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CSA C22.2 No. 63-93 (2013): General Requirements for Electrical Equipment – Safety and Compliance
A comprehensive guide to the scope, technical provisions, and certification process for Canada’s foundational electrical safety standard
Scope and Purpose
CSA C22.2 No. 63-93 (2013) is the third edition of a foundational safety standard developed under the Canadian Electrical Code Part II framework. Originally published in 1993 and reaffirmed without technical changes in 2013, this standard establishes general requirements for electrical equipment intended for connection to supply circuits operating at not more than 750 V. It applies to a wide range of devices including household appliances, industrial control equipment, lighting fixtures, and similar products that are installed, used, or maintained in ordinary locations.
The standard covers safety aspects such as electric shock, fire hazards, mechanical injury, and abnormal operation. It also provides basic construction rules, test procedures, and marking requirements that form the basis for product-specific standards within the C22.2 series.
Tip: CSA C22.2 No. 63-93 is often used as a reference standard for many part‑2 standards (e.g., C22.2 No. 64 for household refrigerators). Manufacturers should first identify if a product-specific part‑2 standard exists before applying this general standard alone.
Exclusions
The standard does not apply to:
- Equipment rated for voltages above 750 V
- Components intended solely for incorporation into larger systems (unless otherwise specified)
- Medical electrical equipment covered by CSA C22.2 No. 601 series
- Equipment intended for use in hazardous locations (covered by C22.2 No. 30, etc.)
Key Technical Requirements
Construction and Materials
All equipment must be constructed with adequate mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation. The standard specifies minimum creepage and clearance distances based on working voltage and pollution degree (Pollution Degree 2 for normal indoor environments). Key construction elements include:
- Enclosures – Must protect live parts against accidental contact and resist impact, heat, and moisture.
- Insulation – Three classes: functional, basic, supplementary, and reinforced. Retention of insulation after dielectric tests is mandatory.
- Protective earthing – Exposed conductive parts must be reliably connected to the earthing terminal.
| Working Voltage (V rms) | Clearance (mm) | Creepage Distance (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 50 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| 51 – 125 | 1.5 | 3.0 |
| 126 – 250 | 2.5 | 5.0 |
| 251 – 600 | 4.0 | 8.0 |
| 601 – 750 | 5.5 | 11.0 |
Important: Clearance distances assume a uniform electric field. If the field is non‑uniform (e.g., sharp edges), either increase distances or apply an appropriate test voltage according to Annex A of the standard.
Performance and Environmental Tests
The standard prescribes a series of type tests to verify safety under normal and abnormal conditions:
- Dielectric withstand test – 1000 V + twice the rated voltage (minimum 1500 V) applied for 1 minute between live parts and enclosures.
- Leakage current measurement – Under normal operating conditions, leakage must not exceed 5 mA for portable equipment or 3.5 mA for stationary equipment.
- Temperature rise – Components, windings, and accessible surfaces must not exceed specified limits (e.g., 60 K for accessible metal parts).
- Abnormal operation – Equipment must not emit flames, molten metal, or excessive smoke when operated under simulated fault conditions (e.g., locked rotor, blocked ventilation).
Compliance Tip: Performing a thorough worst-case analysis of operating conditions can help pre‑select components that will meet the temperature rise and creepage requirements, reducing test failures.
Implementation Highlights
Marking and Instructions
Each piece of equipment must be permanently marked with:
- Manufacturer’s name, trademark, or recognized identification.
- Model or type designation.
- Rated voltage, frequency, and current (or power).
- Any special operating conditions (e.g., “Indoor use only”).
Documents shipped with the product must include installation, maintenance, and safety instructions in English and French (for the Canadian market).
Documentation for Certification
To achieve CSA certification under C22.2 No. 63-93, manufacturers must submit:
- Technical description and circuit diagrams.
- Bill of materials with component ratings and applicable standards.
- Test reports from an accredited laboratory (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, UL) showing conformance to the general requirements.
- Photographs of the construction and marking.
Caution: Using uncertified critical components (such as switches, thermostats, or capacitors) may void the entire product certification. Always cross‑check component certifications against the latest CSA listing directories.
Compliance and Certification Notes
Role of C22.2 No. 63-93 in Canada’s Regulatory System
CSA C22.2 No. 63-93 is a reference within the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code) and is recognized by provincial and territorial authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). While the standard itself is voluntary, many provinces require products to be certified to a C22.2 standard before sale or installation.
Differences from Other General Standards
| Parameter | CSA C22.2 No. 63 | IEC 60335-1 | UL 508 (Industrial Control) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage range | ≤ 750 V | ≤ 250 V single‑phase | ≤ 600 V |
| Leakage current limit | 5 mA (portable) | 0.75 mA (hand‑held) | 5 mA (general) |
| Spacings (250V) | 2.5 / 5.0 mm | 1.5 / 3.0 mm (pollution degree 2) | 3.2 / 6.4 mm |
Certification Bodies and Marks
CSA Group (formerly Canadian Standards Association) is the dominant certification body for this standard. However, other nationally recognized testing laboratories (NRTLs) such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL) can also certify to the standard under a memorandum of understanding. The product must bear the mark of the certifying body (e.g., CSA or cCSAus).
Tip: Because CSA C22.2 No. 63-93 is harmonized in many areas with UL standards, a combined “cCSAus” mark is accepted across both Canada and the U.S. for products that comply with both sets of requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CSA C22.2 No. 63-93 the same as the Canadian Electrical Code Part II?
A: No. The Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code) is Part I, which contains installation rules. Part II comprises over 200 product safety standards, of which C22.2 No. 63-93 is one general standard. Part II standards are referenced by the CE Code for specific product types.
A: No. The Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code) is Part I, which contains installation rules. Part II comprises over 200 product safety standards, of which C22.2 No. 63-93 is one general standard. Part II standards are referenced by the CE Code for specific product types.
Q: Do I need to test according to the 1993 edition or the 2013 reaffirmation?
A: The 2013 reaffirmation indicates no technical changes were made. Certification bodies accept both the original 1993 text and the 2013 reaffirmed version as the same technical requirements. Always confirm with your certifier which edition is recognized in your target province.
A: The 2013 reaffirmation indicates no technical changes were made. Certification bodies accept both the original 1993 text and the 2013 reaffirmed version as the same technical requirements. Always confirm with your certifier which edition is recognized in your target province.
Q: Can I use this standard for industrial machinery?
A: Yes, as long as the machinery operates below 750 V and is not covered by a more specific part‑2 standard (e.g., C22.2 No. 0.4 for industrial control panels). Many manufacturers use C22.2 No. 63 as the base safety standard and then add supplementary requirements for their product group.
A: Yes, as long as the machinery operates below 750 V and is not covered by a more specific part‑2 standard (e.g., C22.2 No. 0.4 for industrial control panels). Many manufacturers use C22.2 No. 63 as the base safety standard and then add supplementary requirements for their product group.
Q: What are the consequences of non‑compliance?
A: Products sold in Canada without proper certification may be subject to recall, fines by provincial regulators (e.g., Technical Standards and Safety Authority in Ontario), and liability in the event of accident. Additionally, insurance coverage may be voided for uncertified equipment.
A: Products sold in Canada without proper certification may be subject to recall, fines by provincial regulators (e.g., Technical Standards and Safety Authority in Ontario), and liability in the event of accident. Additionally, insurance coverage may be voided for uncertified equipment.
© 2026 – Technical reference article written for informational purposes. Always consult the latest official CSA standard documents and your accredited certification body for binding requirements.