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Understanding CAN/CSA-E60335-2-31-12 (2017): Safety Requirements for Range Hoods in Canada
A Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Adoption of IEC 60335-2-31 for Household Range Hoods
Scope of the Standard
CAN/CSA‑E60335‑2‑31‑12 (2017) is the Canadian national adoption of IEC 60335‑2‑31, which specifies particular safety requirements for electrical range hoods intended for household and similar use. The standard covers appliances that incorporate a fan for removing cooking fumes, steam, and heat from above a cooking surface. It applies to both ducted (vented to the outside) and non‑ducted (recirculating) models, including those with integrated lighting and controls.
This standard is intended to be used together with the general safety standard CAN/CSA‑E60335‑1 (which corresponds to IEC 60335‑1). The requirements of the general standard apply except as modified by Part 2‑31. The scope specifically excludes range hoods intended for commercial or industrial kitchens, those operated by remote control systems not integral to the appliance, and flexible ducting systems covered by other standards.
Note: For range hoods intended for commercial use, refer to CSA C22.2 No. 109 or the applicable commercial cooking appliance standard.
Versions and Reaffirmation
CAN/CSA‑E60335‑2‑31‑12 was originally published in 2012 and reaffirmed in 2017, confirming that the requirements continue to be current. The year “2017” in the designation indicates the reaffirmation date. As of 2026, this standard remains recognized by the Canadian provincial and territorial electrical authorities, though users should verify the latest edition with the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
Key Technical Requirements for Safety
The standard addresses multiple aspects of range hood safety. Below is a summary of the most critical technical requirements derived from the general standard and the specific modifications for range hoods.
Input Rating and Marking
Every range hood must be marked with its rated voltage, frequency, power consumption or current, and the model designation. The marking must be durable and located so that it is visible after installation. Additional markings include the maximum rated lamp wattage and type (e.g., “MAX 40 W, G9”).
Heating and Temperature Rise
Temperature rise limits are defined for accessible surfaces, internal components, and the motor. Tests are carried out under worst‑case conditions, including operation with grease‑laden filters partially clogged (simulated by restricting airflow). The key limits are listed in the table below.
| Condition / Component | Maximum Temperature (K rise above ambient) |
|---|---|
| External surfaces (accessible during normal use) | 60 K |
| Motor winding (Class 130 insulation) | 85 K |
| Lamp holders (type‑tested at rated wattage) | 140 K |
| Supply cord insulation (at point of entry) | 45 K |
| Switch contacts | 55 K |
Installation Warning: Range hood must be mounted at a minimum height above the cooking surface as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, for electric hobs this is at least 650 mm; for gas hobs the minimum is 750 mm unless otherwise stated.
Fire Protection and Grease Accumulation
Because range hoods collect flammable grease, the standard mandates that grease filters must be made of non‑combustible material or pass a flammability test. The hood body and fan housing must also be made of metal or another non‑combustible material. A fire test is performed where a pan of oil is overheated to simulate a grease fire; the hood must not ignite or sustain combustion. Additionally, the motor must be protected against overheating due to blocked fan rotation (locked‑rotor test).
Electrical Safety
Leakage current must not exceed 0.75 mA for portable hoods and 3.5 mA for stationary hoods when measured during normal operation. Clearance distances and creepage distances between live parts and accessible metal parts must comply with Table 13 of the general standard. All range hoods must be provided with a means of disconnection from the supply (e.g., plug or an all‑pole switch) and the connection must be in accordance with the rated current.
Mechanical Strength
Range hoods must withstand a static load test: a weight of 4 times the mass of the hood is applied to the front edge for 5 minutes without permanent deformation or damage. The glass or plastic canopy must not break when struck with a specified impact energy (typically 0.5 J for surfaces that might break).
Implementation and Installation Considerations
Manufacturers, importers, and installers must ensure that range hoods offered for sale in Canada meet the requirements of CAN/CSA‑E60335‑2‑31‑12 (2017). Here are practical highlights:
Ducting and Recirculation
For ducted models, the ductwork must not be shared with other appliances (e.g., dryers) unless specifically permitted by local codes. The standard does not cover flexible ducting, so installers should follow the manufacturer’s specifications and provincial plumbing/building codes. Recirculating hoods must include a charcoal (carbon) filter and be tested for odor removal efficiency, though this is not a safety requirement but a performance expectation referenced by the standard.
