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CSA C22.2 No. 211.1-06 (R2016) – General Purpose Control and Signal Cables: Technical Overview and Compliance
A Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Standard for Cables Used in Control, Signal, and Power-Limited Circuits
1. Scope and Application
CSA C22.2 No. 211.1-06 (R2016) is the Canadian standard governing general purpose control and signal cables intended for use in non-hazardous locations in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CE Code). These cables are typically used for control circuits, signal transmission, and power-limited applications where voltage ratings do not exceed 600 V.
The standard covers both single-conductor and multi-conductor cables, including the following common types:
- CIC (Class I Control) cables – for control circuits rated up to 600 V
- SC (Signal) cables – for low-voltage signal and power-limited circuits
- Power-limited fire alarm cables (exposed) – where applicable
- General-purpose flexible control cables
Cables covered by this standard are intended for installation in accordance with CE Code requirements, including applicable spacing, ampacity, and protection rules. The standard applies to cables rated for conductor temperatures of 60 °C, 75 °C, 90 °C, or 105 °C, with a maximum voltage rating of 600 V for CIC types and lower ratings for specialized signal cables.
Important Note: CSA C22.2 No. 211.1-06 (R2016) is not intended for use with power cables (e.g., Type NMD90, T90) or cables for hazardous locations, which are covered under separate CSA standards (e.g., C22.2 No. 238, No. 0.4). Always verify the intended application with the latest CE Code requirements.
2. Technical Requirements
2.1 Construction Requirements
The standard specifies detailed requirements for conductor materials (tinned or bare copper), stranding, insulation materials (PVC, polyethylene, nylon, etc.), and jacket compounds. Key construction parameters include:
| Parameter | Requirement | Typical Values |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor sizes | AWG 22 to 500 kcmil (solid or stranded) | Control: AWG 14–10; Signal: AWG 22–18 |
| Insulation thickness | Varies by conductor size and voltage rating | For AWG 14, 600 V: 0.030 in (0.76 mm) |
| Jacket thickness | Minimum as per Table 10 of the standard | Average 0.060 in (1.52 mm) for multi-core |
| Voltage rating | CIC: 600 V; SC: 300 V or less | – |
| Temperature rating | 60 °C, 75 °C, 90 °C, or 105 °C | Based on insulation and jacket material |
Table 1 – Selected construction requirements for typical control and signal cables.
2.2 Electrical and Physical Tests
To ensure safety and reliability, the standard mandates a series of performance tests:
- Dielectric voltage withstand test – Conductors must withstand a 60 Hz potential (e.g., 1500 V for 600 V rated cables) for 1 minute without breakdown.
- Insulation resistance test – Minimum values based on cable type.
- Conductor resistance test – Must not exceed values specified in CSA C22.2 No. 0 or ASTM standards.
- Flame test – Cables must pass the VW-1 (vertical flame test) or FT2 (horizontal flame test) as applicable; for some assemblies, FT4 (vertical tray flame test) may be required.
- Cold bend test – Cables must withstand bending at -20 °C without cracking.
- Aging and impact tests – To verify insulation and jacket integrity over the product life.
Tip: Manufacturers should ensure that the flame test designation (VW-1, FT2, or FT4) is clearly indicated on the cable marking and verified by a recognized certification body. Many Canadian jurisdictions require FT4 for cables installed in vertical cable trays.
2.3 Marking and Identification
All cables must be permanently marked at intervals not exceeding 60 cm (24 in) with the following information:
- Manufacturer’s name or trademark
- Type designation (e.g., CIC, SC)
- Conductor size (AWG or kcmil)
- Number of conductors
- Voltage rating (if 300 V or 600 V)
- Temperature rating
- CSA marking (including the CSA monogram or cCSAus logo for U.S. recognition)
- Optional flame test rating (e.g., FT4)
3. Implementation Highlights
CSA C22.2 No. 211.1-06 (R2016) is harmonized to a large extent with UL 2250 (Standard for Power-Limited Control and Signal Cables) and ANSI/ICEA S-96-659 standards. This harmonization facilitates dual listing (CSA/UL) for manufacturers exporting to both Canada and the United States.
