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Scope and Applicability
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Scope and Applicability
CSA C22.2 No. 51-14 (2018) is a Canadian national standard that specifies construction and test requirements for armoured cables intended for use in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CE Code). It applies to single and multiple conductor cables rated for maximum 600 V, with armour made of aluminum or steel. The standard covers cables with and without an overall jacket, for use in dry, wet, or hazardous locations as permitted by the CE Code.
This edition, reaffirmed in 2018, supersedes previous versions and includes updated test procedures, marking requirements, and clarifications on armour bonding. The standard harmonizes with other CSA C22.2 standards but remains uniquely adapted to Canadian installation practices.
Cable Types Covered
The standard recognizes several common cable types, each defined by armour style, jacket presence, and location rating. The table below summarizes key characteristics:
| Cable Type | Armour Material | Jacket | Location Rating | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC90 | Interlocked Steel or Aluminum | None | Dry | Indoor exposed or concealed wiring |
| ACWU | Smooth Aluminum | PVC | Wet/Dry | Direct burial, concrete, and wet locations |
| ACWU90 | Interlocked Aluminum or Steel | PVC | Wet/Dry | Wet locations requiring flexible armour |
| TECK90 | Interlocked Aluminum or Steel | PVC | Wet/Dry | Industrial and commercial exposed wiring in wet or corrosive areas |
Tip: When selecting armoured cable, always verify the location rating and bonding requirements. For wet locations, use a type with a overall PVC jacket to prevent moisture ingress.
Technical Requirements
Conductors and Insulation
Conductors may be copper or aluminum, solid or stranded, in sizes from 14 AWG to 1000 kcmil. Insulation must be a thermosetting or thermoplastic compound, typically XLPE or PVC, rated 600 V and meeting the test requirements of Section 6 of the standard. Insulation thickness is sized according to conductor material and size, with mandatory voltage withstand and aging tests.
Armour Construction
Armour can be interlocked aluminum or steel tape, or a smooth aluminum sheath. Interlocked armour is applied over a bedding layer and must meet dimensional requirements for strip thickness and width. Smooth aluminum armour must have a minimum thickness of 0.51 mm for sizes up to 1/0 AWG and 0.81 mm for larger sizes. Both types must pass crush resistance and bend testing to ensure mechanical integrity during installation and service.
Jacket Requirements
For types requiring an overall jacket, a PVC compound is used. The jacket must be concentric, with minimum thickness as specified in the standard. Jacket coverage must be continuous (except for stripped ends) and must not adhere to the armour in a way that prevents proper termination. Cold bend and impact tests are performed at -25°C to verify low-temperature flexibility.
Testing and Marking
Every cable produced under this standard must pass routine and type tests, including:
- Voltage withstand: 2.0 kV for 1 minute (routine test)
- Insulation resistance after immersion
- Flame propagation
- Cold bend and impact (for jacket cables)
- Crush resistance
Marking includes voltage rating, conductor size, cable type (e.g., TECK90), temperature rating, and manufacturer identification. Sequential length markings are required every 0.6 m.
Important: All cables meeting CSA C22.2 No. 51-14 must be certified by a recognized certification agency (e.g., CSA, UL, QAI) before being installed under the CE Code. Uncertified cables may not be accepted by local inspectors.
Implementation Highlights
Installation Considerations
The standard is performance-based, allowing flexibility in cable design as long as tests are met. For specifiers and installers, the following points are critical:
- Bonding: The armour can be used as an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) provided cross-sectional area meets CE Code Table 16 requirements. Bonding connectors or lugs must be employed where armour is used for grounding.
- Minimum Bending Radii: Follow the CE Code or manufacturer instructions. Typically, interlocked armour requires a radius at least 12 times the cable diameter; smooth armour requires 10 times.
- Wet Locations: Only types with a jacket (ACWU, ACWU90, TECK90) are permitted in wet areas or direct earth burial. Unjacketed AC90 must be limited to dry locations.
Ordering and Specification
When ordering, specify the cable type, conductor material, number of conductors and size, and any optional features (e.g., shielded conductors, cold-weather jacket). Ensure that certification marks are clearly indicated on the product packaging or certification file.
Best Practice: For projects requiring high mechanical durability or exposure to moisture, specify TECK90 cables. Their interlocked armour plus jacket provides excellent protection and flexibility.
Compliance Notes
Regulatory Context
CSA C22.2 No. 51-14 is a harmonized standard referenced by the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I. It is often considered equivalent to some UL and NEMA standards, but important differences exist. For example, Canadian standards require sequential length marking and have specific jacket thickness rules not found in all U.S. standards.
Certification and Audits
Manufacturers must maintain a quality assurance program and permit periodic factory inspections by the certification body. Any significant change in materials or construction must be disclosed to maintain certification. Installation under the CE Code requires that the cable carry an accredited certification mark (e.g., CSA, cUL, or cETL).
Recent Updates in the Reaffirmation
The 2018 reaffirmation did not introduce new technical requirements but clarified existing clauses regarding armour stripping methods and the definition of “dry location” exceptions. Users should still reference the 2014 edition with the 2018 reaffirmation date for legal compliance.
Non-compliance risk: Using non-certified armoured cable in a CE Code regulated installation can result in fine, voided insurance, and rework. Always verify certification marks before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between AC90 and TECK90 cables?
A: AC90 has an interlocked armour without an overall jacket, making it suitable for dry locations only. TECK90 adds a PVC jacket over the interlocked armour, allowing use in wet or outdoor locations as well as inside. Both are rated 600 V and are accepted under the CE Code.
A: AC90 has an interlocked armour without an overall jacket, making it suitable for dry locations only. TECK90 adds a PVC jacket over the interlocked armour, allowing use in wet or outdoor locations as well as inside. Both are rated 600 V and are accepted under the CE Code.
Q: Can the armour of an AC90 or TECK90 cable be used as the equipment grounding conductor?
A: Yes, if the armour cross-section meets the requirements of CE Code Table 16 for copper-equivalent area. Bonding of the armour at both ends is required, using approved connectors or lugs. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to verify suitability.
A: Yes, if the armour cross-section meets the requirements of CE Code Table 16 for copper-equivalent area. Bonding of the armour at both ends is required, using approved connectors or lugs. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to verify suitability.
Q: Is CSA C22.2 No. 51-14 equivalent to American UL Standard 4?
A: Both standards cover armoured cables, but they differ in test parameters (e.g., jacket thickness, cold bend temperature, and marking requirements). While some cables may comply with both, certification to CSA C22.2 No. 51-14 is mandatory for installation in Canada under the CE Code. Always check for the specific certification mark.
A: Both standards cover armoured cables, but they differ in test parameters (e.g., jacket thickness, cold bend temperature, and marking requirements). While some cables may comply with both, certification to CSA C22.2 No. 51-14 is mandatory for installation in Canada under the CE Code. Always check for the specific certification mark.
Q: Does the standard cover single-conductor armoured cables?
A: Yes, the standard applies to cables with a single conductor as well as multiple-conductor assemblies, provided the construction meets the armour, insulation, and jacket requirements. Single-conductor types are often used for feeder circuits or service entrance where allowed by the CE Code.
A: Yes, the standard applies to cables with a single conductor as well as multiple-conductor assemblies, provided the construction meets the armour, insulation, and jacket requirements. Single-conductor types are often used for feeder circuits or service entrance where allowed by the CE Code.
Article written for technical reference. Scope and requirements based on CSA C22.2 No. 51-14 (2018). Always refer to the latest edition and the applicable CE Code for complete regulatory information. Year: 2026
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