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Understanding CAN/CSA E60335-2-79-09: Safety Requirements for High Pressure Cleaners and Steam Cleaners
A comprehensive guide to the Canadian adoption of IEC 60335-2-79 for cleaning appliances
CAN/CSA E60335-2-79-09 is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60335-2-79:2009, covering safety requirements for electrical high pressure cleaners and steam cleaners for household and similar use. It establishes essential criteria to prevent electric shock, mechanical hazards, fire risks, and other dangers associated with these powerful cleaning devices. The standard applies to appliances with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase and 480 V for other appliances, including battery-operated devices and those intended for direct connection to the mains supply.
Scope of the Standard
This standard specifically addresses the safety of electric high pressure cleaners and steam cleaners intended for indoor or outdoor use. It covers appliances that generate a water pressure greater than 2.5 MPa (25 bar) or a water temperature above 50 °C. The scope includes:
- Portable and stationary high pressure washers
- Steam cleaners with or without detergent injection
- Combination units (hot water and steam)
- Battery-operated cordless cleaners
It excludes appliances intended exclusively for industrial purposes, but does cover appliances used in commercial areas such as hotels, schools, and farms. The Canadian version retains the core IEC requirements while incorporating CSA-specific deviations for Canadian electrical installations (e.g., temperature rating of supply cords, plug configurations, and environmental exposure).
Tip: Always verify that your product meets the latest edition of the standard, including any amendments (A1, A2) that may update test methods or limits.
Technical Requirements
Electrical Safety and Insulation
Cleaners must have robust insulation systems to withstand water ingress and high-pressure operation. The standard mandates:
- Minimum creepage and clearance distances in accordance with IEC 60335-1, with additional requirements for wet environments.
- Protection against moisture: The IP rating must be at least IPX5 (water jet) for handheld units and IPX7 (temporary immersion) for components likely to be submerged.
- Grounding provisions for Class I appliances, with bonding resistance not exceeding 0.1 ohm.
Mechanical and Pressure Safety
Pressure components must be designed to withstand at least 1.5 times the maximum working pressure. The standard classifies cleaners into two categories:
| Class | Maximum Operating Pressure (MPa) | Maximum Water Temperature (°C) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | ≤ 15 | ≤ 40 | Domestic cold-water washers |
| Class B | ≤ 30 | ≤ 80 | Hot-water and commercial units |
| Class C | ≤ 40 | ≤ 110 | Steam cleaners and industrial-duty |
All pressure hoses must be marked with the rated pressure and temperature. In addition, a pressure relief device must be fitted to prevent overpressure, and the trigger gun must automatically shut off the flow when released.
Temperature Control and Thermal Cutouts
Appliances with electric heating elements for hot water or steam require redundant thermal protectors (e.g., two independent thermostats or one thermostat plus a thermal fuse). The standard specifies that the cutout temperature must be at least 50 °C below the ignition point of adjacent materials.
Warning: Failing to incorporate a secondary thermal cutoff can lead to catastrophic failures during high-temperature operation. Always design for the worst-case scenario of primary control failure.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers seeking compliance should focus on the following key areas:
- Marking and Instructions: All safety warnings must be bilingual (English/French) for the Canadian market. Instructions must include detailed steps for safe operation, assembly, and maintenance.
- Cord and Plug Requirements: Supply cords must be suitable for outdoor use (type SJTW or equivalent for North America). The plug must be a CSA-approved configuration appropriate for the appliance rating.
- Water System Integrity: All water-carrying components must be tested for leakage at 1.5 times the normal working pressure. Non-metallic parts in contact with water must resist degradation from detergents and temperature cycling.
- Durability and Reliability: The standard includes a 500-hour accelerated life test for motor-driven components and a 10,000-cycle endurance test for switches and controls.
Success: Early integration of environmental sealing, thermal management, and ergonomic design will streamline certification and reduce compliance costs.
Compliance and Certification Notes
To achieve CSA certification, a product must undergo testing by an accredited laboratory (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek, UL). The testing process includes:
- Type tests on three samples according to Clause 10 of IEC 60335-1 and Part 2-79 specific tests.
- Factory inspection for production-line consistency and quality management (ISO 9001 is not mandatory but highly recommended).
- Annual follow-up inspections to ensure continued compliance with the standard.
The Canadian standard may differ from the IEC base document in areas such as supply voltage tolerances (120 V/60 Hz vs. 230 V/50 Hz), ambient temperature assumptions, and inclusion of CSA-specific normative annexes (e.g., Annex DD for Canada). It is essential to obtain the latest version of CAN/CSA E60335-2-79-09 (including any amendments) from CSA Group.
Danger: Non-compliance with Canadian deviations—such as inadequate cord length or missing bilingual warnings—can result in rejection of the certification application and delays in market entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of cleaning appliances are covered by this standard?
A: The standard covers high pressure cleaners (operating above 2.5 MPa) and steam cleaners for household, commercial, and similar use. It includes portable, stationary, and battery-powered units, as well as combination hot-water and steam appliances.
A: The standard covers high pressure cleaners (operating above 2.5 MPa) and steam cleaners for household, commercial, and similar use. It includes portable, stationary, and battery-powered units, as well as combination hot-water and steam appliances.
Q: Does the standard apply to industrial high pressure washers?
A: No, it is limited to appliances for household and similar purposes. Industrial units used exclusively in heavy industrial environments are outside the scope. However, cleaners used in semi-industrial settings (e.g., farms, workshops) are covered.
A: No, it is limited to appliances for household and similar purposes. Industrial units used exclusively in heavy industrial environments are outside the scope. However, cleaners used in semi-industrial settings (e.g., farms, workshops) are covered.
Q: What are the main differences between the Canadian standard and the international IEC version?
A: The Canadian version includes specific deviations for Canadian electrical systems (120 V/60 Hz, NEMA plug configurations), ambient temperature ratings from -25 °C to +40 °C, bilingual labeling requirements, and additional tests for supply cord durability.
A: The Canadian version includes specific deviations for Canadian electrical systems (120 V/60 Hz, NEMA plug configurations), ambient temperature ratings from -25 °C to +40 °C, bilingual labeling requirements, and additional tests for supply cord durability.
Q: How often does a certified product need to be re‑evaluated?
A: CSA certification requires an initial type test plus annual factory inspections. In addition, if the standard is revised or amended, manufacturers must review their products for continued compliance and may need to recertify.
A: CSA certification requires an initial type test plus annual factory inspections. In addition, if the standard is revised or amended, manufacturers must review their products for continued compliance and may need to recertify.
This article is based on CAN/CSA E60335-2-79-09 (2009) including amendments up to A1:2014. For the most current requirements, always consult the latest official edition published by CSA Group. Last updated: 2026.