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Scope and Object of CSA C22.2 No. 68-18 (2019)
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Scope and Object of CSA C22.2 No. 68-18 (2019)
CSA C22.2 No. 68-18 applies to motor-operated appliances intended for household and commercial use, rated at 600 V or less and designed to be installed in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1). The standard covers a wide range of products such as fans, pumps, compressors, kitchen appliances, garden equipment, and similar devices that incorporate an electric motor as the primary source of motive power.
The main objective of this standard is to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons during normal use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. It establishes minimum safety requirements that are considered necessary for the safe operation and construction of motor-operated appliances.
Tip: Although CSA C22.2 No. 68-18 is often harmonized with UL 1004-1 (UL Standard for Rotating Electrical Machines – General Requirements), Canadian certification requires compliance with the specific national deviations and mandatory field‑verification criteria outlined in this edition.
Technical Requirements and Key Provisions
General Construction & Components
The standard defines requirements for materials, enclosures, wiring, internal components, and overall build quality. For instance, enclosures must provide a degree of protection not less than IPX4 for outdoor use unless otherwise specified. All live parts must be enclosed or guarded to prevent accidental contact.
Electrical Insulation, Clearance & Creepage Distances
Insulation system classification (Class A, B, F, H) and minimum dielectric strength are specified. Table 1 lists clearance and creepage distances required for basic, supplementary, and reinforced insulation under different working voltages.
| Working Voltage (V) | Basic/Supplementary Insulation | Reinforced Insulation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 250 | 1.6 mm | 3.2 mm |
| 251–600 | 3.2 mm | 6.4 mm |
All clearances and creepages are verified by measurement per the procedures in Annex A. The standard also mandates dielectric voltage-withstand tests: 1000 V + 2 × rated voltage for basic insulation, with no breakdown during the 1‑minute test.
Motor Protection & Thermal Requirements
Motors must be provided with thermal protection (e.g., impedance protection or a thermal protector) that prevents the motor winding temperature from exceeding the limit of its insulation class during locked-rotor and overload conditions. Table 2 summarizes maximum allowable temperature rises (by resistance) for common insulation classes.
| Insulation Class | Maximum Temperature Rise (K) – Continuous Duty |
|---|---|
| A | 75 |
| B | 105 |
| F | 130 |
| H | 155 |
Important: Temperature rise tests must be performed at rated voltage and maximum load. For appliances that may be used continuously, the equilibrium temperature must be stable for at least one hour.
Mechanical Strength & Guarding
Moving parts such as belts, pulleys, and projecting shaft ends must be guarded to prevent injury. The standard incorporates impact tests, drop tests, and push‑pull tests on enclosures and handles. For handheld appliances, the handle must withstand a pull of 450 N applied in the most unfavorable direction for 1 minute without permanent deformation.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers and certifiers using CSA C22.2 No. 68-18 should pay particular attention to:
- Rated voltage markings: All appliances must bear the rated voltage and frequency, and if intended for direct connection to the supply, the full-load current must be marked.
- Double insulation or Class II construction: Products marked as Class II must comply with additional insulation and marking requirements set out in Clause 8.
- Environmental considerations: Products intended for outdoor or damp locations must pass moisture and rain tests per Clauses 18 and 19.
- Test sequence: The standard outlines a specific order of tests (e.g., dielectric, leakage current, abnormal operation) that must be performed on the same test sample.
Compliance note: Many testing agencies (such as CSA Group or Intertek) provide certification programs that combine CSA C22.2 No. 68-18 with the relevant product-specific UL or IEC standards. This can streamline market access to both Canada and the United States.
Compliance and Certification Notes
In Canada, compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 68-18 is required for motor-operated appliances to be sold or used in the country. The standard is referenced in the Canadian Electrical Code (Part I) and is considered a “safety standard” for the purposes of provincial and territorial regulations.
Certification bodies require initial type testing and periodic factory inspections. The standard also permits the use of previously recognized components (e.g., CSA‑certified switches, cords, motors) as a means of risk reduction.
Critical: Any deviation from the standard, such as a change in the type of motor protection or a reduction in clearance distances, must be submitted to the certification organization for a formal review and retesting before production.
When used in a “combination standard” approach, such as CSA C22.2 No. 60335‑1 for household appliances, the manufacturer must ensure that the motor‑operated portions also meet the specific requirements of No. 68‑18.
Finally, note that CSA C22.2 No. 68-18 was reaffirmed in 2019, meaning its technical content remains current. However, users should always consult the latest version of the standard and check for any Canadian amendments that may have been issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CSA C22.2 No. 68-18 applicable to both household and commercial motor-operated appliances?
A: Yes, the standard covers appliances intended for household and commercial use, as long as they are within the voltage and duty rating limits. Some clauses (e.g., those for commercial kitchen equipment) contain additional requirements.
A: Yes, the standard covers appliances intended for household and commercial use, as long as they are within the voltage and duty rating limits. Some clauses (e.g., those for commercial kitchen equipment) contain additional requirements.
Q: Can I use IEC 60335‑1 together with CSA C22.2 No. 68‑18?
A: For many products, CSA Group uses a hybrid approach: the Part 1 standard (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 60335‑1) covers general safety, and the Part 2 standard or the No. 68‑18 may be applied as a supplement for motor‑specific risks. However, you must check the scope of each standard and consult with a certification body to determine the exact combination.
A: For many products, CSA Group uses a hybrid approach: the Part 1 standard (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 60335‑1) covers general safety, and the Part 2 standard or the No. 68‑18 may be applied as a supplement for motor‑specific risks. However, you must check the scope of each standard and consult with a certification body to determine the exact combination.
Q: What are the main differences between CSA C22.2 No. 68‑18 and UL 1004‑1?
A: Although heavily harmonized, CSA C22.2 No. 68‑18 contains national deviations regarding supply connections, field‑wiring terminals, and marking in both English and French. Additionally, the Canadian standard may require higher creepage distances for certain working voltages and different locked‑rotor test procedures.
A: Although heavily harmonized, CSA C22.2 No. 68‑18 contains national deviations regarding supply connections, field‑wiring terminals, and marking in both English and French. Additionally, the Canadian standard may require higher creepage distances for certain working voltages and different locked‑rotor test procedures.
Q: How often does the standard need to be updated?
A: The standard is subject to a five‑year review cycle. The 2019 reaffirmation confirmed that no technical changes were needed at that time. However, manufacturers should watch for new editions (e.g., No. 68‑23) and transition periods announced by SCC and CSA Group.
A: The standard is subject to a five‑year review cycle. The 2019 reaffirmation confirmed that no technical changes were needed at that time. However, manufacturers should watch for new editions (e.g., No. 68‑23) and transition periods announced by SCC and CSA Group.
Last revised: 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the official text of CSA C22.2 No. 68-18. Always refer to the current standard issued by CSA Group.
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