CSA C22.2 No. 249-96 (2011) / IEEE Std 1210-1996: Safety and Performance Tests for Power Supplies in Electric Discharge Lighting

Introduction to CSA C22.2 No. 249-96 (2011) / IEEE Std 1210-1996

CSA C22.2 No. 249-96 (R2011) / IEEE Std 1210-1996 is a dual-listed North American standard that establishes uniform requirements for the safety, performance, and construction of power supplies intended for use with electric discharge lighting and similar equipment. Developed collaboratively by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the standard harmonizes testing protocols across Canada and the United States, enabling manufacturers to obtain certification under both jurisdictions through a single evaluation.

Covering power supplies with input voltages up to 600 V AC or DC and output voltages up to 15 kV, this standard addresses a broad spectrum of equipment, including ballasts for fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), and neon lighting, as well as power supplies for special-effect displays and signage. It serves as a benchmark for regulatory compliance in North America, often referenced by inspection authorities and product safety certifiers such as CSA Group, UL, and Intertek.

Scope and Application

Equipment Covered

The standard applies to power supplies that convert line‑voltage AC or DC power to a form suitable for electric discharge lamps, including:

• Fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamp ballasts
• High‑intensity discharge (HID) lamp ballasts (metal halide, high‑pressure sodium, mercury vapor)
• Neon and cold‑cathode sign power supplies
• Power supplies for ultraviolet (UV) and germicidal lamps
• Specialty power supplies for large‑format displays and decorative lighting

Equipment Excluded

Explicitly excluded from the scope are power supplies for:

• Incandescent lamps
• Light‑emitting diodes (LEDs) – covered by separate standards (e.g., UL 8750, CSA C22.2 No. 250.13)
• Ignition systems for gas discharge lamps that do not include a power conversion function
• Power supplies intended only for use in hazardous locations (Class I, Division 2 applications are addressed but Class I, Division 1 is excluded)

Technical Requirements

Construction and Marking

The standard mandates robust construction to minimize fire, electric shock, and injury hazards. Key construction requirements include:

• Enclosures: Minimum metal gauge thickness, impact resistance, and corrosion protection. Non‑metallic enclosures must pass flame‑retardant tests (e.g., 5VA, V‑0 or V‑1 per UL 94).
• Spacings: Minimum clearances and creepage distances based on working voltage and overvoltage category (Pollution Degrees 2 and 3). Tables in the standard define distances for line‑to‑line, line‑to‑enclosure, and output‑to‑ground.
• Internal Wiring: Wire gauges rated at least 105 °C, secured to prevent chafing. Field‑wiring terminals must accept conductors from No. 14 AWG to No. 10 AWG (copper) and be marked for proper torque.
• Marking: Permanent markings on the power supply must include input ratings, output characteristics (voltage, current, power factor correction status), ambient temperature range (ta), and certification marks. Markings must be legible after the damp‑heat test.

Dielectric Voltage‑Withstand Test

All insulation systems are tested with a 60 Hz sinusoidal voltage applied for 60 seconds between:

• Primary and secondary circuits
• Primary and accessible dead metal
• Secondary and accessible dead metal (where secondary is ground‑referenced)

Test voltages increase when rated input exceeds 250 V. For example, for a 120 V input, the test is 1000 V + twice the input (i.e., 1240 V). For 277 V input, the test voltage is 1240 V as well (1000 V + 2×277 ≈ 1554 V? Let’s recalc: 1000 V + 2 × 277 = 1554 V). The standard’s actual values are tabulated.

Temperature and Thermal Tests

Equipment is operated under normal load conditions at the maximum ta (typically 40 °C or 50 °C). Temperature rises are measured on critical components: windings, semiconductors, capacitor cases, wiring, and enclosure surfaces. Limits follow component rating curves (e.g., Class A insulation 105 °C total, Class B 130 °C). Abnormal operation tests (e.g., output short circuit, open circuit, blocked ventilation) must not cause fire or electric shock.

Performance and Endurance Tests

To ensure long‑term reliability, the standard includes:

• Normal Life Test: 5000 hours of continuous operation at rated load and ambient (or until failure); output must stay within ±10% of rated voltage/current.
• Humidity Cycling: After 10 cycles of 95% relative humidity at 40 °C, insulation resistance must exceed 1 MΩ and dielectric test must be passed again.
• Mechanical Endurance: For integral connectors, 100 cycles of mating/unmating without contact resistance increase >10 mΩ.

Table: Summary of Key Test Requirements

Implementation and Compliance Notes

Certification Pathways

Manufacturers seeking to place power supplies on the Canadian or US market typically certify to CSA C22.2 No. 249 / IEEE 1210 through a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) accredited by SCC or OSHA. Because the standard is jointly published, a single test report can be used for both CSFM (California State Fire Marshal) and CSA mark eligibility. Many manufacturers also combine this standard with safety requirements for the end product (e.g., luminaires per CSA C22.2 No. 250.0).

Revisions and Amendments

The standard was first published in 1996 and reaffirmed in 2011 without significant technical changes. A new edition may be in development; users should monitor the CSA Store and IEEE Get Program for updates. Amendments have addressed:

• Clarification of output terminal marking for multiple‑output supplies
• Alignment of wire‑bending space requirements with NEC Table 312.6(A)
• Added testing for power factor correction (PFC) circuits to cover harmonic distortion limits per IEC 61000‑3‑2 (as referenced)

Harmonization with Other Standards

CSA C22.2 No. 249 is harmonized with UL 1012 (Power Supplies) and partially with UL 2161 (Neon Transformers and Power Supplies). Differences exist in marking requirements and in the threshold for output short‑circuit duration. Manufacturers targeting global markets also cross‑reference IEC 61347‑2‑13 (DC/AC electronic ballasts) but note that IEC requirements for EMI and harmonics are not fully covered in the CSA/IEEE standard – they must be addressed concurrently with FCC Part 15 or Industry Canada RSS‑Gen.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article provides an overview of CSA C22.2 No. 249‑96 (R2011) / IEEE Std 1210‑1996. For detailed requirements, refer to the official standard documents available through CSA Group and IEEE. The information is current as of 2026.