Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
CSA C22.2 No. 193-M1983 (2014): Canadian Standard for Luminaires – Scope, Technical Requirements, and Compliance
A comprehensive technical overview of the Canadian Electrical Code Part II standard governing the safety and performance of luminaires in hazardous and non-hazardous locations.
Scope
CSA C22.2 No. 193-M1983 (2014) is a national standard of Canada developed under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II (C22.2 series). It applies to luminaires (also known as lighting fixtures) intended for permanent installation in indoor or outdoor locations in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1). The standard covers luminaires for use in ordinary (non-hazardous) locations as well as those certified for damp or wet locations.
The 2014 re-affirmation confirmed the technical content of the original 1983 edition, with editorial updates to align with current safety practices. This standard addresses construction, performance, and testing requirements to minimize fire, electric shock, and mechanical hazards under normal and abnormal operating conditions.
Note: CSA C22.2 No. 193-M1983 (2014) is harmonized with the U.S. ANSI/UL 1598 standard for luminaires, but includes specific provisions for Canadian electrical installation practices and environmental conditions.
Exclusions
The standard does not apply to:
- Portable lamps or hand-held luminaires (covered by other CSA standards, e.g., C22.2 No. 250.0)
- Decorative lighting strings or seasonal light products
- Lampholders or wiring devices sold separately
- Luminaires for use in hazardous (classified) locations (e.g., Class I, Division 1 or Zone 0/1 areas) unless specifically marked and certified
Technical Requirements
The standard sets out detailed construction and performance criteria that luminaires must meet. Major categories include mechanical construction, electrical safety, and thermal performance.
Construction and Marking
Luminaires must be constructed of durable materials suitable for the intended environment. Enclosures and housings must resist corrosion, impact, and thermal stress. All wiring, splices, and terminations must comply with the C22.2 No. 0 (General Requirements) and specific clauses within No. 193.
Marking requirements include:
- Manufacturer’s name or trademark
- Rated voltage, frequency, and wattage (or current)
- Temperature rating (e.g., maximum ambient temperature, T-rating)
- Environmental suitability labels (Damp Location, Wet Location, Suitable for Outdoor Use)
- CSA certification mark or recognized certification logo
Caution: Luminaires without proper marking for environmental suitability are limited to indoor dry locations only. Using unmarked fixtures in damp or wet areas may cause corrosion, leakage current, and risk of electric shock.
Electrical Safety Tests
Every luminaire design must undergo type tests to verify electrical insulation, grounding continuity, and dielectric strength. Key tests include:
| Test | Applicable Clause | Requirement | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric voltage withstand (HiPot) | Clause 7.2 | 1000 V + 2× rated voltage for 1 min (or 1200 V minimum) | No breakdown or flashover |
| Leakage current | Clause 7.3 | Normal operation, grounded enclosure | ≤0.5 mA for Class I, ≤0.25 mA for Class II |
| Grounding continuity | Clause 6.4 | Resistance between ground terminal and exposed metal | ≤0.1 Ω |
| Temperature rise | Clause 8.1 | Normal and abnormal conditions (e.g., lamp failure, ballast failure) | Components must not exceed maximum rated temperature |
| Mechanical impact | Clause 9.3 | Steel ball impact test on lens/diffuser | No cracks or exposure of live parts |
These tests simulate real-world stresses, including voltage surges, high ambient humidity, and installation mishandling. Successful compliance ensures the luminaire can withstand foreseeable misuse without creating a hazard.
Environmental Classification
The standard classifies luminaires into three broad categories based on the intended location:
- Dry Location: Indoor use only, not subject to dampness. Basic insulation and enclosure requirements apply.
- Damp Location: Protected from direct rain but may be exposed to condensation or moisture. Enhanced sealing, corrosion protection, and drainage features are required.
- Wet Location: Subject to direct rain, splashing, or submersion (e.g., outdoor floodlights, pool fixtures). Must pass water spray tests and have robust gaskets/drain holes.
Tip: For wet locations, always check that the gasket material is UV-resistant and non-porous. Silicone-based elastomers are commonly used to meet the aging requirements of Clause 10.8.
