CSA C22.2 No. 164-18: Safety Requirements for Optical Fiber and Communication Cable Raceway Systems

Scope and Application

CSA C22.2 No. 164-18, titled Optical Fiber Cable and Communication Cable Raceway Systems, is a mandatory safety standard developed under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II (C22.2 series). It specifies safety requirements for metallic and nonmetallic raceway systems, fittings, and accessories intended for the installation of optical fiber cables and communication cables operating at voltages not exceeding 300 V rms or 425 V peak. The standard applies to products used in both indoor and outdoor locations, including plenum, riser, and general-purpose environments.

The scope encompasses a wide range of raceway types: surface-mounted raceways, undercarpet raceways, wireways, cable trays, and conduit systems specifically designed for communication and optical fiber cabling. It does not cover raceways intended for power wiring (covered by other CSA C22.2 standards) or those designed exclusively for coaxial cables unless they fall under the communication cable definition. The standard aims to ensure mechanical strength, fire resistance, electrical continuity (for metallic types), and safe installation practices that mitigate fire and electric shock hazards.

Technical Requirements and Construction

Material and Mechanical Strength

Raceways must be constructed from materials that are resistant to corrosion, impact, and deformation during normal service conditions. Metallic raceways require steel or aluminum alloys with minimum thicknesses specified in Table 1 (see below). Nonmetallic raceways must be fabricated from thermoplastics or thermosetting materials that meet flame propagation and impact resistance criteria. All raceways must withstand a minimum impact force without cracking or permanent deformation that would reduce internal clearance below acceptable limits.

Electrical Continuity and Bonding

Metallic raceways must provide a reliable path for bonding and grounding. The standard requires that joints, couplings, and fittings maintain electrical continuity with a resistance not exceeding 0.01 ohm between connected sections. Metallic raceways must be constructed to permit bonding to the equipment grounding conductor according to CE Code Rules 10-604 and 16-300. Nonmetallic raceways do not require continuity but must be clearly marked as unsuitable for grounding purposes.

Fire and Flame Propagation

All raceway components must undergo flame propagation testing in accordance with CSA C22.2 No. 0.3 (Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables). For plenum-rated raceways, additional testing per NFPA 262 (modified for small-diameter raceways) is required to limit flame spread and smoke production. The standard classifies raceways by their location suitability (plenum, riser, general purpose), and each classification demands specific fire performance characteristics as defined in Table 2.

Testing and Performance Verification

Manufacturers seeking certification under CSA C22.2 No. 164-18 must submit samples for testing by a recognized certification organization. The standard specifies a series of mechanical, electrical, and fire tests to verify compliance. Key testing areas include:

• Impact test: A raceway sample is subjected to a 1.0 J (±0.05 J) impact from a steel striker at room temperature and after conditioning at -10°C. No cracking or deformation that exposes internal cables is permitted.
• Load deflection test: Raceways are loaded with a distributed weight equal to the rated fill weight; deflection must not exceed 2% of the span for cable trays or cause permanent set greater than 5% of the initial deflection.
• Flame propagation test: Performed on the complete raceway assembly including fittings and cables (if rated with pre-installed cables). The test measures flame spread distance and heat release.
• Temperature rise test: When the raceway is used in conjunction with power-limited circuits, temperature rise at the surface under maximum load must not exceed 30°C above ambient.

Compliance and Certification Notes

Marking Requirements

Each raceway and fitting must be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s identification, the standard number (CSA C22.2 No. 164-18), the suitability for use with optical fiber cables or communication cables (or both), and the flame classification (e.g., FT-4, FT-6, FT-7). Nonmetallic raceways must include a marking indicating whether they are suitable for bonding or if they are non-conductive. Underground-rated raceways shall be marked with the maximum depth of burial allowed.

Field Installation Compliance

Installers must follow the CE Code and the raceway manufacturer’s instructions. Key requirements include:

• Raceway support intervals must be within the maximum spacing published in the product certification documents (typically 1.5 m for horizontal runs of metal raceways).
• Bends must not exceed the minimum bend radius specified for the raceway type (usually 10 times the raceway internal diameter for metallic, 15 times for nonmetallic).
• When mixing raceway materials (metallic to nonmetallic), bonding continuity must be restored if required by the design.

Transition to New Edition

CSA C22.2 No. 164-18 replaced the previous edition (No. 164-13) with several important changes: clarifications on cable fill calculations, updated references to NFPA 262 for plenum testing, and new requirements for underground communication raceways. Manufacturers should review the 2018 edition to ensure their products meet current criteria; certification to older editions may no longer be accepted by authorities having jurisdiction after a transition period.

Frequently Asked Questions