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CSA C22.2 No. 274-17: Comprehensive Guide to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Standards in Canada
Technical Requirements, Implementation Highlights, and Compliance Notes for EVSE Certification
Purpose: CSA C22.2 No. 274-17 sets the minimum safety and performance requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) intended for connection to the Canadian electrical grid. This standard is harmonized with corresponding UL and IEC standards to facilitate global trade while addressing specific Canadian electrical code requirements.
1. Scope and Application
CSA C22.2 No. 274-17 — Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment — applies to equipment designed to transfer energy from a branch circuit or dedicated source to an electric vehicle for charging purposes. It covers both cord-and-plug connected and permanently wired units, including AC Level 1 (120 V), AC Level 2 (208–240 V), and DC fast charging equipment (up to 600 V DC per the Canadian Electrical Code Part I).
The standard encompasses all functional components within the EVSE system, such as the control box, cable assembly, connector, and any integrated communication modules. It does not cover wireless charging systems, battery swapping stations, or equipment used only for utility-scale energy storage.
Applicable installations: Residential garages, commercial parking lots, workplace charging stations, and public charging networks. The standard also outlines requirements for indoor and outdoor use, with environmental ratings addressing rain, snow, dust, and corrosive atmospheres.
Important: CSA C22.2 No. 274-17 is referenced by the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code) for EVSE installations. Equipment bearing the CSA mark to this standard is accepted across all Canadian provinces and territories without additional electrical safety testing.
2. Technical Requirements
2.1 Electrical Safety and Protection
To ensure safe operation under normal and fault conditions, the standard mandates:
- Ground fault protection: All EVSE must incorporate a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with a maximum trip threshold of 5 mA for AC systems and 20 mA for DC systems (as of the 2017 edition). The GFCI must be self-monitoring and capable of interrupting the supply within 0.1 seconds.
- Overcurrent protection: Internal overcurrent devices (fuses or circuit breakers) must be rated at 125 % of the continuous charging current. Overload protection is required for both the AC input and DC output circuits.
- Insulation coordination: Creepage and clearance distances follow CSA C22.2 No. 0.5 for basic and supplementary insulation. Impulse withstand levels are specified at 2.5 kV for basic insulation and 4 kV for reinforced insulation.
2.2 Mechanical and Environmental Requirements
| Parameter | Requirement (CSA C22.2 No. 274-17) |
|---|---|
| Impact resistance (enclosure) | IK08 minimum for indoor; IK10 for outdoor equipment |
| Ingress protection (IP) | IP44 for indoor use; IP54 for outdoor use (with connector inserted) |
| Temperature range (operation) | −30 °C to +50 °C (full functionality); extended range optional |
| Cable handling | Flexible cable must withstand 5,000 cycles of a 90° bend test at −25 °C |
| Corrosion resistance | 96 h salt spray test per ASTM B117 for outdoor-rated components |
2.3 Control and Communication
The standard includes requirements for pilot control circuits (based on SAE J1772™ for AC and CHAdeMO/CCS for DC charging). Key provisions:
- Pilot signal must comply with ±12 V square wave at 1 kHz for AC Level 1 and Level 2, with duty cycle indicating available current.
- For DC charging, a digital communication protocol (CAN bus or power line communication) is required to manage output voltage and current within safe limits.
- Automatic disconnection upon loss of pilot signal or communication timeout (typically < 5 seconds).
2.4 Connector and Cable Requirements
Connectors must meet the mechanical and electrical requirements of SAE J1772™ (for AC and DC combo) or CHAdeMO. The standard also mandates a cable retention force of at least 150 N for AC connectors and 250 N for DC connectors to prevent accidental disconnection.
Design tip: Many manufacturers design EVSE to simultaneously meet CSA C22.2 No. 274-17 and UL 2202 (USA) by incorporating a wider operating temperature range and enhanced surge protection. This dual compliance streamlines North American market access.
3. Implementation Highlights for Manufacturers and Installers
3.1 Installation Considerations
When installing CSA-certified EVSE, the following must be observed:
- The supply circuit must be dedicated and protected by a GFCI breaker unless the EVSE has integral GFCI (many newer units do).
- Outdoor installations require a weatherproof receptacle (NEMA 3R or 4X) if the EVSE is cord-and-plug connected.
