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CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1-17: Fuseholders — General Requirements
A Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Standard for Fuseholders Harmonized with UL 4248-1
Scope of CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1-17
CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1-17, part of the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code) Part 2 series, establishes the general requirements for fuseholders rated up to 1000 V ac/dc and 800 A. The standard applies to devices intended for use with cartridge fuses (including plug‐type and offset blade fuses) in accordance with the CE Code, Part I. It is harmonized with UL 4248‑1 (Edition 2) and NMX‑J‑009/4248/1‑ANCE to form a tri‑national requirement set for North America.
Key exclusions include fuseholders for supplementary overcurrent protection, low‑voltage fuses for power circuits (e.g., Class L fuses above 600 A), and specialty devices such as telecommunication fuseholders. The standard covers enclosed, open, and panel‑mounted fuseholders, as well as those integrated into disconnects or switches.
Tip: When designing for the Canadian market, always reference the latest edition of the CE Code Part I alongside CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1‑17, as provincial variations may impose additional requirements.
Key Technical Requirements
Construction and Materials
Fuseholders must be constructed from materials that resist heat, flame, and electrical tracking. The standard mandates minimum creepage and clearance distances based on voltage level and pollution degree (Pollution Degree 2 or 3). Live parts must be non‑corrosive and rated for continuous current without exceeding temperature limits.
Performance and Test Criteria
Devices undergo type tests to verify:
- Temperature rise at rated current (maximum 65 K for contacts, 55 K for terminals).
- Dielectric voltage‑withstand (1 kV plus twice the rated voltage for circuits >250 V).
- Short‑circuit current rating (SCCR) verified by fuseholder/fuse combination testing.
- Endurance (mechanical and electrical cycles) – 50 operations at rated voltage and current.
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Method Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature rise (contacts) | ≤ 65 K | Clause 8.2.2.1 |
| Dielectric withstand (primary) | 1 kV + 2 × Vrated for 1 min | Clause 8.3.2 |
| Short‑circuit current | As marked (e.g., 10 kA at 600 V) | Clause 8.5 |
| Endurance (electrical) | 50 cycles at rated load | Clause 8.6.3 |
Warning: The SCCR of a fuseholder is only valid when used with the specific fuse types and ratings tested in the combination. Substituting a fuse without re‑evaluation may void compliance.
Implementation and Compliance Highlights
Harmonization with UL 4248‑1
CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1‑17 is virtually identical to UL 4248‑1 (2nd edition) in technical content. However, Canadian differences include:
- Mandatory compliance with the CE Code Part I for installation.
- Alternative acceptance of fuseholders listed only to CSA (cCSAus) for Canada.
- Updated references to Canadian standards for enclosures (CSA C22.2 No. 14) and terminal markings (CSA C22.2 No. 43).
Marking and Instructions
Each fuseholder must be permanently marked with:
- Manufacturer’s name or trademark
- Catalogue number or equivalent
- Rated voltage, current, and short‑circuit rating (SCCR)
- Fuse type/class required (e.g., Class J, Class RK5)
- Minimum wire size and temperature rating of terminals
Compliance Note: Products certified under CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1‑17 will bear the CSA certification mark (or cCSAus) and are eligible for field acceptance across all Canadian jurisdictions.
Testing and Certification Process
Manufacturers seeking CSA certification must submit sample fuseholders to a recognized testing laboratory (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, UL). The testing program includes:
- Climatic conditioning (48 h at 95% RH, 30 °C) before dielectric tests.
- Short‑circuit testing using a representative fuse of the lowest interrupting rating for the assembly.
- Temperature rise measurement under worst‑case conditions (e.g., smallest wire size, maximum ambient of 30 °C).
Periodic factory inspections are required to maintain listing. The current edition (2017) is expected to be followed by an updated revision in the next code cycle; users should monitor CSA’s website for amendments.
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1‑17 cover fuseholders for renewable fuses?
A: No. The standard specifically excludes renewable fuseholders (those intended for rewirable fuses). Such devices are covered by other standards (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 39).
A: No. The standard specifically excludes renewable fuseholders (those intended for rewirable fuses). Such devices are covered by other standards (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 39).
Q: Can a UL 4248‑1‑listed fuseholder be used in Canada without additional CSA certification?
A: Generally, a product that bears only the UL Listing mark (without cCSAus or CSA mark) is not automatically accepted in Canada. However, if the product is certified to the bi‑national standard (UL 4248‑1/CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1) and carries the appropriate Canadian certification mark (e.g., cCSAus, cUL), it may be accepted. Always verify with the local AHJ.
A: Generally, a product that bears only the UL Listing mark (without cCSAus or CSA mark) is not automatically accepted in Canada. However, if the product is certified to the bi‑national standard (UL 4248‑1/CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1) and carries the appropriate Canadian certification mark (e.g., cCSAus, cUL), it may be accepted. Always verify with the local AHJ.
Q: How often is CSA C22.2 No. 4248.1 updated?
A: The standard is revised on an as‑needed basis, typically every 3–5 years. The 2017 edition replaced the 2008 version. Users should check for the latest amendment or the upcoming edition to stay compliant.
A: The standard is revised on an as‑needed basis, typically every 3–5 years. The 2017 edition replaced the 2008 version. Users should check for the latest amendment or the upcoming edition to stay compliant.
Content prepared for reference purposes. For official certification requirements, consult CSA Group or your accredited testing laboratory.
Published: 2026 – Current requirements subject to change; always verify with the relevant standards body.