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CSA C22.2 No. 60947-4-1-14 (2019) – Technical Overview of Canadian Standard for Contactors and Motor-Starters
Comprehensive requirements for low-voltage switching devices in compliance with Canadian Electrical Code Part II
Scope and General Requirements
CSA C22.2 No. 60947-4-1-14 (2019) is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60947-4-1, covering electromechanical contactors and motor-starters designed for connection to circuits rated up to 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC. This standard forms part of the Canadian Electrical Code Part II (C22.2 series) and harmonizes with international requirements while addressing specific North American installation practices and safety considerations.
The standard applies to devices intended for frequent switching of motors, including reversing contactors, star-delta starters, and multi-speed motor controllers. It also covers associated control circuits and auxiliary contacts used in conjunction with these switching devices.
Key exclusions include semiconductors (covered by IEC 60947-4-2) and motor-protective switches (IEC 60947-2). Manufacturers seeking certification for the Canadian market must comply with this standard to obtain CSA or equivalent third-party certification.
Technical Specifications and Performance Criteria
Rated Operational Characteristics
The standard defines several essential ratings that must be clearly marked on each device, including rated operational voltage (Ue), rated insulation voltage (Ui), rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp), and rated operational current (Ie) for each utilization category.
Table 1 summarizes the common utilization categories for contactors and motor-starters as defined by CSA C22.2 No. 60947-4-1-14.
| Category | Typical Application | Current Conditions | d.c./a.c. |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC-1 | Non-inductive or slightly inductive loads (resistance furnaces, heaters) | Make and break at rated current, low overcurrents | a.c. |
| AC-2 | Slip-ring motors: starting, running, switching off | Make and break at starting current (~2.5 Ie) | a.c. |
| AC-3 | Squirrel-cage motors: starting, running, switching off during running | Make at ~6 Ie, break at rated current | a.c. |
| AC-4 | Squirrel-cage motors: starting, inching/plugging, reversing | Make and break at ~6 Ie | a.c. |
| DC-1 | Non-inductive or slightly inductive d.c. loads | Make and break at rated current | d.c. |
| DC-5 | Series-wound motors: starting, breaking, inching | Make at 2.5 Ie, break at 0.3 Ie (L/R ≤ 7.5 ms) | d.c. |
Short-Circuit Performance and Coordination
A critical technical requirement is the coordination between the contactor or starter and the associated short-circuit protective device (SCPD). The standard defines two types of coordination:
- Type 1 coordination: After a short-circuit fault, the contactor or starter may become non-operational but must not cause injury to personnel or damage to other equipment. Replacement of parts may be required.
- Type 2 coordination: After a short-circuit fault, the device must remain operational. Minor contact welding is acceptable provided it can be easily separated without significant deformation.
The standard requires that manufacturers specify the maximum SCPD rating (type, rating, and characteristics) to achieve the declared coordination type. Testing is conducted at a prospective short-circuit current equal to the device’s rated conditional short-circuit current (Icc).
Switching Overvoltages and Dielectric Requirements
Devices must withstand specified impulse voltages between live parts, live parts and exposed conductive parts, and across open contacts. The required impulse withstand voltage (Uimp) depends on the rated insulation voltage and application environment. Table 2 shows typical voltage ratings.
| Rated Insulation Voltage Ui (V) | Rated Impulse Withstand Voltage Uimp (kV) | Test Voltage (r.m.s.) (V) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | 4 | 2500 |
| 600 | 6 | 3000 |
| 1000 | 8 | 3600 |
Tip: For installations in Canada, designers should verify that the short-circuit rating of the combination (contactor/starter + SCPD) is equal to or greater than the available fault current at the installation point. Coordination tables provided by manufacturers are essential for proper selection.
Implementation and Marking Requirements
CSA C22.2 No. 60947-4-1-14 mandates clear and durable marking on each device, including the manufacturer’s name or trademark, model or type reference, number of main poles, utilization categories, rated operational current and voltage, rated frequency (or d.c.), and the conditional short-circuit current (Icc) along with the designated SCPD.
Devices supplied with control circuits must also have the control circuit voltage and frequency clearly indicated. If the device is intended for use in isolated or grounded systems, appropriate labelling applies.
