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CSA C22.2 No. 195-16: Technical Guide for Communication Cable Certification in Canada
Scope, Performance Requirements, and Compliance for Cables Installed in Canadian Buildings
Scope and General Application
CSA C22.2 No. 195-16 is a mandatory Canadian standard published by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) under the auspices of the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code) Part II. It specifies the safety, performance, and testing requirements for communication cables intended for indoor and outdoor installation in accordance with the CE Code, Part I (CSA C22.1). The standard covers cables used for voice, data, video, and other low-energy signal transmission, including twisted pair, coaxial, and hybrid designs.
The 2016 edition updated previous versions to harmonize with evolving fire-safety metrics, improve reliability in data transmission, and clarify marking requirements. Cables are categorized by their intended location within a building — plenum, riser, general-purpose, and outdoor — each with distinct flame spread and smoke generation limits.
The standard applies to cables with rated voltages up to 300 V and conductor sizes from 26 AWG to 10 AWG. It does not cover power cables, which are addressed by other CSA standards such as C22.2 No. 210 or No. 75.
Important Note: CSA C22.2 No. 195-16 is referenced directly by the CE Code for installations. Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) in all Canadian provinces require cables bearing the appropriate CSA mark and cable type designation (e.g., CMP, CMR, CMG) for compliance.
Technical Requirements and Performance Criteria
1. Fire Performance
The standard mandates rigorous flame propagation and smoke generation testing depending on the cable category. The primary tests are defined in CSA C22.2 No. 0.3 (flame tests) and CAN/ULC S102.2 (tunnel test for plenum). The table below summarizes the test methods and pass/fail criteria.
| Cable Type | Typical Application | Flame Test Method | Maximum Flame Spread | Smoke Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMP | Plenum spaces (air-handling) | CAN/ULC S102.2 (Steiner Tunnel) | Flame Spread Index ≤ 25 | Smoke Developed Index ≤ 50 |
| CMR | Risers (vertical shafts) | CSA C22.2 No. 0.3 Cl. 4.11.1 (Vertical Cable Tray) | Char length ≤ 1.5 m from bottom | Not specified (limited smoke required) |
| CMG | General-purpose (walls, floors, ducts) | CSA C22.2 No. 0.3 Cl. 4.11.1 (Vertical Cable Tray) | Char length ≤ 1.5 m | Not specified |
| CM | General-purpose (limited use) | CSA C22.2 No. 0.3 Cl. 4.11.1 | Char length ≤ 1.5 m | Not specified |
| CL2 / CL3 | Limited power circuits | Same as CMG | Same as CMG | Per CMG |
Note: The CMG designation is the preferred general-purpose rating in Canada and is equivalent to the US CM rating but may require thicker jacket or additional cold-bend testing.
2. Electrical Characteristics
All cables covered under this standard must meet minimum electrical performance to ensure safe signal transmission and adequate isolation from power circuits.
- Dielectric Strength: Insulation must withstand 2.5 kV (rms) for 1 minute (or 3.0 kV DC for 1 minute) without breakdown.
- Insulation Resistance: Minimum 1000 MΩ·km at 500 V DC after immersion in water.
- Conductor Resistance: As per ASTM B 3 or B 8; typical 28.6 Ω/km for 24 AWG solid.
- Characteristic Impedance: For data cables, 100 Ω ± 15% for 100 MHz (Cat 5e/6).
- Capacitance Unbalance: Pair-to-ground unbalance ≤ 330 pF per 100 m.
Tip for Specifiers: When ordering cables for a commercial project, always request the manufacturer’s CSA certificate listing each cable type. This ensures that the cable has passed the full suite of tests described in the standard—including cold impact, temperature cycling, and fire—not just the electrical tests.
Implementation and Certification
Compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 195-16 is typically demonstrated through third-party certification by organizations recognized by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), such as CSA Group, UL (under the CSA/UL DAP), Intertek, or Nemko.
The certification process involves:
- Sample Selection: Representative samples of each cable type are provided.
- Testing: Flame, smoke, electrical, and mechanical tests are conducted per the product standard.
- Factory Inspection: Initial and periodic unannounced inspections of the manufacturing facility are required by the certifying body.