- Permanent wiring must be through approved conduit and fittings rated for the environment.
- The equipment must be mounted at a height not more than 1.8 m above grade for accessibility.
3.2 Manufacturer Compliance Path
To obtain CSA certification to C22.2 No. 274-17, manufacturers should:
- Submit a complete set of drawings, schematics, and BOM to a recognized certification body (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, or UL).
- Conduct internal pre-compliance testing focusing on GFCI performance, dielectric voltage withstand (1500 V AC for basic insulation), and enclosure sealing.
- Arrange for factory inspections and witness testing. Key test points include fault current withstand (10 kA short-circuit rating), temperature rise at rated current, and environmental conditioning.
Common non-compliance issues: Inadequate cable strain relief leading to conductor pullout, insufficient clearance between high-voltage and low-voltage circuits, and failure of the GFCI to trip under simulated ground fault conditions. Always review the latest edition of the standard for amended requirements.
4. Compliance and Certification Notes
Certification to CSA C22.2 No. 274-17 is recognized by all provincial and territorial electrical authorities in Canada. The standard is often updated; the 2017 edition includes new requirements for DC charging equipment that were not covered in earlier versions. Key changes include:
- Addition of output circuit protection requirements for DC fast chargers (up to 200 A continuous).
- Enhanced mechanical endurance tests for charging cables (50,000 insertions for connectors).
- More stringent labeling: bilingual (English/French) safety mark must include charging current, voltage, and compliance reference.
- Mandatory GFCI self-test every 24 hours for residential units.
Maintenance of certification requires annual factory inspections and notification of any changes that may affect safety.
If you are selling EVSE in Canada: Always ensure your product bears a valid CSA mark to CSA C22.2 No. 274-17. Some provinces (e.g., Quebec) also require CQM certification, but the CSA mark is universally accepted as equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CSA C22.2 No. 274-17 mandatory for all EVSE sold in Canada?
A: Yes, all electric vehicle supply equipment intended for connection to the Canadian electrical grid must comply with this standard (or an equivalent accepted by the local authority). It is adopted by reference in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1).
A: Yes, all electric vehicle supply equipment intended for connection to the Canadian electrical grid must comply with this standard (or an equivalent accepted by the local authority). It is adopted by reference in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1).
Q: How does CSA C22.2 No. 274-17 differ from UL 2202?
A: While both are safety standards for EVSE, CSA C22.2 No. 274-17 incorporates Canadian-specific requirements, such as bilingual labeling, lower ambient temperature testing (−30 °C versus 0 °C for UL), and mandatory GFCI self-test for residential units. Many manufacturers seek dual certification to cover both markets efficiently.
A: While both are safety standards for EVSE, CSA C22.2 No. 274-17 incorporates Canadian-specific requirements, such as bilingual labeling, lower ambient temperature testing (−30 °C versus 0 °C for UL), and mandatory GFCI self-test for residential units. Many manufacturers seek dual certification to cover both markets efficiently.
Q: Does the standard cover DC fast charging?
A: Yes, the 2017 edition explicitly includes DC charging equipment up to 600 V DC and 400 A. It addresses both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors and includes output overcurrent protection and communication protocol requirements that were absent in previous editions.
A: Yes, the 2017 edition explicitly includes DC charging equipment up to 600 V DC and 400 A. It addresses both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors and includes output overcurrent protection and communication protocol requirements that were absent in previous editions.
Q: Can a portable EVSE (e.g., Level 1 cord set) be certified to this standard?
A: Absolutely. Cord-and-plug connected EVSE is within the scope, provided the attached plug is rated for the Canadian supply system (5-15P, 5-20P, 6-15P, 6-20P, or 14-50P). The cord length is limited to 7.5 m unless otherwise permitted by the authority having jurisdiction.
A: Absolutely. Cord-and-plug connected EVSE is within the scope, provided the attached plug is rated for the Canadian supply system (5-15P, 5-20P, 6-15P, 6-20P, or 14-50P). The cord length is limited to 7.5 m unless otherwise permitted by the authority having jurisdiction.
Article written for technical professionals. Standard reference: CSA C22.2 No. 274-17. Always refer to the latest edition for current legal requirements. © 2026