1 Test Sequence and Conditions
Testing according to CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019) is performed in a controlled environment (20 °C ± 5 °C, relative humidity 20 %–80 %). The appliance is operated on a complete wash cycle using a standard cotton load (8 kg or as specified by the manufacturer) with water hardness of 0 ppm and detergent added at the maximum recommended dose.
3.2 Critical Inspection Points
- Stability: The appliance must not tilt more than 15° when loaded and subjected to a horizontal force of 250 N applied at the highest point.
- Interlock reliability: After 10,000 cycles of opening/closing the door, the interlock must still interrupt power to the motor within 1.5 s.
- Resistance to moisture: The appliance is subjected to a spillage test (0.5 L of water poured over the console) and a three‑hour high‑humidity exposure (93 % RH at 40 °C).
Good practice: Integrate the interlock test early in the design phase. Using a reed switch with a redundant transistor circuit can help achieve the required reliability while minimizing wear.
4. Compliance, Certification, and Market Access
4.1 The CSA Certification Process
To certify a washing machine to CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019), manufacturers typically engage a third‑party testing laboratory accredited by SCC (Standards Council of Canada). The process includes:
- Documentation review (user manual, electrical schematics, component certificates)
- Full type testing (clauses 6 to 32 of CSA E60335-1 plus part 2 deviations)
- Factory inspection for production line testing and quality management
- Periodic verification (e.g., bi‑annual witness testing)
4.2 Regional Adaptations
Canada uses a 120/240 V split‑phase system; therefore, the standard includes requirements for neutral switching and branch circuit protection that differ from the European CENELEC version. Power supply cords must be of type SJT, SJTW, or equivalent with a minimum length of 1.5 m and a maximum length of 3 m.
Important: Non‑compliance with CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019) can result in product recall by Health Canada, denial of electrical safety authorization in provinces, and liability risks. Ensure your technical file covers all Canadian deviations.
4.3 Relation to Other Standards
CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019) is harmonized with IEC 60335-2-7:2002/A2:2008, but includes additional clauses for:
- Cold water inlet testing at 0.7 MPa minimum (IEC requires only 0.3 MPa)
- Bilingual alert symbols on the control panel
- Specific requirements for combined washer‑dryers (Clause 22 and Annex AA)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019) cover commercial washing machines used in laundromats?
A: No. The standard is restricted to household and similar use. Commercial appliances (large drum, > 50 L capacity) fall under CSA C22.2 No. 154 or other applicable safety standards for commercial equipment.
A: No. The standard is restricted to household and similar use. Commercial appliances (large drum, > 50 L capacity) fall under CSA C22.2 No. 154 or other applicable safety standards for commercial equipment.
Q: Can a design certified to the IEC 60335-2-7 be sold in Canada without additional testing?
A: Not directly. The Canadian version includes additional markings, water pressure tests, and cord type requirements. A certification body must review the differences and may require limited supplementary testing to close the gap.
A: Not directly. The Canadian version includes additional markings, water pressure tests, and cord type requirements. A certification body must review the differences and may require limited supplementary testing to close the gap.
Q: What is the maximum allowed leakage current for a stationary washing machine under this standard?
A: The maximum leakage current is 3.5 mA for stationary appliances and 0.75 mA for portable units, measured at rated voltage and with the heating elements on if present.
A: The maximum leakage current is 3.5 mA for stationary appliances and 0.75 mA for portable units, measured at rated voltage and with the heating elements on if present.
Q: Are there special requirements for detergent dispensers or electronic control boards?
A: Yes. The standard requires that electronic controls automatically reset after a power interruption if they were in a heating or spinning phase. Detergent dispensers must withstand a creepage test with a 0.1 % NaCl solution simulating detergent residue.
A: Yes. The standard requires that electronic controls automatically reset after a power interruption if they were in a heating or spinning phase. Detergent dispensers must withstand a creepage test with a 0.1 % NaCl solution simulating detergent residue.
© 2026 – This article was prepared for technical reference purposes. Always refer to the most current version of CSA E60335-2-7-13 (2019) and consult with a certified testing laboratory for verification.