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CSA C22.2 No. 34-M87 (2018): Safety Standard for Vacuum Cleaners and Floor Finishing Machines
Scope, Technical Requirements, and Compliance Guidance for the Canadian Electrical Safety of Floor Care Appliances
Scope and Application
CSA C22.2 No. 34-M87 (2018) is a Canadian electrical safety standard that applies to vacuum cleaners, blower cleaners, and floor finishing machines intended for household, commercial, and industrial use. Reaffirmed in 2018, it retains the technical content originally established in 1987 while remaining current for certification and regulatory purposes. The standard covers electrically powered appliances that operate on nominal system voltages up to 250 V single-phase or 600 V three-phase. It includes cord-connected and battery-operated models, as well as attachments and accessories that are supplied as part of the appliance.
Exclusions from the standard include appliances designed exclusively for wet pick-up or those intended for use in hazardous locations as defined by the Canadian Electrical Code. The standard focuses on safety aspects such as electrical shock, fire hazards, mechanical dangers, and abnormal operation conditions.
Tip: CSA C22.2 No. 34-M87 (2018) is often referenced in conjunction with CSA C22.2 No. 0 (General Requirements) and No. 1 (Power-Operated Appliances) to ensure comprehensive compliance.
Key Technical Requirements
The standard sets out specific technical criteria for construction, performance, and testing. The table below summarizes the main requirements across critical safety categories.
| Safety Aspect | Requirement | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Minimum 1 MΩ at 500 V DC after humidity treatment; dielectric strength of 1000 V (or 2U+1000 for motor circuits) for 1 minute without breakdown. | Insulation resistance measurement and dielectric strength test per Clause 21. |
| Leakage Current | For handheld appliances: ≤ 0.5 mA; for stationary appliances: ≤ 3.5 mA under normal conditions. | Measured with a milli-ammeter according to Clause 23. |
| Thermal Protection | Motors must have built-in thermal protectors or be designed so that winding temperature does not exceed 130 °C (Class A) during locked-rotor test. | Locked-rotor test at rated voltage for 15 days or until protection operates (Clause 18). |
| Mechanical Strength | Enclosures must withstand impact of 2 J (from a steel ball of 50 mm diameter dropped from 50 cm) without exposing live parts. | Impact test per Clause 19. |
| Power Cord & Strain Relief | Cord must be of type SJT, SVT, or equivalent with minimum 18 AWG; strain relief must withstand a pull force of 156 N for 1 minute without displacement. | Strain relief test per Clause 15. |
| Construction & Accessibility | Live parts must be inaccessible without the use of a tool; switches must break all poles if the appliance is not provided with a plug. | Visual inspection and accessibility probe per Clause 8. |
Additional Provisions for Floor Finishing Machines
For floor polishers, scrubbers, and similar machines, the standard requires that the rotating brush or pad be guarded to prevent accidental contact. The guard must have a minimum height of 20 mm and prevent fingers from reaching moving parts. Machines intended for wet operation must have enclosures rated at least IPX4 or equivalent water ingress protection.
Warning: Designers should note that CSA C22.2 No. 34 requires a temperature rise test on all current-carrying components. Multiple sample failures may require a redesign of the airflow path or motor cooling fan.
Implementation and Testing Considerations
Manufacturers seeking CSA certification for vacuum cleaners or floor finishing machines must submit samples to an accredited laboratory for evaluation per the standard. The following implementation highlights are essential for a smooth certification process:
- Component Standards: All electrical components (switches, motors, capacitors, etc.) must comply with their respective CSA standards or be certified as part of the end-product evaluation.
- Documentation: The manufacturer must provide a bill of materials, schematics, and a rating plate that includes name, model, voltage, frequency, current or power rating, and the CSA mark.
- Abnormal Tests: The standard includes requirements for abnormal operation such as blocked intake, overload, and stall conditions. The appliance must not emit flames, molten metal, or excessive smoke.
- Production Line Testing: Each unit must undergo a production line dielectric strength test at 75% of the type-test voltage and a ground continuity check.
Success Strategy: Pre-scanning your design against Clause 20 (Endurance) can save time. Many first-time failures occur due to worn brushes or overheating during the endurance test, which runs for 100 cycles of 30 minutes on/off intervals.
Compliance and Regulatory Notes
CSA C22.2 No. 34-M87 (2018) is a safety standard recognized by the provincial and territorial electrical safety authorities across Canada. Compliance with this standard is mandatory for appliances sold in Canada under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CE Code). Products certified to this standard typically receive the CSA mark or an equivalent certification mark accepted by the regulatory authority.
It is important to note that the 2018 reaffirmation does not introduce new technical changes; it confirms the 1987 text as still relevant and acceptable for certification. However, the standard may be subject to future amendments. At the time of this writing, the CSA Group is developing a new edition (CSA C22.2 No. 34:19) with updated requirements for energy efficiency and new battery technologies. Transition periods will apply once a new edition is published.
Important: Non-compliance can lead to product seizure, fines, or liability in the event of an accident. Always verify the current version of the standard on the CSA Group website before starting a new project.
Key Regulatory Bodies: Industry Canada (IC) for electromagnetic interference (EMI) may also apply, but it is not part of this safety standard. Manufacturers should coordinate safety certification with CSA and EMC compliance with IC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CSA C22.2 No. 34-M87 (2018) equivalent to any UL or IEC standard?
A: There is no direct equivalence, but it is largely harmonized with UL 1017 (Vacuum Cleaners) and IEC 60335-2-2 (Vacuum Cleaners and Water-Suction Cleaning Appliances). Differences exist in test conditions and some detailed requirements, so Canadian certification must always be based on the CSA standard.
A: There is no direct equivalence, but it is largely harmonized with UL 1017 (Vacuum Cleaners) and IEC 60335-2-2 (Vacuum Cleaners and Water-Suction Cleaning Appliances). Differences exist in test conditions and some detailed requirements, so Canadian certification must always be based on the CSA standard.
Q: Can I use a product certified to CSA C22.2 No. 34-M87 (2018) in the United States?
A: No, the CSA mark alone is not sufficient for the U.S. market. The product would need a separate UL listing to comply with U.S. National Electrical Code requirements. However, some products may be eligible for dual certification under the CSA/UL reciprocal agreement.
A: No, the CSA mark alone is not sufficient for the U.S. market. The product would need a separate UL listing to comply with U.S. National Electrical Code requirements. However, some products may be eligible for dual certification under the CSA/UL reciprocal agreement.
Q: Does the standard apply to robotic vacuum cleaners?
A: Yes, the standard covers battery-operated and cord-connected robotic vacuum cleaners, provided they fall within the voltage and power limits. Additional requirements from CSA C22.2 No. 0.17 (Battery-Powered Appliances) may also apply for lithium-ion systems.
A: Yes, the standard covers battery-operated and cord-connected robotic vacuum cleaners, provided they fall within the voltage and power limits. Additional requirements from CSA C22.2 No. 0.17 (Battery-Powered Appliances) may also apply for lithium-ion systems.
Q: What are the marking requirements?
A: The rating plate must show: manufacturer’s name or trademark, model number, rated voltage (V), frequency (Hz), rated current (A) or rated input (W), and the certification mark. Clearance between marking and ground terminals must be at least 6 mm.
A: The rating plate must show: manufacturer’s name or trademark, model number, rated voltage (V), frequency (Hz), rated current (A) or rated input (W), and the certification mark. Clearance between marking and ground terminals must be at least 6 mm.
© 2026 Canadian Standards Compliance. All rights reserved. This article provides general guidance and does not replace the full text of the standard.