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CSA C22.2 No. 1335.2.9-93 (R2013) — Safety Requirements for Toasters, Grills, Roasters and Similar Appliances
Understanding the Scope, Technical Specifications, and Compliance Pathways for This Canadian Electrical Standard
CSA C22.2 No. 1335.2.9-93 (R2013) is a nationally adopted standard under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II (C22.2 series). It specifies safety requirements for electric toasters, grills, roasters, and similar portable appliances intended for household use. Part of the larger CSA C22.2 No. 1335 series that adopts IEC 60335 (Safety of household and similar electrical appliances), this standard focuses on the particular hazards and performance criteria for appliances that generate heat for cooking or warming food. First published in 1993 and reaffirmed in 2013, it continues to serve as the benchmark for product certification in Canada.
Scope and Object
The standard applies to electric toasters, waffle irons, portable grills, roasters, and similar appliances designed for household use, with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase appliances. It covers both cord-connected and permanently installed units, as well as appliances that may be used in commercial locations when specifically covered by the scope. The object of CSA C22.2 No. 1335.2.9 is to ensure a high level of safety against electric shock, mechanical hazards, fire, and excessive temperatures under normal and abnormal operating conditions.
Appliances within the scope include, but are not limited to:
- Rotary and pop-up toasters
- Waffle irons and sandwich makers
- Portable electric grills (open or contact type)
- Table-top roasters
- Portable ovens with similar heating functions
The standard does not apply to appliances designed exclusively for commercial or industrial use, appliances intended to be built into furniture, or appliances that rely on open flames or combustible fuels.
Key Technical Requirements
Protection Against Electric Shock
Construction must ensure that live parts are inaccessible even after the removal of user-accessible parts. Enclosures must meet minimum ingress protection (IP) ratings appropriate for the environment, and clearances and creepage distances must comply with the values specified in the standard. For cord-connected appliances, the supply cord must be of a suitable type (e.g., PVC or rubber insulated) and include a grounding conductor for Class I appliances.
Tip: For double-insulated (Class II) appliances, ensure that no metal parts become live if the basic insulation fails. Design must use reinforced insulation or two independent layers of insulation between live parts and accessible surfaces.
Temperature Limits and Abnormal Operation
The standard imposes strict temperature limits for accessible parts, internal components, and surrounding surfaces during normal operation. Table 1 summarizes the maximum allowable temperature rises for key locations, as measured under the hottest normal operating conditions at an ambient temperature of 25 °C.
| Location / Component | Maximum Temperature Rise (K) |
|---|---|
| Accessible external surfaces (handles, knobs) | 60 |
| External surfaces not routinely touched | 85 |
| Supply cord (inner conductors) | 50 |
| Internal wiring insulation | 60 |
| Capacitors and other internal components | As per component rating |
During abnormal operation tests (e.g., thermostat failure, motor locked-rotor, or blocked ventilation), the appliance must not emit flames, molten metal, or hazardous quantities of smoke. The temperature rise of accessible parts may be higher but must not exceed values that would cause ignition of surrounding materials or injury to the user.
Watch out for: In grills and roasters, grease accumulation can lead to fire hazards. The standard requires that the appliance design minimizes the risk of grease ignition. Test probes simulating a worst-case grease spill must be performed, and any self-cleaning cycles must be thoroughly evaluated.
Mechanical Strength and Stability
Appliances must withstand reasonable mechanical abuse. Impact tests using a spring-operated hammer (0.5 J to 1.0 J depending on part) are applied to enclosures and control panels. Tilting stability is tested by placing the appliance on a plane inclined at 15°, and applying a horizontal force. A toaster or grill must not tip over during normal use when bread or food items are inserted or removed.
Marking and Instructions
Every appliance must be permanently marked with:
- Manufacturer’s name, trademark, or identification
- Model or type reference
- Rated voltage, frequency, and power input
- Symbols for safety (e.g., caution hot surface, read instructions)
- For Class II appliances, the double-insulation symbol (square within square)
User instructions must include warnings against misuse, cleaning instructions, and a clear statement that the appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced capabilities unless supervised. Instructions must be in English and French for the Canadian market.
