Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16: Power Supply Safety Standard – Scope, Requirements, and Compliance
Understanding the Canadian Standard for Power Supply Equipment in the Electrical Code Part II
CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16, titled “Power Supplies,” is a key safety standard under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II (C22.2 series). It establishes requirements for the construction, performance, and testing of power supply equipment intended for installation in ordinary (non-hazardous) locations. The 2016 edition harmonizes with UL 1012 (9th edition) and supersedes the previous 1992 edition, reflecting modern technologies such as switch-mode topologies and enhanced energy-efficiency features. This article provides a technical overview of the standard’s scope, critical requirements, implementation considerations, and compliance pathways.
Scope and Application
CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16 applies to power supplies rated for input voltages not exceeding 600 V ac (50/60 Hz) or 250 V dc. The standard covers a wide range of products, including:
- AC-to-DC and DC-to-DC converters
- Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) less than 5 kVA
- Battery chargers for industrial and commercial use
- Laboratory and bench power supplies
- Power supplies integrated into other equipment (e.g., medical devices under specific conditions)
Excluded from the scope are power supplies intended for hazardous (classified) locations, arc welders, and power supplies covered by other dedicated CSA standards (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 601 for medical electrical equipment). The standard also does not apply to power supplies that are part of information technology equipment (covered by CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1) unless specifically invoked. Installations must comply with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1) for wiring and overcurrent protection.
Technical Requirements
The standard addresses safety from electric shock, fire, mechanical hazards, and abnormal operation. Key technical requirements are summarized below.
| Parameter | Requirement (per C22.2 No. 96.1-16) |
|---|---|
| Rated Input Voltage (ac) | 120/240 V, 50/60 Hz (single-phase); up to 600 V (three-phase) |
| Insulation Withstand (primary to secondary) | 1500 V ac or 2121 V dc for basic insulation; 3000 V ac for reinforced |
| Maximum Touch Current (accessible parts) | 0.5 mA for handheld equipment; 5 mA for other accessible conductive parts |
| Maximum Enclosure Temperature | 90 °C (Class A insulation); 105 °C (Class B) under normal load |
| Clearance / Creepage Distances | Based on pollution degree (PD 2 typical for indoor) and working voltage: e.g., 4.0 mm / 4.8 mm for 250 V rms |
| Grounding Impedance | ≤ 0.1 Ω for equipment rated ≤ 20 A; ≤ 0.2 Ω for higher ratings |
Electrical Construction
Internal wiring must be rated for at least the maximum operating temperature. Printed circuit boards used for switch-mode power supplies must conform to flammability class V-1 or better. Overcurrent protection (fuse or circuit breaker) must be present on the input side and rated per the maximum inrush current. For products with a metal enclosure, a reliable grounding system is mandatory unless the unit is double-insulated.
Abnormal and Fault Conditions
Tests include simulation of overload (output shorted), component failure (e.g., shorted semiconductor), and loss of cooling. The power supply must not emit flames, molten metal, or exceed defined temperature limits during single-fault conditions. Fire enclosures (metal or V-1 rated plastic) are required for all live parts.
Design Tip: When designing for CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16, consider including a dedicated input fuse that is not user-replaceable to simplify compliance with the abnormal testing sequences. Use thermocouple-based temperature monitoring during prototype evaluation to identify hot spots early.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers integrating a power supply into a larger system (e.g., a lighting controller) should verify whether the power supply itself holds a recognized component certification. Using a CSA-certified power supply (marked with the CSA logo and the standard number) can significantly reduce the end-product evaluation effort. The standard allows for two compliance approaches:
- Complete product certification – Full testing of the power supply as a stand-alone unit.
- Component recognition – The power supply is certified as a component for use in end-use equipment, subject to specific conditions (e.g., temperature limits, enclosure requirements).
Harmonization with UL 1012 means that testing to either standard can be used to demonstrate compliance with the other, provided the product is intended for the Canadian and U.S. markets. However, differences exist in marking requirements and certain optional test criteria (e.g., immersion test for outdoor units).
Harmonization Benefit: A single test report prepared against UL 1012 can be accepted by CSA (and vice versa) when the product file is managed under the applicable harmonized scheme, saving time and reducing duplication costs.
Compliance and Certification Notes
Adoption of CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16 is mandated by electrical safety regulations in all Canadian provinces and territories. Products must bear the certification mark of an accredited certification body (e.g., CSA, UL, QPS, Intertek). Key compliance steps include:
- Determination of ratings – Define input/output voltages, current, power, and environmental ratings (indoor/outdoor).
- Component selection – Use recognized components (transformers, capacitors, connectors) that already comply with relevant CSA standards.
- Testing – Submit samples to an accredited lab for type testing including dielectric, abnormal operation, temperature, and mechanical impact.
- Factory inspection – The certification body conducts initial and periodic plant inspections to verify production-line testing and consistency.
Provincial Variations: While the standard is uniform across Canada, some provinces (e.g., Quebec, Ontario) require that the certification body be accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). Always verify local adoption dates and any additional requirements.
Critical: A product that is certified to CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16 may still need to comply with other standards if it includes features beyond the scope (e.g., battery management systems, wireless charging).
The standard is continuously maintained; users should monitor CSA Group’s website for amendments or revisions, especially as power supply technology evolves toward wide-bandgap semiconductors and higher efficiency classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the relationship between CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16 and UL 1012?
A: The two standards are harmonized in content, covering similar scope and technical requirements. A product certified to UL 1012 by an accredited body can generally be accepted in Canada under the CSA mark through a bi-national certification agreement, and vice versa. However, differences in marking and some test details (e.g., for outdoor-rated units) must be considered.
A: The two standards are harmonized in content, covering similar scope and technical requirements. A product certified to UL 1012 by an accredited body can generally be accepted in Canada under the CSA mark through a bi-national certification agreement, and vice versa. However, differences in marking and some test details (e.g., for outdoor-rated units) must be considered.
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16 cover battery chargers for electric vehicles (EV)?
A: No. EV chargers fall under separate standards such as CSA C22.2 No. 280 (for charging stations) or No. 61951 (for conductive chargers). The standard under discussion is limited to power supplies for general commercial/industrial use, including battery chargers for forklifts and similar non-EV applications.
A: No. EV chargers fall under separate standards such as CSA C22.2 No. 280 (for charging stations) or No. 61951 (for conductive chargers). The standard under discussion is limited to power supplies for general commercial/industrial use, including battery chargers for forklifts and similar non-EV applications.
Q: Is certification to CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16 mandatory for power supplies sold in Canada?
A: Yes. By law, all power supplies connected to the mains supply must be certified to the applicable CSA standard. Enforcement is carried out by provincial electrical authorities. Offering uncertified equipment can lead to fines, removal from market, and liability issues.
A: Yes. By law, all power supplies connected to the mains supply must be certified to the applicable CSA standard. Enforcement is carried out by provincial electrical authorities. Offering uncertified equipment can lead to fines, removal from market, and liability issues.
Note: This article was prepared in 2026 for informational purposes. Always consult the official CSA C22.2 No. 96.1-16 standard text for exact wording and detailed requirements.