Warning: Inadequate marking or substitution of a different SCPD than the one specified by the manufacturer invalidates the coordination type. Always refer to the manufacturer’s technical data for replacement parts.
Compliance Notes for Manufacturers and Installers
Manufacturers must ensure that the product design meets all thermal, dynamic, and switching stress requirements. Certification typically involves:
- Temperature rise tests at rated current under steady-state conditions.
- Making and breaking capacity tests for each utilization category.
- Short-circuit tests with the associated SCPD to verify coordination.
- Capacitive load tests (if applicable) and verification of mechanical and electrical endurance.
Note: CSA certification (e.g., recognized Component or certified marking) indicates compliance with this standard. Products meeting CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60947-4-1-14 are accepted across Canada under provincial regulations.
Installers must follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially regarding torque values for terminal connections (specified in N·m), clearance, and creepage distances. The standard also requires that devices be installed with the correct orientation to maintain the rated impulse withstand voltage.
Critical: Failure to adhere to the specified short-circuit coordination can lead to catastrophic failure of the contactor or starter, including welding of contacts, bursting of enclosures, or fire. Always consult the latest version of the standard and the manufacturer’s coordination tables.
Differences from IEC 60947-4-1
Canadian implementation may include deviations such as ambient temperature limits of 40 °C (instead of the IEC default of 40 °C but with recognition of higher temperatures), different requirements for terminal markings (wire gauge compatibility in AWG), and acceptance of both metric and imperial fasteners. Additionally, the standard may reference the Canadian Electrical Code Part I (CSA C22.1) for installation aspects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CSA C22.2 No. 60947-4-1-14 and the international IEC 60947-4-1?
A: The CSA version is technically identical to IEC 60947-4-1 but includes modifications for Canadian electrical practices, such as alignment with CSA C22.1, specific marking requirements (AWG sizes, kcmil), and ambient temperature corrections for typical Canadian installations. It is the recognized version for product certification in Canada.
A: The CSA version is technically identical to IEC 60947-4-1 but includes modifications for Canadian electrical practices, such as alignment with CSA C22.1, specific marking requirements (AWG sizes, kcmil), and ambient temperature corrections for typical Canadian installations. It is the recognized version for product certification in Canada.
Q: Does this standard cover manual motor starters (MMS)?
A: No, manual motor starters are covered by CSA C22.2 No. 60947-2 (or 60947-2-13). Standard 60947-4-1 specifically addresses electromechanical contactors and motor-starters (including combination starters) where the switching function is performed by an electromagnet.
A: No, manual motor starters are covered by CSA C22.2 No. 60947-2 (or 60947-2-13). Standard 60947-4-1 specifically addresses electromechanical contactors and motor-starters (including combination starters) where the switching function is performed by an electromagnet.
Q: Are there any special requirements for devices rated for 277/480 V systems?
A: Yes, the standard defines specific ratings for typical Canadian utilization voltages (e.g., 240 V, 480 V, 600 V). For 277/480 V systems, the rated operational voltage must be at least 480 V, and the rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp) must be adequate (typically 6 kV for the 480 V class). Coordination to Type 1 or Type 2 must be declared by the manufacturer for these voltages.
A: Yes, the standard defines specific ratings for typical Canadian utilization voltages (e.g., 240 V, 480 V, 600 V). For 277/480 V systems, the rated operational voltage must be at least 480 V, and the rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp) must be adequate (typically 6 kV for the 480 V class). Coordination to Type 1 or Type 2 must be declared by the manufacturer for these voltages.
Q: How frequently is the standard updated?
A: CSA generally adopts new editions of IEC standards within a few years. The 2019 edition incorporates amendments to the 2014 IEC edition (which included Amendment 1). Users should check the CSA Store for the latest publication, as the standard is reaffirmed or revised as needed.
A: CSA generally adopts new editions of IEC standards within a few years. The 2019 edition incorporates amendments to the 2014 IEC edition (which included Amendment 1). Users should check the CSA Store for the latest publication, as the standard is reaffirmed or revised as needed.
Published 2026. For the most current requirements, always refer to the official standard document published by CSA Group.