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Technical Requirements and Compliance for CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19
A Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian General Requirements for Equipment in Explosive Atmospheres
1. Scope and General Provisions
CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19, titled Explosive atmospheres — Part 0: Equipment — General requirements, is the foundational Canadian national standard governing electrical and non-electrical equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres. Published by the CSA Group under the authority of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), this standard harmonizes Canadian practices with the international IEC 60079-0:2017 framework while incorporating specific national deviations required by the regulatory landscape of the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC, CSA C22.1).
This standard applies to all equipment operating in atmospheres that may become explosive due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or mists (Group II), combustible dusts (Group III), or methane and coal dust in mines (Group I). It establishes the essential design, testing, and marking criteria that must be satisfied before equipment can be certified for use in hazardous locations under Section 18 of the CEC.
Key Alignment: CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19 closely follows the text and intent of IEC 60079-0:2017. Manufacturers familiar with international certification will find the structural requirements largely consistent, significantly facilitating global market access for equipment certified in Canada.
2. Technical Requirements and Key Provisions
2.1 Equipment Protection Levels (EPL)
The standard mandates the assignment of an Equipment Protection Level (EPL) to all certified equipment. This risk-based designation directly links the probability of the equipment becoming an ignition source to the specific zone classification:
- Group I (Mining): Ma (very high), Mb (high).
- Group II (Gas/Vapor): Ga (very high), Gb (high), Gc (normal).
- Group III (Dust): Da (very high), Db (high), Dc (normal).
2.2 Ambient Temperature and Temperature Classification
The standard defines a standard ambient temperature range of -20 °C to +40 °C. Equipment designed for extended ambient ranges must be clearly marked. Surface temperature classification is critical; Group II equipment is assigned a T-code (T1 to T6) based on its maximum surface temperature, while dust equipment must specify a maximum surface temperature linked to the ignition temperature of the specific dust layer or cloud.
2.3 Ingress Protection (IP) Requirements
Protection against the ingress of solid foreign objects and water is a fundamental requirement, particularly for dust-tight enclosures (Ex t) and increased safety (Ex e) equipment. The minimum IP requirements are highly dependent on the equipment group and EPL.
| Protection Concept | EPL / Group | Minimum IP Rating | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex d (Flameproof) | Gb / II | IP 54 | Joints must prevent water/contaminant entry |
| Ex e (Increased Safety) | Gb / II | IP 54 | Strict control of clearance/creepage distances |
| Ex t (Dust by Enclosure) | Da / III | IP 6X | Dust-tight enclosure mandatory |
| Ex t (Dust by Enclosure) | Db / III | IP 6X or IP 5X | IP 5X allowed if internal dust levels are safe |
| Ex nA (Non-Sparking) | Gc / II | IP 54 | Standard for Zone 2 applications |
| Ex nR (Restricted Breathing) | Gc / II | IP 54 + Seal Test | Minimizes ingress of explosive gas |
Electrostatic Discharge Hazard: The standard imposes strict test requirements for non-metallic enclosures and coatings. Manufacturers must rigorously control surface resistivity and thickness to prevent ignition-causing electrostatic discharges. Consult Annex E of the standard for detailed test procedures and acceptance criteria.
2.4 Non-Metallic Enclosures and Cemented Joints
The standard includes stringent requirements for polymeric enclosures, including thermal endurance tests (heat, cold, light/UV radiation resistance). For flameproof enclosures (Ex d), the introduction of cemented joints offers significant design flexibility but requires rigorous testing to ensure the joint cannot be compromised by thermal aging or mechanical stress. The standard defines the required material properties and the minimum width of the cement path.
3. Implementation and Certification Highlights
3.1 The Path to Certification
Equipment falling under the scope of CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19 generally requires mandatory certification by an SCC-accredited certification body (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, QPS). Certification demonstrates compliance with the applicable product safety requirements of the CEC Part I and is mandatory for legal installation in Canadian hazardous locations.
3.2 Marking Requirements
The standard specifies comprehensive permanent marking requirements. Key elements include the manufacturer’s name, type designation, year of manufacture, Ex marking code (e.g., Ex d IIC T6 Gb), ambient temperature range (if outside -20 °C to +40 °C), and the specific SCC-recognized certification mark.