Implementation and Compliance Considerations
Testing and Certification
Manufacturers seeking certification to CSA C22.2 No. 1335.2.9-93 (R2013) must submit samples to an accredited testing laboratory (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, or UL). Testing typically includes all clauses of the standard and may take 8–16 weeks depending on the complexity of the appliance. A complete technical dossier, including schematics, bill of materials, and critical component ratings, must be provided.
Differences from IEC 60335-2-9
While CSA C22.2 No. 1335.2.9 largely adopts IEC 60335-2-9, Canadian deviations exist, notably:
- Voltage ratings and plug configurations (Canadian requirements for 120 V / 15 A)
- Bilingual marking and instruction requirements
- Specific clearance and creepage distances based on Canadian Electrical Code
- Exception for supply cord length (minimum 0.5 m for portable appliances)
Compliance advantage: By using IEC-based standards, manufacturers can often test to IEC 60335-2-9 and apply Canadian deviations as a delta program, reducing duplication of testing when entering markets that accept the IEC standard.
Common Non-Compliances
Based on certification body reports, the most frequent failures include:
- Excessive temperatures on user-grasped areas (handles >60 K rise)
- Inadequate grease containment leading to fire risk during grill testing
- Lack of a thermal cut-out or inadequate fuse performance
- Mechanical instability when assembled with heaviest recommended load
Critical failure example: In one case, a toaster lacked a safety interlock that would cut power when the crumb tray was removed. The interlock was required because live parts could become exposed during cleaning. The design had to be revised to add a micro-switch that disconnects the heating elements when the tray is opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 1335.2.9-93 (R2013) apply to commercial toasters used in restaurants?
A: The scope primarily covers household appliances. Commercial toasters may be covered by other standards such as CSA C22.2 No. 64 (Commercial cooking appliances) or UL 197 (Commercial electric cooking appliances). However, if the appliance is marketed as both household and light commercial, it should meet the household standard as a minimum. Check with the certification body for specific scope interpretation.
A: The scope primarily covers household appliances. Commercial toasters may be covered by other standards such as CSA C22.2 No. 64 (Commercial cooking appliances) or UL 197 (Commercial electric cooking appliances). However, if the appliance is marketed as both household and light commercial, it should meet the household standard as a minimum. Check with the certification body for specific scope interpretation.
Q: What is the status of the 1993 edition – is it still current?
A: Yes, as of 2026 the 1993 edition reaffirmed in 2013 (R2013) remains current. CSA continuously reviews its standards; when a revision is needed, a new edition will be published. Manufacturers should check the CSA Store for the latest update. The R2013 designation means no technical changes were made during the reaffirmation, but administrative updates (such as references) may have been updated.
A: Yes, as of 2026 the 1993 edition reaffirmed in 2013 (R2013) remains current. CSA continuously reviews its standards; when a revision is needed, a new edition will be published. Manufacturers should check the CSA Store for the latest update. The R2013 designation means no technical changes were made during the reaffirmation, but administrative updates (such as references) may have been updated.
Q: Can we use a universal motor in a portable grill if it complies with this standard?
A: Yes, motors can be used if they meet the relevant clauses of the standard (e.g., locked-rotor and endurance tests, temperature limits, and protection against water ingress if applicable). However, note that universal motors often generate higher electromagnetic interference (EMI) – ensure compliance with Canadian interference-causing equipment requirements (ISED) as a separate but related requirement.
A: Yes, motors can be used if they meet the relevant clauses of the standard (e.g., locked-rotor and endurance tests, temperature limits, and protection against water ingress if applicable). However, note that universal motors often generate higher electromagnetic interference (EMI) – ensure compliance with Canadian interference-causing equipment requirements (ISED) as a separate but related requirement.
Q: Are there any special requirements for appliances with electronic controls (e.g., digital timers or sensors)?
A: Yes. The standard includes requirements for electronic circuits, including abnormal operating conditions such as component failure and software-controlled safety functions. Functional safety considerations may require that the control system reasonably fails safe (e.g., de-energizing heating elements if a sensor fails). The clauses of IEC 60335-1, Annex R (Software evaluation) are also applicable if the logic is programmable.
A: Yes. The standard includes requirements for electronic circuits, including abnormal operating conditions such as component failure and software-controlled safety functions. Functional safety considerations may require that the control system reasonably fails safe (e.g., de-energizing heating elements if a sensor fails). The clauses of IEC 60335-1, Annex R (Software evaluation) are also applicable if the logic is programmable.
Last updated: 2026