Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
CSA C22.2 No. 745-4-36-95 (R2018): Safety Requirements for Hand-Held Electric Scrubbers
Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Standard for Portable Electric Cleaning Tools
Introduction and Scope
CSA C22.2 No. 745-4-36-95 (R2018) is a specific standard within the Canadian Electrical Code Part II (C22.2 series) addressing the safety of hand-held motor-operated electric scrubbers. Reaffirmed in 2018, this standard provides particular requirements for cleaning appliances that use a rotating brush or pad to scrub surfaces, typically with a liquid dispensing system. It supplements the general requirements of CSA C22.2 No. 745-1 (or its successor) and is intended to ensure a high level of safety for both consumers and service personnel.
The standard applies to scrubbers rated for voltages not exceeding 250 V for single-phase tools and 600 V for polyphase tools, with a rated input not exceeding 2500 W. It covers tools intended for indoor use in dry or wet environments, including those with detachable liquid tanks and battery-powered variants. Not within scope are appliances intended exclusively for industrial floor cleaning (covered by other standards) or tools without a liquid delivery function.
Technical Requirements
The technical provisions of CSA C22.2 No. 745-4-36-95 (R2018) build upon the fundamental safety philosophy of the 745 series, with added emphasis on protection against water ingress, liquid leakage, and the unique hazards of scrubbing operations.
Electrical Protection
All current-carrying parts must be protected against accidental contact. The standard mandates reinforced insulation (Class II construction) for the housing that may come into contact with damp surfaces. Clearance and creepage distances are increased for circuits exposed to liquid, typically requiring at least 5.5 mm for reinforced insulation at rated voltages up to 250 V. The table below summarizes key dielectric test requirements:
| Test Parameter | Requirement | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric strength (basic insulation) | 1250 V (1 min) / 1500 V (1 s) | Clause 10.1 |
| Dielectric strength (reinforced insulation) | 2500 V (1 min) / 3000 V (1 s) | Clause 10.2 |
| Leakage current at operating temperature | ≤ 0.25 mA per kW rated input, max 0.75 mA | Clause 10.3 |
| Insulation resistance | ≥ 2 MΩ at 500 V DC | Clause 10.4 |
When testing scrubbers with a liquid tank, the tank must be filled with a conductive solution (e.g., 0.5% NaCl in water) to simulate worst-case leakage conditions. This differs from dry tool testing and is a critical requirement of Part 4-36.
Mechanical Strength and Liquid Protection
The housing of the scrubber must withstand a drop test from 1.0 m onto a concrete floor, followed by a check for no damage that exposes live parts. For tools with liquid dispensing, the standard requires a liquid-tight seal between the tank and motor housing. A pressure test at 0.2 bar gauge is performed to verify the seal: no leakage is permitted for 30 seconds. The motor ventilation system must be designed so that no water can enter the electrical enclosure, even when the scrubber is tilted to 30° from its normal operating position.
Designers must note that the standard prohibits the use of open-type switches or connectors that are not protected against liquid ingress. All controls must meet at least IPX4 (splash-proof) under IEC 60529.
Thermal Protection
The standard specifies maximum winding temperatures measured by resistance change or embedded thermocouples. For Class A insulation, the limiting temperature is 105°C; for Class B, 125°C. If the tool is equipped with a thermal cutout, it must operate before winding temperature exceeds 150°C. The thermal test is run under continuous duty at rated voltage and with the liquid tank filled to maximum capacity.
Marking and Instructions
In addition to the general marking requirements of CSA C22.2 No. 745-1, the standard mandates the following:
- Cautionary statement: “WARNING – Do not immerse tool or expose to rain.”
- For tools with detachable liquid tanks: “Only use with approved cleaning liquids.”
- Indication of the maximum temperature of any heated solution (if applicable).
- Instruction manual must include a maintenance section for cleaning and replacing seals.
Adhering to these marking requirements simplifies certification to CSA C22.2 No. 745-4-36-95 (R2018) and reduces the risk of field failures.
Implementation Challenges
Manufacturers often encounter two primary difficulties: achieving consistent liquid-tight seals over the product lifetime and managing the increased creepage distances required for wet environments. The standard requires an accelerated aging test for rubber seals (72 h at 70°C) and a 100‑cycle mechanical flex test of the liquid dispensing hose without leakage. Cable entry points must be provided with a strain relief that includes a liquid barrier.
Failure to meet the dielectric test after the moisture condensation test (Clause 11) is a common non‑compliance. This test subjects the tool to 48 h at 40°C and 93 % relative humidity, then requires immediate dielectric withstand and leakage current measurements.
Compliance Notes
Certification to CSA C22.2 No. 745-4-36-95 (R2018) is typically performed by accredited bodies such as CSA Group or IPS Certification. To achieve listing, manufacturers must:
- Submit a representative sample with all variants documented.
- Provide proof of compliance for critical components (cord sets, switches, thermal protectors) to their relevant CSA standards.
- Undergo factory audits covering traceability of seals and motor insulation production records.
The standard was reaffirmed in 2018 without technical changes but includes editorial updates aligning with current CSA drafting practices. It remains a mandatory safety requirement for sales in Canada under provincial electrical regulations.
Q: Does this standard apply to battery-operated scrubbers?
A: Yes, Part 4-36 covers mains‑ and battery‑operated hand‑held scrubbers. Battery tools must meet additional requirements for overcurrent protection and battery compartment sealing to prevent liquid ingress.
A: Yes, Part 4-36 covers mains‑ and battery‑operated hand‑held scrubbers. Battery tools must meet additional requirements for overcurrent protection and battery compartment sealing to prevent liquid ingress.
Q: Is CSA C22.2 No. 745-4-36-95 (R2018) identical to an international standard?
A: It is based on IEC 60745-4-36 but includes North American deviations, notably for supply voltage ranges (120 V nominal) and plug configurations, as well as more stringent leakage current limits.
A: It is based on IEC 60745-4-36 but includes North American deviations, notably for supply voltage ranges (120 V nominal) and plug configurations, as well as more stringent leakage current limits.
Q: What is the relationship to the general standard CSA C22.2 No. 745-1?
A: Part 4-36 is a particular requirement that supplements the general standard. Where conflicts exist, the particular requirements take precedence, especially regarding wet environment protections and marking.
A: Part 4-36 is a particular requirement that supplements the general standard. Where conflicts exist, the particular requirements take precedence, especially regarding wet environment protections and marking.
Q: How often is the standard updated?
A: CSA standards are normally reviewed every five years. This edition was reaffirmed in 2018; the next review is expected around 2023–2024, which may lead to a new edition incorporating modern battery and water‑proofing technologies.
A: CSA standards are normally reviewed every five years. This edition was reaffirmed in 2018; the next review is expected around 2023–2024, which may lead to a new edition incorporating modern battery and water‑proofing technologies.
Article prepared for technical reference purposes. For official compliance, refer to the latest published standard available through CSA Group. © 2026.