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CSA C22.2 No. 267-16: Portable Power Distribution Systems – Scope, Technical Requirements, and Compliance
Understanding the Canadian Safety Standard for Temporary Power Distribution in Entertainment and Industrial Applications
Standard Status: CSA C22.2 No. 267-16 is a mandatory safety standard in most Canadian jurisdictions under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II. It applies to portable power distribution systems used in motion picture, television, and theatrical applications, as well as industrial temporary power setups.
1. Scope and Application
CSA C22.2 No. 267-16 establishes the minimum safety requirements for portable power distribution systems rated up to 600 V ac or dc, with a maximum current of 400 A per circuit. These systems are designed to distribute electrical power from a main source to multiple loads in temporary installations within studios, sound stages, concert venues, and outdoor filming locations.
The standard covers:
- Portable distribution boxes (distro boxes) with overcurrent protection
- Power feeder cables and connectors rated for repeated handling
- Components intended for load balancing and phase selection
- Grounding and bonding systems for portable setups
It excludes permanently installed electrical distribution systems, which are governed by other CSA C22.2 standards and the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code, Part I).
Key Scope Boundary: Equipment must be designed for temporary use – defined as installations not exceeding 12 months. The standard does not cover equipment intended for fixed wiring.
2. Technical Requirements
2.1 Construction and Mechanical Strength
Enclosures must meet minimum IP requirements (typically IP23 for outdoor use, IP20 for indoor). Materials must be flame retardant and rated for the environmental conditions (UV resistance for outdoor sets). All units must pass an impact test (5 Joules for indoor, 10 Joules for outdoor) and a drop test from 1 m without exposing live parts.
2.2 Electrical Rating and Overcurrent Protection
Each power distribution unit must have a main overcurrent protective device (circuit breaker or fuse) and branch devices sized according to the connected load. The standard mandates:
- Branch circuits must be individually protected
- Ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for all 125 V, 15 A and 20 A receptacles
- Phase balancing markers for multi-phase units
| Class | Maximum Voltage | Maximum Amperage (per circuit) | Typical Phase Configuration | Required Overcurrent Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | 125 V | 20 A | Single-phase | 20 A circuit breaker |
| Class B | 250 V | 50 A | Single/Three-phase | 50 A breaker or fuse |
| Class C | 600 V | 100 A | Three-phase | 100 A breaker |
| Class D | 600 V | 400 A | Three-phase | 400 A main breaker |
2.3 Connector and Cable Requirements
All connectors must comply with CSA C22.2 No. 182 (Industrial Connectors) or other relevant standards. The cable assembly must withstand a minimum of 500 flex cycles at rated current. Gender requirements are specified to prevent accidental engagement with live line-side connectors when unplugged.
2.4 Grounding and Bonding
A dedicated equipment grounding conductor must be provided in all feeder cables. Grounding electrode conductors for portable systems must be sized per Table 12 of the CE Code, but not smaller than #10 AWG. The standard requires the use of grounding bussing at all distribution points.
Design Tip: To simplify compliance, use pre-assembled cam-type connectors (10 mm diameter) for high-current circuits and ensure all receptacles have hinged covers to prevent dust intrusion.
3. Implementation Highlights
3.1 Labeling and Marking
Each unit must be permanently marked with:
- Manufacturer’s name and model
- Electrical ratings (volts, amperes, phase, frequency)
- Short-circuit current rating (SCCR) on the nameplate
- Indoor/outdoor suitability
- Serial number and date of manufacture
3.2 Testing and Certification
All products must be certified by an accredited body (e.g., CSA, UL, TÜV) to validate compliance. Typical tests include:
- Dielectric voltage-withstand test (1000 V + 2× rated voltage, 1 minute)
- Ground continuity test (0.1 ohm max across bonding paths)
- Temperature rise test at 100% rated load
- Cycle test for switches and contactors
Warning: Non-certified equipment cannot be legally used on Canadian film sets. Always verify that the product bears a recognized certification mark (e.g., CSA, cUL, or Entela) indicating compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 267-16.
4. Compliance Notes
While the standard provides the technical baseline, local electrical inspectors may impose additional requirements under the CE Code. For example:
- In British Columbia, all portable distribution systems used on film sets must be inspected annually by a registered electrical contractor.
- In Ontario, a daily visual inspection and monthly ground-fault test log is required for all portable units.
- Any system that incorporates a step-up or step-down transformer must also comply with CSA C22.2 No. 47 (Air-Cooled Transformers).
Maintenance records should be kept for the life of the equipment. The standard recommends a periodic re-test of dielectric strength and ground continuity every 12 months.
2026 Update: As of 2026, any new portable distribution systems must also meet the carbon and environmental footprint reporting requirements under CSA Z9100 series if used in federal facilities. Check with your certifying body for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 267-16 apply to power distribution units used in permanent installations such as data centers?
A: No. The standard explicitly covers portable equipment intended for temporary use. For permanent installations, refer to CSA C22.2 No. 269 (Power Distribution Units) or the CE Code Part I.
A: No. The standard explicitly covers portable equipment intended for temporary use. For permanent installations, refer to CSA C22.2 No. 269 (Power Distribution Units) or the CE Code Part I.
Q: Are there any restrictions on using aluminum conductors inside a distribution box?
A: Aluminum conductors are permitted only if the connectors and terminations are specifically rated for aluminum. The standard recommends using copper conductors for all wiring within the enclosure to simplify compliance with the temperature rise requirements.
A: Aluminum conductors are permitted only if the connectors and terminations are specifically rated for aluminum. The standard recommends using copper conductors for all wiring within the enclosure to simplify compliance with the temperature rise requirements.
Q: Can a portable distribution system be designed for both 50 Hz and 60 Hz operation?
A: Yes, but the unit must be tested at both frequencies. The nameplate must clearly indicate both ratings. Note that thermal protection settings may differ between frequencies.
A: Yes, but the unit must be tested at both frequencies. The nameplate must clearly indicate both ratings. Note that thermal protection settings may differ between frequencies.
Q: What is the minimum short-circuit current rating (SCCR) required by the standard?
A: CSA C22.2 No. 267-16 does not specify a minimum SCCR, but it requires the manufacturer to mark the SCCR on the nameplate. In practice, most units are designed for 5 kA symmetrical at 600 V. For higher available fault currents, the system must be series-rated with upstream protection.
A: CSA C22.2 No. 267-16 does not specify a minimum SCCR, but it requires the manufacturer to mark the SCCR on the nameplate. In practice, most units are designed for 5 kA symmetrical at 600 V. For higher available fault currents, the system must be series-rated with upstream protection.
Footer Note: This article is based on the 2016 edition of CSA C22.2 No. 267. Always consult the latest version of the standard and local regulatory authorities for current compliance requirements. Published 2026.