Compliance and Certification
Compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 193-M1983 (2014) is mandatory for luminaires sold or installed in Canada unless exempted by provincial regulations. Certification is obtained through a CSA-accredited testing laboratory. The certification process involves:
- Design review against the standard’s technical requirements
- Sample testing by an accredited laboratory (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, SGS)
- Factory inspection for production consistency
- Ongoing follow-up inspections (quarterly or biannually) to verify continued compliance
Manufacturers must also comply with the latest edition of the Canadian Electrical Code Part I (C22.1) for installation requirements.
Important: Using a CSA certification mark on a luminaire that has not been fully tested in accordance with No. 193 is illegal. Non-compliant products can be prohibited from entry, removed from the market, and may lead to penalties under the Consumer Product Safety Act.
CSA Certificate Validity
Although the standard was reaffirmed in 2014, the technical requirements of the 1983 edition still apply to current certifications. However, newer products increasingly follow the harmonized editions (CSA C22.2 No. 250.0 series for general luminaires). For LED luminaires, additional standards (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 250.13) may apply in conjunction with No. 193.
Implementation Highlights for Engineers and Specifiers
When designing or specifying a luminaire intended for the Canadian market, engineers should consider the following:
- Environmental suitability — Ensure the fixture’s rating (dry, damp, wet) matches the installation site.
- Thermal management — For LED luminaires, the junction temperature of LEDs must not exceed component limits; No. 193 requires documented thermal testing.
- Mounting means — The standard requires that the luminaire be securely mounted to a box or structural support. Use provided mounting brackets or CSA-certified hardware.
- Wiring compartment — All splices must be within a wiring compartment that provides at least 150 mm of free space or a dedicated junction box.
Tip: Always consult the latest edition of the CSA C22.2 No. 193 standard (plus any amendments) and work with a certification body early in the design process to avoid costly re-testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 193-M1983 (2014) apply to LED luminaires?
A: Yes, the standard applies to all luminaires, including those with LED light sources. However, for LED-specific requirements such as photobiological safety (blue light hazard) and driver protection, additional standards like CSA C22.2 No. 250.13 or UL 8750 may be referenced.
A: Yes, the standard applies to all luminaires, including those with LED light sources. However, for LED-specific requirements such as photobiological safety (blue light hazard) and driver protection, additional standards like CSA C22.2 No. 250.13 or UL 8750 may be referenced.
Q: Is certification mandatory for luminaires sold in Canada?
A: Yes, all luminaires installed permanently must be certified to a recognized CSA standard. Certification to CSA C22.2 No. 193 is the most common path. Some provinces may accept ULC or cUL marks, but CSA certification is preferred for highest acceptance.
A: Yes, all luminaires installed permanently must be certified to a recognized CSA standard. Certification to CSA C22.2 No. 193 is the most common path. Some provinces may accept ULC or cUL marks, but CSA certification is preferred for highest acceptance.
Q: Can a luminaire certified to UL 1598 be sold in Canada?
A: Not directly. UL 1598 is used in the U.S., but for Canadian acceptance, the product must also comply with the Canadian Electrical Code and carry a recognized certification mark (e.g., cUL, CSA). Many labs offer combined U.S./Canada testing (ULC or c–CSA–US) to cover both markets.
A: Not directly. UL 1598 is used in the U.S., but for Canadian acceptance, the product must also comply with the Canadian Electrical Code and carry a recognized certification mark (e.g., cUL, CSA). Many labs offer combined U.S./Canada testing (ULC or c–CSA–US) to cover both markets.
Q: What does the “(2014)” in the standard number mean?
A: The original edition was published in 1983 (M1983). The standard was reaffirmed in 2014, meaning the technical content was reviewed and deemed still current. The reaffirmation does not introduce new requirements but confirms existing ones.
A: The original edition was published in 1983 (M1983). The standard was reaffirmed in 2014, meaning the technical content was reviewed and deemed still current. The reaffirmation does not introduce new requirements but confirms existing ones.
Article prepared for informational purposes. Always refer to the official CSA publication for the complete text. © 2026