Dual Certification Strategy: Manufacturers often pursue simultaneous certification to CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19 and ANSI/UL 60079-0 (US) for the North American market. The CSA mark with a “US” or “NRTL” indicator allows equipment to comply with both Canadian and US requirements, streamlining manufacturing, inventory, and distribution across the continent.
3.3 Transition from Legacy Standards
This edition replaced the previous CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0:2011 as well as legacy references to CSA C22.2 No. 30. Manufacturers must be aware of the applicable cutoff dates for accepting legacy certifications. Retesting is often required for non-metallic parts due to significantly tightened electrostatic requirements in the 2017/2019 series and for specific EPL/Zone classification alignments.
4. Compliance and Verification Notes
4.1 Canadian National Deviations
While highly harmonized with IEC 60079-0:2017, the CSA version includes critical national deviations:
- Ambient Temperature: Modifications for extreme Canadian cold climates (e.g., -40 °C or -55 °C considerations).
- Voltage and Frequency: Specific voltage ratings (e.g., 600 V, 347 V) and 60 Hz frequency requirements aligned with Canadian electrical infrastructure.
- Wiring Systems and Fasteners: Harmonization with CEC wiring methods and Canada’s adoption of metric industrial standards.
4.2 Quality Assurance Requirements
Certification relies heavily on the manufacturer’s quality management system (typically ISO 9001). The standard requires that the certified design and material specifications remain unchanged unless formally re-evaluated by the certification body. Routine verification tests (dielectric strength, ground continuity, hydrostatic testing for Ex d enclosures) must be rigorously performed during production.
Critical Compliance Warning: Using equipment in a Canadian hazardous location without valid certification to the applicable edition of the CSA C22.2 No. 60079 series constitutes a direct violation of the Canadian Electrical Code. This can result in equipment shutdown, significant fines, and insurance invalidation. Always verify the certification mark and the specific standard number on the equipment label.
4.3 Documentation and User Instructions
The standard mandates comprehensive user instructions. These must include information on safe installation, maintenance, repair, and decommissioning. Special conditions for safe use (identified by an “X” after the certificate number) must be explicitly stated in the documentation and clearly referenced on the equipment itself to ensure operators and maintenance personnel are fully informed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19 differ from IEC 60079-0:2017?
A: While technically equivalent (MOD) to the IEC edition, CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19 includes specific national deviations required by the Canadian Electrical Code. Key differences include adjustments for Canadian voltages (600Y/347V), ambient temperature ranges suited to Canadian climates, modifications for metric measurements, and specific marking/administrative requirements to comply with SCC accreditation rules.
A: While technically equivalent (MOD) to the IEC edition, CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19 includes specific national deviations required by the Canadian Electrical Code. Key differences include adjustments for Canadian voltages (600Y/347V), ambient temperature ranges suited to Canadian climates, modifications for metric measurements, and specific marking/administrative requirements to comply with SCC accreditation rules.
Q: Is certification to CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19 mandatory in Canada?
A: Yes. All equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres in Canada must be certified to the applicable CSA C22.2 No. 60079 series standards. The general requirements of Part 0, combined with the specific requirements of the protection concept standard (e.g., No. 60079-1 for Ex d, No. 60079-7 for Ex e), form the mandatory basis for certification under the jurisdiction of provincial and territorial electrical safety authorities.
A: Yes. All equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres in Canada must be certified to the applicable CSA C22.2 No. 60079 series standards. The general requirements of Part 0, combined with the specific requirements of the protection concept standard (e.g., No. 60079-1 for Ex d, No. 60079-7 for Ex e), form the mandatory basis for certification under the jurisdiction of provincial and territorial electrical safety authorities.
Q: Can a product certified solely to IEC 60079-0 be installed in Canada?
A: Generally, no. While the standards are harmonized, an IEC or IECEx certification does not inherently validate compliance with the Canadian national deviations or the CEC. End users and regulators require an SCC-accredited certification mark (like the CSA mark). Many manufacturers obtain a combined IECEx/CSA certification service to efficiently cover both global and Canadian requirements.
A: Generally, no. While the standards are harmonized, an IEC or IECEx certification does not inherently validate compliance with the Canadian national deviations or the CEC. End users and regulators require an SCC-accredited certification mark (like the CSA mark). Many manufacturers obtain a combined IECEx/CSA certification service to efficiently cover both global and Canadian requirements.
Last updated: 2026. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the official text of CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0-19 or the Canadian Electrical Code. Always consult the current standard and a qualified certification body for compliance decisions.