- Marking: Approved products must bear the certification mark, cable type (e.g., CSA CMP), temperature rating (e.g., 75°C), conductor size, and manufacturer identity.
Compliance Tip: Installers should verify that each cable reel or box carries a legible CSA mark and the correct type designation. Missing or damaged marking can lead to rejection by the electrical inspector.
Compliance and Future Considerations
Since the 2016 edition, manufacturers must meet stricter smoke generation limits for plenum cables (Smoke Developed Index ≤ 50) and more rigorous cold-bend tests for cables rated for outdoor or low-temperature installations. The standard also introduced requirements for cable pull-in tensile strength and minimum bend radius to prevent installation damage.
Buildings undergoing significant renovation may need to upgrade existing communication cables to meet the current edition of the standard. The CE Code generally requires that new installations use cables listed to the latest edition of CSA C22.2 No. 195, unless a specific clause grandfathers existing cable types.
Warning: Replacing a section of plenum cable with a general-purpose (CMG) cable not rated for the air-handling space is a code violation and could void building insurance in the event of a fire.
Looking ahead, stakeholders expect that future editions will address higher data rates (40/100 GbE) with stricter attenuation and alien crosstalk limits, while fire performance criteria will likely harmonize further with the latest ULC and NFPA standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CMG and CM cable under CSA C22.2 No. 195-16?
A: CMG is the Canadian general-purpose rating that meets all requirements of the standard. CM is the U.S. rating sometimes accepted in Canada, but CMG is preferred and is mandatory for many applications. CM cables may lack the cold impact or low-temperature bending performance required by the Canadian code. Always specify CMG for projects in Canada unless otherwise approved by the AHJ.
A: CMG is the Canadian general-purpose rating that meets all requirements of the standard. CM is the U.S. rating sometimes accepted in Canada, but CMG is preferred and is mandatory for many applications. CM cables may lack the cold impact or low-temperature bending performance required by the Canadian code. Always specify CMG for projects in Canada unless otherwise approved by the AHJ.
Q: Are there specific marking requirements for indoor vs. outdoor cables?
A: Yes. Indoor cables must be marked with the cable type (CMP, CMR, CMG, etc.), CSA certification mark, conductor size, and temperature rating. Outdoor cables additionally require a suffix “-O” or “-OUT” and must meet the UV and moisture resistance tests specified in Clause 6.5 of the standard. The marking should also include the year of manufacture (e.g., 2026) for traceability.
A: Yes. Indoor cables must be marked with the cable type (CMP, CMR, CMG, etc.), CSA certification mark, conductor size, and temperature rating. Outdoor cables additionally require a suffix “-O” or “-OUT” and must meet the UV and moisture resistance tests specified in Clause 6.5 of the standard. The marking should also include the year of manufacture (e.g., 2026) for traceability.
Q: Can a UL-listed communication cable be installed in Canada without a CSA mark?
A: Not in most Canadian jurisdictions. While some UL-listed cables carry dual UL-C/CSA marks (under the DAP agreement), a cable bearing only a UL mark may not be accepted unless it has been formally certified to CSA C22.2 No. 195-16. Check with the local electrical inspection authority before proceeding.
A: Not in most Canadian jurisdictions. While some UL-listed cables carry dual UL-C/CSA marks (under the DAP agreement), a cable bearing only a UL mark may not be accepted unless it has been formally certified to CSA C22.2 No. 195-16. Check with the local electrical inspection authority before proceeding.
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 195-16 cover coaxial cables for TV/satellite distribution?
A: Yes. Coaxial cables used for antenna, CATV, and broadband applications fall within the scope of the standard, provided they do not carry utility power. They are subject to the same flame and smoke requirements as twisted-pair cables based on their intended location. For example, coaxial cables in plenums must be rated CMP.
A: Yes. Coaxial cables used for antenna, CATV, and broadband applications fall within the scope of the standard, provided they do not carry utility power. They are subject to the same flame and smoke requirements as twisted-pair cables based on their intended location. For example, coaxial cables in plenums must be rated CMP.
Last updated: 2026. This article provides general guidance; consult the full standard and local code officials for precise compliance requirements.