Key implementation aspects for manufacturers:
- Material selection – Insulation compounds must comply with the standard’s requirements for thermal rating, oil resistance, and flame propagation. Many manufacturers opt for PVC/nylon or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) to achieve multiple temperature ratings.
- Testing – In addition to routine production tests (e.g., spark test, conductor continuity), sample batch testing must include dielectric test, insulation resistance, and flame tests as per the certified design.
- Design flexibility – The standard allows for a wide range of conductor sizes and configuration (shielded, unshielded, overall jacket, etc.) as long as the minimum construction requirements are met.
Market Advantage: Cables certified to CSA C22.2 No. 211.1-06 (R2016) with both CSA and cUL marks are accepted in all Canadian provinces and most U.S. jurisdictions, streamlining distribution across North America.
4. Compliance and Certification Notes
To demonstrate compliance, manufacturers must engage an accredited certification organization (e.g., CSA Group, UL, Intertek) for product testing and facility inspection. The certification process includes:
- Design review – Evaluation of construction details and test data against the standard’s requirements.
- Type testing – Full battery of tests on representative samples.
- Factory inspections – Periodic audits of production lines and quality control measures.
- Marking authorization – Once certified, the product receives a CSA mark (or equivalent) and is registered in the certification organization’s directory.
Regulators and inspectors in Canada refer to this standard when verifying cable installations under the CE Code. Non-compliant cables may be rejected during electrical inspection, leading to project delays and potential safety hazards.
Risk of Non-Compliance: Using cables that do not meet the requirements of CSA C22.2 No. 211.1-06 (R2016) in a Canadian installation can result in violation of Part I of the Canadian Electrical Code, voiding warranty and insurance, and posing fire or shock risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CIC and SC cable types?
A: CIC (Class I Control) cables are rated for 600 V and are intended for general control and power limited circuits. SC (Signal) cables are typically rated 300 V or lower and are used for signal transmission or low-power applications. Both must meet the same construction and test fundamentals of CSA C22.2 No. 211.1-06 (R2016).
A: CIC (Class I Control) cables are rated for 600 V and are intended for general control and power limited circuits. SC (Signal) cables are typically rated 300 V or lower and are used for signal transmission or low-power applications. Both must meet the same construction and test fundamentals of CSA C22.2 No. 211.1-06 (R2016).
Q: Can cables certified to UL 2250 be used in Canada?
A: UL 2250 is largely harmonized with CSA C22.2 No. 211.1. However, to be accepted in Canada, the cable must also carry a recognized Canadian certification mark (e.g., CSA, cUL). Products with dual listing are common and acceptable.
A: UL 2250 is largely harmonized with CSA C22.2 No. 211.1. However, to be accepted in Canada, the cable must also carry a recognized Canadian certification mark (e.g., CSA, cUL). Products with dual listing are common and acceptable.
Q: Does this standard cover fire alarm cables?
A: The standard includes power-limited fire alarm cables (e.g., Type PCL) that are not required to survive a fire (i.e., fire resistive). Cables for fire alarm circuits requiring circuit integrity are covered under separate standards, such as CSA C22.2 No. 214 or UL 1425.
A: The standard includes power-limited fire alarm cables (e.g., Type PCL) that are not required to survive a fire (i.e., fire resistive). Cables for fire alarm circuits requiring circuit integrity are covered under separate standards, such as CSA C22.2 No. 214 or UL 1425.
Q: Are there any particular temperature rise considerations?
A: Yes. The standard requires that the ampacity of cables be determined in accordance with the CE Code, which considers the temperature rating of the cable, insulation type, and installation conditions. Manufacturer’s temperature rating must be clearly marked.
A: Yes. The standard requires that the ampacity of cables be determined in accordance with the CE Code, which considers the temperature rating of the cable, insulation type, and installation conditions. Manufacturer’s temperature rating must be clearly marked.
Article compiled from CSA C22.2 No. 211.1-06 (R2016) and related guidance documents. For complete details, refer to the official standard published by CSA Group. Last updated: 2026.