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CSA C22.2 No. 102-1958 (2017) — Cartridge Fuses and Fuseholders: Technical Requirements and Compliance
A comprehensive overview of the Canadian standard for low-voltage cartridge fuses and fuseholders up to 600 V
CSA C22.2 No. 102-1958 (2017) is a mature standard within the Canadian Electrical Code framework, governing the design, construction, and performance of cartridge fuses and fuseholders intended for use on systems rated 600 V or less. Originally published in 1958, it has been periodically reaffirmed—most recently in 2017—to maintain alignment with evolving safety and reliability expectations. As of 2026, this standard remains a cornerstone for overcurrent protection in Canada, often referenced alongside equivalent U.S. standards such as UL 4248.
Scope
The standard applies to non-renewable cartridge fuses and mating fuseholders designed for ac and/or dc circuits with a maximum rated voltage of 600 V (700 V for certain dc applications) and a maximum current rating typically up to 600 A. It covers:
- Enclosed, plug-in, and bolted-type cartridge fuse constructions
- Fuseholders intended for panel, switchboard, or equipment mounting
- Fuses for branch circuit and supplementary overcurrent protection
- Accessories such as fuse clips, pullers, and fuse reducers
Not included are fuses for current-limiting purposes covered by other CSA C22.2 parts (e.g., No. 59 for Class J, No. 110 for Class L), though many of those classes also reference No. 102 for general construction parameters.
Technical Requirements
General Construction
All fuse and fuseholder components, including casings, contacts, terminals, and insulating materials, must be robustly manufactured to withstand rated operating conditions, handling, and environmental influences. Molded insulating parts must resist abnormal heat, moisture, and tracking. Fuseholders must provide secure engagement without exposing live parts in normal service.
Rated Parameters
| Fuse Class | Voltage (Vac/Vdc) | Current Range (A) | Interrupting Rating (kA RMS Sym.) | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H (Non-renewable) | 250 / 125 | 1–600 | 10 | Yes |
| K (High-interrupting) | 250 / 125 | 1–600 | 50–100 | No |
| J (Class J) | 600 / 300 | 1–600 | 200 | No |
| CC (Class CC) | 600 / 600 | 0.5–30 | 200 | No |
| T (Class T) | 300 / 300 | 1–600 | 200 | No |
Performance Testing
To qualify, each fuse type must endure a defined sequence of routine, type, and special tests. Key requirements:
- Overload endurance: The fuse must carry 100% of rated current continuously and conduct 110% for a specified time without deterioration.
- Overcurrent rupturing: The fuse must interrupt a low-energized fault (e.g., 200% to 300% of rating) and a maximum short-circuit current equal to its interrupting rating.
- Temperature rise: At rated current, the temperature rise of fuseholder terminals must not exceed 30 K above ambient under still air conditions.
- Insulation withstand: Fuseholders must pass a dielectric test of twice rated voltage plus 1000 V, and an impulse test for installations rated above 300 V.
- Heat-aging and humidity cycling: After accelerated aging, the fuse must still meet maximum voltage-drop limits.
Implementation Highlights
While CSA C22.2 No. 102 shares many principles with ANSI/UL 4248, there are nuances:
Tip: When designing equipment that must be certified to both Canadian and U.S. standards, engineers often leverage the CSA–UL harmonization matrix. Many CSA-certified fuses listed under No. 102 also carry UL listing via CTDP (Component Testing Designated Program).
For fuseholders, the standard requires blown-fuse indication for fuse classes where it is specified (e.g., Class J, CC). The indication can be visual (color indicators on the fuse) or mechanical (drop-out fuseholder). This differs slightly from the U.S. approach where indication is optional.
Warning: Reaffirmed standards like CSA C22.2 No. 102-1958 (2017) do not incorporate the technical changes introduced in later editions of the base document. Always verify with the certification body whether the 1958 edition or a later edition (e.g., No. 102-13) is invoked in the product safety standard you are following.
