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Scope and Application
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Scope and Application
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16 is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60335-2-8, part of the CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60335 series, covering the safety of electric shavers, hair clippers, and similar appliances for household and similar purposes. This standard applies to appliances with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for other appliances. The document harmonizes with international requirements while incorporating deviations necessary for the Canadian regulatory environment.
The standard specifically covers:
- Electric shavers (corded and cordless)
- Hair clippers and trimmers
- Epilators and similar depilatory appliances
- Appliances intended for both wet and dry operation
- Battery-operated appliances that can be connected to the mains supply
Tip: Appliances that are solely battery-operated and cannot be connected to the mains are generally covered by other standards. Always verify the power supply configuration to determine the applicable standard.
The standard addresses all significant hazards presented by these appliances during normal use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. It does not cover appliances intended exclusively for industrial or professional use unless they are also used in household environments. Special attention is given to appliances that may be used in wet conditions, such as in bathrooms, or those that can be washed under running water.
Technical Requirements
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16 establishes comprehensive technical requirements to ensure the safe operation of shavers, hair clippers, and similar appliances. These requirements cover protection against electric shock, mechanical hazards, overheating, and other risks specific to this product category.
Electrical Safety
- Protection against electric shock: Appliances must have at least basic insulation supplemented by a protective earth connection or double insulation. For cordless appliances that are charged via a separate power supply, the charging system must meet the relevant requirements.
- Leakage current: Limits are specified for both normal operation and after humidity treatment. For portable appliances, the leakage current must not exceed 0.5 mA for class II appliances and 0.75 mA for class I appliances.
- Dielectric strength: Appliances must withstand dielectric strength tests without breakdown at voltages specified for their insulation class.
Mechanical Safety
- Moving parts: Cutting blades and moving parts must be protected to prevent accidental contact during normal use. Devices with exposed cutting elements must be designed to minimize the risk of injury.
- Enclosures: Mechanical enclosures must provide adequate protection against contact with live parts and moving parts. Impact tests are performed.
- Cord anchorage: Strain relief and cord anchorage must be robust to prevent pulling forces from being transmitted to internal connections.
Thermal Requirements
- Temperature rise: Limits are set for accessible parts, including handles, housings, and the cutting head. For surfaces likely to be touched during normal use, temperature rises must not exceed 60 K for metal surfaces and 75 K for plastic surfaces.
- Overload protection: Appliances must not overheat under abnormal operation, including stalled cutting elements or blocked rotating parts.
| Part / Material | Maximum Temperature Rise (K) |
|---|---|
| External metal surfaces (handles, housings) | 60 |
| External plastic surfaces (handles, housings) | 75 |
| Cord and cable insulation (ordinary PVC) | 60 |
| Internal wiring and motor windings (Class A insulation) | 75 |
| Switch contacts (inside enclosure) | 85 |
Construction and Marking
- Wet operation: Appliances intended for wet use must be provided with a cord set suitable for bathroom environments and have adequate ingress protection (minimum IPX4 if intended to be washed).
- Marking: Rated voltage, power consumption, and symbol for class II equipment where applicable. Instructions must include safety warnings for use near water, battery handling, and cleaning.
- Battery requirements: For rechargeable appliances, the battery charging circuit must protect against overcharging and short circuit. Battery compartments must prevent reverse polarity installation.
Important: Canadian deviations from IEC 60335-2-8 include stricter requirements for marking and instructions in both English and French, as well as specific modifications for supply cord lengths (minimum 1.5 m for Canada) and plug configuration (CSA/UL type).
Implementation Highlights for Manufacturers
Implementing CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16 requires careful attention to several key areas that differ from the base IEC standard or present common compliance challenges.
Differences from IEC 60335-2-8
- National deviations: Canada requires that the appliance is provided with a Canadian-standard attachment plug. The cord must be at least 1.5 m long. Instructions and marking must be bilingual (English and French).
- Harmonization with UL 60335-2-8: To facilitate certification in both Canada and the U.S., many manufacturers design products to meet both CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60335-2-8 and UL 60335-2-8. The three standards are largely harmonized under the IECEE CB Scheme.
- Testing for wet environments: Appliances marked for wet operation (e.g., washable shavers) must be tested under conditions simulating actual use, including immersion testing where applicable.
Typical Testing Challenges
- Stall testing: Hair clippers and shavers are subjected to stalled conditions to ensure the motor does not overheat. The test covers both normal operation and when the cutting element is blocked.
- Humidity treatment: Appliances capable of wet operation undergo a 48-hour humidity treatment at 93 % relative humidity and 40 °C before insulation resistance and dielectric strength tests.
- Battery pack safety: For cordless models, the battery and charging system must comply with additional requirements from CSA C22.2 No. 62133 (for batteries) and the charger transformer must meet CSA C22.2 No. 66 (or relevant standard).
Best Practice: Engage with an accredited certification body (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, UL) early in the design phase to clarify Canadian-specific deviations and reduce the risk of non-compliance during final testing.
Compliance and Certification
Compliance with CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16 is mandatory for products sold in Canada under provincial electrical safety legislation. The standard is referenced in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, and is recognized by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
Certification Pathways
- CSA certification: Products can be certified directly by CSA Group to CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16. This results in the CSA Mark and listing in the CSA product database.
- CB Scheme: A CB Test Certificate issued by an NCB for IEC 60335-2-8 can be supplemented with Canadian national differences to demonstrate compliance. Many manufacturers use this path to cover multiple markets.
- Other accredited bodies: UL, Intertek (ETL), TÜV SÜD, and other SCC-accredited certification organizations can also certify to this standard.