Electrical Connection
Stationary range hoods rated up to 15 A may be connected via a cord and plug. The cord must be a flexible type (e.g., SJT, SJTW) of adequate gauge. For fixed wiring, an all‑pole disconnection switch must be provided as part of the building installation. The hood must be connected to a branch circuit protected by a fuse or circuit breaker of the appropriate rating.
Accessibility of Controls
Switches and controls must be reachable without the user having to reach over operating burners or hot cooking vessels. If the hood is equipped with a remote control, the receiver must be located such that it does not increase the risk of accidental activation and the transmitter must pass a low‑power evaluation to avoid interference.
Compliance Tip: Always provide installation instructions that specify the minimum mounting height, the type of fasteners, and the clearance to adjacent cabinets. These details are mandatory for CSA certification.
Compliance and Certification Notes
To demonstrate conformity with the standard, manufacturers typically engage a third‑party certification body accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (e.g., CSA Group, UL, or Intertek). The certification process involves:
- Review of construction and marking
- Type‑testing of samples to all relevant clauses of the standard
- Factory follow‑up inspections to verify continued production conformity
- Performance of alternative tests if the hood deviates from the standard conditions (e.g., for under‑cabinet vs. island models)
Relation to Other Standards
CAN/CSA‑E60335‑2‑31‑12 (2017) supersedes previous editions published in 2000 and 2005. It should be used alongside the latest applicable provincial electrical code (e.g., the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, CSA C22.1) which may impose additional installation requirements such as bonding and grounding, and specific clearance distances.
Maintenance of Certification
Once certified, the manufacturer must ensure that any changes to design, materials, or production processes are evaluated against the standard. The certification body may require re‑testing or an engineering review. Failure to maintain compliance can result in withdrawal of the certification mark, leading to market removal.
Important: Using a range hood without proper certification is a violation of the provincial electrical safety regulations. Always verify that the hood bears the certification mark of a recognized CS A testing laboratory.
Future Developments
As of 2026, the maintenance cycle for IEC 60335‑2‑31 is ongoing, and a new edition (Edition 5.2) is expected. Canadian stakeholders will likely adopt future editions with modifications for local climate, voltage, and frequency. Users are encouraged to monitor updates through the CSA Group website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CAN/CSA‑E60335‑2‑31‑12 (2017) apply to induction cooktop hoods or gas cooktops?
A: Yes, it applies to all household range hoods regardless of the type of cooking surface (electric, induction, gas, or solid fuel). However, special installation requirements for gas cooktops (e.g., higher minimum mounting height) are often specified by the manufacturer and may also need to comply with CAN/CSA‑B149.1 (Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code).
A: Yes, it applies to all household range hoods regardless of the type of cooking surface (electric, induction, gas, or solid fuel). However, special installation requirements for gas cooktops (e.g., higher minimum mounting height) are often specified by the manufacturer and may also need to comply with CAN/CSA‑B149.1 (Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code).
Q: What is the difference between “duct‐free” and “ducted” range hoods in the context of this standard?
A: The standard covers both types equally with respect to electrical and fire safety. Duct‐free hoods must include a recirculation filter, and the standard requires that filters be fire‑resistant or non‑combustible. Additionally, duct‐free hoods must be labeled “recirculating” and state that they are not intended to be connected to ductwork.
A: The standard covers both types equally with respect to electrical and fire safety. Duct‐free hoods must include a recirculation filter, and the standard requires that filters be fire‑resistant or non‑combustible. Additionally, duct‐free hoods must be labeled “recirculating” and state that they are not intended to be connected to ductwork.
Q: How often should a certified range hood be re‑certified?
A: There is no fixed re‑certification period; however, if the product design changes materially or if a new edition of the standard is published, re‑certification is required. Manufacturers typically maintain certification through annual factory follow‑up inspections and continuous compliance monitoring.
A: There is no fixed re‑certification period; however, if the product design changes materially or if a new edition of the standard is published, re‑certification is required. Manufacturers typically maintain certification through annual factory follow‑up inspections and continuous compliance monitoring.
Q: Can a range hood be tested for compliance to CAN/CSA‑E60335‑2‑31‑12 (2017) in a non‑Canadian laboratory?
A: Yes, as long as the laboratory is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) or a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) partner. The test reports must be accepted by the certification body. However, some requirements (e.g., supply voltage tolerance specific to 120/240 V, 60 Hz) are Canadian modifications that must be verified even if the core testing was done overseas.
A: Yes, as long as the laboratory is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) or a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) partner. The test reports must be accepted by the certification body. However, some requirements (e.g., supply voltage tolerance specific to 120/240 V, 60 Hz) are Canadian modifications that must be verified even if the core testing was done overseas.