Another highlight is the standard’s acceptance of renewable fuses (Class H only). These allow replacement of the fusible element, reducing life-cycle costs but requiring operator training. In modern Canadian installations, non-renewable fuses are prevalent, but the standard retains provisions for the renewable type for legacy equipment.
Compliance Benefit: Adherence to CSA C22.2 No. 102 ensures that fuses and fuseholders meet uniform requirements for fire safety, thermal behavior, and consistent overload discrimination, simplifying approval for both OEMs and end-users.
Compliance Notes
Products intended for installation in Canada must be certified by a recognized certification body (e.g., CSA, QAI, Intertek). The certification process involves:
- Submittal of drawings and ratings — including materials list, fuse element design, and component ratings.
- Witnessed production sample testing — at the manufacturer’s facility or an independent lab.
- Factory inspection — to confirm consistency of materials and assembly.
- Follow-up surveillance — annual or quarterly audits with product re-testing.
For fuseholders, the standard requires that the holder be marked with the catalog number, voltage rating, current rating, and the CSA marking. Fuses themselves must be marked with the class designation, current rating, voltage rating, interrupting rating, and the CSA monogram.
DANGER: Never replace a fuse with one of a higher current rating or a different class than specified by the panel or equipment manufacturer. Using an unauthorized fuse can lead to inadequate fault clearing, catastrophic arcing, and risk of fire or explosion.
When a new edition of CSA C22.2 No. 102 is published (the latest full revision is CSA C22.2 No. 102-13), manufacturers may transition their certifications. However, the 1958 edition remains acceptable for products that were certified before 2013, as long as the product’s safety characteristics have not been degraded by design changes. Engineers should always check the effective date listed in the applicable Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code Part I) to determine which edition is currently referenced for new installations.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between CSA C22.2 No. 102-1958 (2017) and CSA C22.2 No. 102-13?
A: The 2017 reaffirmation retains the technical content of the 1958 edition unchanged, while the 2013 edition contains major updates including new fuse classes, modified temperature rise limits, and harmonized marking requirements with North American norms. Always refer to the edition required by your applicable CE Code edition.
A: The 2017 reaffirmation retains the technical content of the 1958 edition unchanged, while the 2013 edition contains major updates including new fuse classes, modified temperature rise limits, and harmonized marking requirements with North American norms. Always refer to the edition required by your applicable CE Code edition.
Q: Are fuses certified to this standard automatically acceptable in the U.S.?
A: Not automatically. While many products carry both CSA and UL marks, CSA C22.2 No. 102 is not directly equivalent to UL 4248. Bilateral agreements (e.g., CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 0) allow recognized labs to issue dual certifications, but these must be expressly requested.
A: Not automatically. While many products carry both CSA and UL marks, CSA C22.2 No. 102 is not directly equivalent to UL 4248. Bilateral agreements (e.g., CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 0) allow recognized labs to issue dual certifications, but these must be expressly requested.
Q: Can I use a fuse certified to this standard in a dc circuit?
A: Yes, provided the fuse is rated for dc voltage and interrupting capacity. The standard includes tests for dc conditions; however, dc ratings are often lower than ac ratings for the same fuse. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the specific dc rating.
A: Yes, provided the fuse is rated for dc voltage and interrupting capacity. The standard includes tests for dc conditions; however, dc ratings are often lower than ac ratings for the same fuse. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the specific dc rating.
Q: Does the standard require the use of locking-type fuseholders?
A: Only for Class CC and Class J fuses (and certain Class T holders above 200 A) where rejection features are mandated to prevent incorrect fuse replacement. For other classes, a general call for a “secure, non-interchangeable” design applies.
A: Only for Class CC and Class J fuses (and certain Class T holders above 200 A) where rejection features are mandated to prevent incorrect fuse replacement. For other classes, a general call for a “secure, non-interchangeable” design applies.
As of 2026, understanding, implementing, and maintaining compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 102-1958 (2017) remains a critical part of designing safe, code-compliant electrical distribution equipment in Canada. This standard’s longevity attests to its robustness, but engineers should stay informed about newer editions and always confirm the version accepted by their local authority having jurisdiction.