Maintenance and Updates
CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16 is subject to periodic updates. The next edition may incorporate changes from the latest edition of IEC 60335-2-8 and further modify Canadian deviations. Manufacturers should monitor the CSA Group website for amendments.
Warning: Using an outdated version of the standard (e.g., original 60335-2-8 from 2003 without amendments) may result in non-compliance. Always verify that your product has been tested to the latest edition referenced by the Canadian Electrical Code.
Key steps for compliance:
- Determine product rating, intended use (wet/dry), and power source.
- Review CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16 and Canadian Electrical Code Part I requirements.
- Engage with a recognized certification body for pre-compliance evaluation and testing.
- Prepare technical documentation including test reports, risk assessment, and bilingual instructions.
- Submit sample to certification body for type testing and factory inspection if required.
- Obtain certification mark and maintain compliance through production line testing and annual surveillance.
Q: Does CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16 cover rechargeable cordless shavers?
A: Yes, it covers cordless shavers that are charged via a mains-connected power supply. The standard addresses both the appliance itself and the charging system. Battery-powered shavers that are not designed to be connected to the mains are covered by other standards such as CSA C22.2 No. 60065 (for audio/video and similar) or CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 62368-1 (for ICT/AV equipment), depending on the product. For appliances with nickel-cadmium, NiMH, or lithium-ion batteries, the battery pack and charging circuit must additionally meet safety requirements from CSA C22.2 No. 62133 and related standards.
A: Yes, it covers cordless shavers that are charged via a mains-connected power supply. The standard addresses both the appliance itself and the charging system. Battery-powered shavers that are not designed to be connected to the mains are covered by other standards such as CSA C22.2 No. 60065 (for audio/video and similar) or CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 62368-1 (for ICT/AV equipment), depending on the product. For appliances with nickel-cadmium, NiMH, or lithium-ion batteries, the battery pack and charging circuit must additionally meet safety requirements from CSA C22.2 No. 62133 and related standards.
Q: What are the main differences between CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16 and IEC 60335-2-8?
A: The Canadian standard is technically identical to IEC 60335-2-8 except for the following national differences: (1) Bilingual marking and instruction requirements (English and French). (2) Supply cord length must be at least 1.5 m for portable appliances. (3) The attachment plug must be a Canadian type (CSA/UL configuration). (4) Stricter requirements for cord anchorage and strain relief. (5) Additional testing for appliances intended for use in wet locations (e.g., bathroom). (6) Temperature rise limits may differ for some materials due to Canadian ambient conditions (40°C instead of 35°C for some tests).
A: The Canadian standard is technically identical to IEC 60335-2-8 except for the following national differences: (1) Bilingual marking and instruction requirements (English and French). (2) Supply cord length must be at least 1.5 m for portable appliances. (3) The attachment plug must be a Canadian type (CSA/UL configuration). (4) Stricter requirements for cord anchorage and strain relief. (5) Additional testing for appliances intended for use in wet locations (e.g., bathroom). (6) Temperature rise limits may differ for some materials due to Canadian ambient conditions (40°C instead of 35°C for some tests).
Q: Are there separate testing requirements for shavers marketed as “washable” or “waterproof”?
A: Yes. Appliances marked as suitable for washing or wet use must be subjected to a series of additional tests: (1) Ingress protection (IP) testing — the appliance must meet at least IPX4 (splashing water) and may need IPX7 (immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes) if claimed. (2) A humidity treatment at 93 % RH and 40 °C for 48 hours, followed by insulation resistance and dielectric strength tests. (3) A compliance test for operation under running water if mentioned in the instructions. (4) The cord and cord inlet must be designed to prevent water ingress. All such models must also carry clear warnings about safe use in water.
A: Yes. Appliances marked as suitable for washing or wet use must be subjected to a series of additional tests: (1) Ingress protection (IP) testing — the appliance must meet at least IPX4 (splashing water) and may need IPX7 (immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes) if claimed. (2) A humidity treatment at 93 % RH and 40 °C for 48 hours, followed by insulation resistance and dielectric strength tests. (3) A compliance test for operation under running water if mentioned in the instructions. (4) The cord and cord inlet must be designed to prevent water ingress. All such models must also carry clear warnings about safe use in water.
Q: How can I ensure my product complies with both Canadian and U.S. requirements?
A: The most efficient approach is to certify the product to the harmonized bi-national standard CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8 / UL 60335-2-8. Both standards are nearly identical to IEC 60335-2-8 with similar national differences for each country. Certification bodies like CSA and UL offer dual certification programs (e.g., CSA-US mark) that cover both markets with one set of tests. You can also use the CB Scheme: obtain a CB Test Certificate for IEC 60335-2-8, then request national deviations for Canada and the USA (or Mexico) through separate recognition. Always check for additional state/provincial requirements, such as California’s appliance efficiency regulations (for motor power consumption) or Quebec’s labeling requirements.
A: The most efficient approach is to certify the product to the harmonized bi-national standard CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8 / UL 60335-2-8. Both standards are nearly identical to IEC 60335-2-8 with similar national differences for each country. Certification bodies like CSA and UL offer dual certification programs (e.g., CSA-US mark) that cover both markets with one set of tests. You can also use the CB Scheme: obtain a CB Test Certificate for IEC 60335-2-8, then request national deviations for Canada and the USA (or Mexico) through separate recognition. Always check for additional state/provincial requirements, such as California’s appliance efficiency regulations (for motor power consumption) or Quebec’s labeling requirements.
Article compiled with reference to CAN CSA C22.2 No. 60335-2-8-16, edition 2016, including amendments up to 2024. Always refer to the latest published version of the standard for complete and authoritative requirements. Compliance should be verified through an accredited certification body.
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