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CSA C22.2 No. 208-18: Safety Requirements for Information Technology and Electrical Business Equipment
Comprehensive guide to the scope, technical provisions, and compliance pathway for CSA C22.2 No. 208-18
Scope and Application
CSA C22.2 No. 208-18 is a product safety standard that forms part of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II (C22.2 series). It specifies safety requirements for information technology equipment (ITE) and electrical business equipment, including computing devices, data processing systems, office machines, and associated peripherals. The standard covers equipment intended for connection to a supply voltage not exceeding 600 V (nominal) and designed for use in ordinary locations in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
Equipment within the scope includes personal computers, servers, printers, networking devices, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and similar apparatus. The standard applies to both pluggable and permanently connected units, as well as equipment that may be installed in or connected to a telecommunication network. It does not cover industrial process control equipment or medical electrical devices, which are addressed by other CSA standards.
Important: CSA C22.2 No. 208-18 is harmonized with UL 60950-1 (Third Edition) and IEC 60950-1, though it includes Canadian deviations. Compliance with this standard is often required for certification of ITE sold in Canada.
Key Technical Requirements
The standard establishes criteria to minimize risks of electric shock, energy hazards, fire, mechanical injury, and thermal hazards. Major technical areas include:
| Clause | Requirement | Key Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8 | Mains input current and voltage ratings | Nominal voltage range, overcurrent protection (device rating ≤ 20 A for branch circuits) |
| 3.1 | Protective bonding and grounding | Bonding conductor size, ground continuity ≤ 0.1 Ω, color coding green/yellow |
| 4.2 | Spacings (clearance and creepage) | Pollution degree 2 or 3: 2.0–8.0 mm depending on voltage (rated impulse withstand) |
| 4.5 | Overcurrent and fault protection | Fuse or circuit breaker rating per Table 3A; short-circuit current rating (SCCR) |
| 5.5 | Temperature limits and thermal stability | Touch temperature ≤ 70 °C (metallic surfaces), internal component limits per manufacturer |
| 6.2 | Dielectric strength (hi‑pot test) | 1.5 kV (basic), 3.0 kV (reinforced) for 60 s at 60 Hz |
Additional requirements address enclosures (impact, fire hazard), power cords, interconnecting cables, and battery compartments. The standard mandates that internal wiring and components be protected against mechanical stress and heat.
Tip: Designers should pay close attention to Clause 4.2 tables (spacings) and Clause 5.5 (thermal tests), as these often determine the assembly and material choices.
Implementation Highlights
For manufacturers, compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 208-18 typically involves the following steps:
- Design assessment: Identify the product category (Class I or II, portable or stationary, etc.) and applicable subclauses.
- Component selection: Use components certified to relevant standards (e.g., IEC 60730 for thermostats, UL 94 for flammability).
- Constructional review: Verify mechanical integrity, protect against sharp edges, and ensure internal wiring is routed away from sharp metal.
- Testing: Conduct routine tests per the standard (ground continuity, dielectric, leakage current, abnormal operation). Sample testing for type certification.
Certification is obtained through a recognized certification body (e.g., CSA Group, QPS, TÜV SÜD). The product must be marked with the Canadian safety mark and the manufacturer's identification.
Success: Early engagement with a certification body during design phase can reduce rework and speed time‑to‑market.
Compliance Notes and Updates
CSA C22.2 No. 208-18 was published in 2018, replacing earlier editions and adopting significant changes from IEC 60950-1 Ed. 3. Key updates include:
- Revised criteria for circuits limited by current or power (TNV circuits).
- Updated voltage classification for communication networks (TNV‑1, TNV‑2, TNV‑3).
- Clarified requirements for external power supplies (EPS) operating at low voltage.
- Harmonization with U.S. national differences (UL 60950-1).
While the standard remains current, manufacturers should monitor ongoing developments, as a migration to IEC 62368-1 (audio/video, IT, and communications technology) is occurring globally. In Canada, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368‑1 is now published, but No. 208-18 may still be used for existing product certifications until transition deadlines (typically 2025–2027 depending on product category).
Caution: Products certified to CSA C22.2 No. 208-18 may require re‑certification to the newer standard if major design changes are made. Consult your certification body for current transition schedules.
Table 2 summarizes the relationship between voltage levels and required spacings (extract).
| Working Voltage (V rms) | Pollution Degree 2 – Clearance (mm) | Pollution Degree 2 – Creepage (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 50–100 | 0.4 | 0.8 |
| 101–300 | 2.5 | 4.0 |
| 301–600 | 4.5 | 8.0 |
These values are for basic insulation; reinforced insulation requires higher multipliers. Always refer to the official text for exact tables and exceptions.
Q: What is the difference between CSA C22.2 No. 208-18 and CSA C22.2 No. 60950‑1?
A: CSA C22.2 No. 208-18 is a separate standard with a similar scope but includes additional Canadian requirements and deviations from the IEC base. In practice, many certification bodies treat it as equivalent to the harmonized dual‑logo standard (UL 60950‑1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60950‑1), but No. 208‑18 has unique clauses for bonding, wire sizing, and temperature limits. Always confirm which standard is listed on your certification certificate.
A: CSA C22.2 No. 208-18 is a separate standard with a similar scope but includes additional Canadian requirements and deviations from the IEC base. In practice, many certification bodies treat it as equivalent to the harmonized dual‑logo standard (UL 60950‑1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60950‑1), but No. 208‑18 has unique clauses for bonding, wire sizing, and temperature limits. Always confirm which standard is listed on your certification certificate.
Q: Can a product certified to IEC 60950-1 be accepted in Canada under CSA C22.2 No. 208-18?
A: Not directly. Canadian authorities require a certification mark that verifies compliance with Canadian standards. Products built to IEC 60950-1 may need additional testing for national differences (e.g., supply voltage frequencies, cord sets, and temperature rise limits). It is recommended to obtain certification to CSA C22.2 No. 208‑18 through a recognized CB test report plus national deviations.
A: Not directly. Canadian authorities require a certification mark that verifies compliance with Canadian standards. Products built to IEC 60950-1 may need additional testing for national differences (e.g., supply voltage frequencies, cord sets, and temperature rise limits). It is recommended to obtain certification to CSA C22.2 No. 208‑18 through a recognized CB test report plus national deviations.
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 208-18 cover equipment with built‑in batteries?
A: Yes. Battery compartments and cells must meet relevant requirements for fire and explosion prevention (e.g., sealed lead‑acid or Li‑ion with protection circuits). The standard includes specific tests for charging circuits and overtemperature protection.
A: Yes. Battery compartments and cells must meet relevant requirements for fire and explosion prevention (e.g., sealed lead‑acid or Li‑ion with protection circuits). The standard includes specific tests for charging circuits and overtemperature protection.
Q: What marking is required under CSA C22.2 No. 208-18?
A: The product must bear a safety certification mark, the manufacturer's name or trademark, model number, electrical ratings (volts, amperes, frequency), and the date of manufacture. Where applicable, the mark should indicate compliance with Part II of the Canadian Electrical Code.
A: The product must bear a safety certification mark, the manufacturer's name or trademark, model number, electrical ratings (volts, amperes, frequency), and the date of manufacture. Where applicable, the mark should indicate compliance with Part II of the Canadian Electrical Code.
Last updated: 2026. For the latest edition, always consult the CSA Group store or your certification body.