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| Frequency Range | Equipment Class | Measurement Type | Limit (Quasi-Peak) | Limit (Average) | |—|—|—|—|—| | 0.15–0.5 MHz | Class B | Conducted (QP) | 66–56 dBµV | 56–46 dBµV | | 0.5–5 MHz | Class B | Conducted (QP) | 56 dBµV | 46 dBµV | | 5–30 MHz | Class B | Conducted (QP) | 60 dBµV | 50 dBµV | | 30–230 MHz | Class B | Radiated (QP) | 30 dBµV/m | – | | 230–1000 MHz | Class B | Radiated (QP) | 37 dBµV/m | – | `
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` ` ` ` ` | Frequency Range | Class | Detector | Conducted Limit (dBµV) | Radiated Limit (dBµV/m) |
| 0.15 – 0.5 MHz | B | QP | 66 – 56 * | – |
| 0.5 – 5 MHz | B | QP | 56 | – |
| 5 – 30 MHz | B | QP | 60 | – |
| 30 – 230 MHz | B | QP | – | 30 |
| 230 – 1000 MHz | B | QP | – | 37 |
| *Limit decreases with logarithm of frequency. Average limits are typically 10 dB lower than QP limits. |
` Introduction to CSA C108.1.1-1977 (R2008)
CSA C108.1.1-1977 (R2008), formally known as Limits and Methods of Measurement of Electromagnetic Emission from Electrical and Electronic Equipment, represents a cornerstone of Canada’s regulatory framework for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Reaffirmed in 2008, this standard specifies the emission limits—both conducted and radiated—for equipment intended for residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments. It is harmonized with the international CISPR 22 standard and serves as a primary reference for demonstrating compliance with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) requirements in lieu of direct ICES-003 testing in specific contexts during its active period.
Historical Context and Supersession
Scope and Application
The standard applies to any electrical or electronic apparatus that generates radio-frequency disturbances. This explicitly includes, but is not limited to, information technology equipment (ITE), household appliances, power tools, lighting equipment, and similar devices. The standard differentiates between two environmental classes:
- Class B Equipment: Intended for use in residential environments. These limits are the most stringent to protect broadcast reception and domestic services.
- Class A Equipment: Intended for use exclusively in commercial (non-residential) environments. Class A products must carry a cautionary label warning that they may cause radio interference in a domestic setting.
The frequency range covered by the emission limits spans from 9 kHz to 40 GHz, although the specific limits and measurement methods are carefully defined for specific sub-bands (conducted emissions: 150 kHz to 30 MHz; radiated emissions: 30 MHz to 6 GHz originally, expanded to 40 GHz in later adoptions).
Technical Requirements and Measurement Procedures
Instrumentation and Test Sites
Measurement of radio disturbance must be performed using calibrated instrumentation conforming to the CISPR 16 series. The key instruments are:
- Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN): Provides a controlled impedance on the mains port for conducted emission measurements.
- EMI Receiver: Capable of Quasi-Peak (QP) and Average detection with specific IF bandwidths (200 Hz for 9–150 kHz, 9 kHz for 150 kHz–30 MHz, 120 kHz for 30 MHz–1 GHz).
- Antennas: Rod (9 kHz–30 MHz), Biconical (30–200 MHz), Log-Periodic (200–1000 MHz), and Horn (above 1 GHz).
Emission Limits
The following table summarizes the principal conducted and radiated emission limits for Class B equipment, which forms the baseline for most compliance scenarios.
| Frequency Range | Class | Detector Type | Conducted Limit (dBµV) | Radiated Limit at 10m (dBµV/m) |
| 0.15 – 0.5 MHz | B | Quasi-Peak | 66 – 56 * | – |
| 0.5 – 5 MHz | B | Quasi-Peak | 56 | – |
| 5 – 30 MHz | B | Quasi-Peak | 60 | – |
| 30 – 230 MHz | B | Quasi-Peak | – | 30 |
| 230 – 1000 MHz | B | Quasi-Peak | – | 37 |
| * The limit decreases linearly with the logarithm of the frequency. Average limits are typically 10 dB lower than the QP limit. Conducted measurements use a 50 µH/50 Ω LISN. Radiated measurements utilize a Quasi-Peak detector with a 120 kHz bandwidth. |
Measurement Best Practice
Implementation, Compliance, and Transition to Modern Standards
Successfully achieving compliance involves a systematic approach. Pre-compliance testing during the design phase is highly recommended to identify problematic clock speeds, switching power supply harmonics, and interface cable emissions. Full compliance testing should be performed by an ISED-recognized accredited laboratory.
Documentation Requirements
A Technical Construction File (TCF) aligning with the standard typically requires:
- Detailed circuit diagrams and PCB layout emphasizing EMC mitigation (filtering, shielding, grounding).
- Complete test reports from a recognized facility.
- Photographs of the test set-up.
- User manuals including compliance statements.
Strategic Pathway to Compliance
Regulatory Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to the applicable emission limits can result in severe penalties under the Radiocommunication Act. ISED strictly enforces these limits. Non-compliant equipment can be banned from sale, subjected to substantial fines ($100,000+ per occurrence for repeated violations), and manufacturers may face mandatory product recalls. Interference complaints from radio astronomy or aeronautical safety services carry the highest enforcement priority.
Transitioning to Modern Standards
As of the latest ISED regulatory update, CAN/CSA-CISPR 32 (R2024) and ICES-003 (Issue 7) are the principal standards for ITE and multimedia equipment emission compliance. C108.1.1-1977 (R2008) has been officially withdrawn as a primary compliance pathway for new equipment. Manufacturers deploying this standard for legacy product maintenance should be fully aware that a genuine non-compliance risk exists if the product is subject to a contemporary enforcement audit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is CSA C108.1.1-1977 (R2008) still accepted by ISED for equipment certification?
A: For new equipment certifications, the short answer is generally no. ISED requires compliance with the most recent versions of ICES-003 or the relevant CISPR-based standard (e.g., CAN/CSA-CISPR 32). C108.1.1 may be referenced for older, grandfathered products, but it is not recommended for new designs or certifications.
Q: What equipment types fall under the scope of this standard?
A: The scope includes electrical and electronic equipment intended for residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments. This covers information technology equipment, household appliances, power tools, luminaires, and similar devices. Specific products like medical devices (C1392 series) or vehicles are excluded from this specific standard.
Q: What are the main differences between Class A and Class B limits?
A: Class B limits are significantly stricter (e.g., 10 dB lower conducted limits at many frequencies) and apply to equipment destined for the home. Class A limits apply exclusively to commercial hardware. Class A equipment must bear a label warning that it might cause interference in a residential installation.
Q: How do the measurement distances differ between the standard’s sections?
A: Conducted emissions are always measured at the mains port. Radiated emissions measurements are typically performed at a distance of 10 meters (Class B) or 30 meters (Class A, or extrapolated from 10m data) between the equipment under test and the receiving antenna. Distances can be extrapolated using a 20 dB/decade inverse linear distance factor for compliance assessment.
Technical standards are continuously evolving. This article provides a technical review of CSA C108.1.1-1977 (R2008) for educational and reference purposes. Engineers must always consult the most current versions of applicable standards published by the CSA Group and regulations set forth by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
© 2026 International Standards Technical Review. All rights reserved.
“content”: “Introduction to CSA C108.1.1-1977 (R2008)
CSA C108.1.1-1977 (R2008)…” `
Introduction to CSA C108.1.1-1977 (R2008)
CSA C108.1.1-1977 (R2008), formally titled Limits and Methods of Measurement of Electromagnetic Emission from Electrical and Electronic Equipment, is a foundational document in Canada’s electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulatory history. Part of the CSA C108 series dedicated to radio noise and interference control, this standard specifies the permissible limits for conducted and radiated electromagnetic emissions. Predominantly harmonized with the international CISPR 22 standard, it provided Canadian manufacturers and importers with a definitive pathway to demonstrate compliance with the Radiocommunication Act administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Although reaffirmed for use in 2008, the technical provisions of this standard are largely static, representing the measurement art of the late 20th century. For contemporary product development, it has been largely superseded by more dynamic standards such as CAN/CSA-CISPR 32 and the ISED regulation ICES-003. Nevertheless, grappling with the technical depth of C108.1.1 offers invaluable insight into the evolution of EMC engineering and the enduring principles of emission control.
` `…
` (from above) `Scope and Application
Per Section 1 of the standard, the scope encompasses any electrical or electronic apparatus generating radio-frequency disturbances. This includes, but is not limited to, information technology equipment (ITE), household appliances, power tools, lighting apparatus, and similar devices. The standard categorizes equipment based on the intended operational environment:
- Class B Equipment: Destined for residential environments. Class B limits are the most stringent to protect broadcast radio and television reception, as well as domestic services, from interference.
- Class A Equipment: Exclusively intended for commercial, industrial, or business environments. These limits are relaxed relative to Class B. The standard mandates a cautionary label for Class A products stating that they may cause radio interference in a domestic setting
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