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Understanding CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 (2018): Requirements for Motor-Starting Relays
Technical insights into the Canadian adoption of IEC 60730-2-10 for automatic electrical controls used in motor-starting applications
Scope and General Overview
CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 (2018) is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60730-2-10, focusing on particular requirements for motor-starting relays used in automatic electrical controls for household and similar applications. Motor-starting relays are essential components in many appliances — from refrigerators and washing machines to air conditioners and compressors — where they provide the necessary starting torque and switch off after the motor reaches operating speed.
The standard applies to relays with a rated voltage not exceeding 690 V AC or 250 V DC, and rated currents up to 63 A. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the general requirements standard CAN CSA E60730-1, which covers overall safety, construction, and testing principles for automatic electrical controls. This part specifies supplementary or modified requirements relevant to motor-starting relays, covering aspects such as electrical endurance, mechanical endurance, switching capacity, thermal performance, and environmental resistance.
The edition date (2013) indicates the original year of adoption, while the (2018) notation confirms that the standard has been reaffirmed by CSA Group without technical changes. As such, it remains the current reference for compliance in Canada. The standard helps ensure reliable operation and minimizes risks such as fire, electric shock, or mechanical failure during the intended life of the control.
Key Technical Requirements
CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 (2018) introduces several specific technical requirements and tests that go beyond the general requirements of Part 1. These focus on the demanding nature of motor-starting operations, where inrush currents can be several times the steady-state value and where repeated switching cycles stress the relay contacts and insulation system.
| Parameter | Requirement / Limit | Test Condition (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Rated impulse voltage | ≥ 2.5 kV (depending on overvoltage category) | 1.2/50 µs waveform |
| Pollution degree | PD2 or PD3 (based on intended environment) | Creepage distances per Table K |
| Temperature rise at terminals | ≤ 65 K above ambient | Continuous motor starting profile |
| Electrical endurance (operations) | ≥ 100,000 cycles (typical), with voltage and current per table | 50 % on-load, 50 % off-load |
| Mechanical endurance (operations) | ≥ 1,000,000 cycles | Unloaded, at rated voltage |
| Touch current (leakage) | ≤ 0.5 mA (assuming no dielectric breakdown) | At 1.06 × rated voltage |
| Clearance (primary to secondary) | Minimum 4 mm (based on working voltage and PD3) | Measured according to IEC 60664-1 |
One important requirement is that motor-starting relays must be tested under their intended switching duty — that is, with a motor load representative of the target application. The standard defines a standard motor-starting load profile that includes both starting (locked-rotor) current and running current, with specified power factors. Contact performance must be verified over the full endurance test without excessive welding or erosion. Additionally, the relays must withstand humidity conditioning (damp heat steady state) as well as a cold-conditioning period.
Attention: when designing or selecting a relay to meet CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13, ensure that the creepage and clearance distances comply with the pollution degree specified. For uncontrolled environments, Pollution Degree 3 is typical and may require larger spacings than those used for general industrial controls.
Implementation and Testing Considerations
Integrating a motor-starting relay into a product that must be CSA certified calls for a clear understanding of the standard’s test sequences and documentation requirements. The standard defines type tests (design qualification) and routine tests (production line verification).
- Type tests include: temperature rise, endurance (electrical and mechanical), humidity conditioning, dielectric withstand, abnormal operation (e.g., locked-rotor conditions), and thermal cycling. All type tests must be carried out by an accredited laboratory, and the results must be documented in a test report.
- Routine tests typically involve verifying dielectric strength (hi‑pot), checking the release voltage, and ensuring that the relay operates within its specified voltage range (pick-up/drop-out). These tests help catch manufacturing defects.
The standard also imposes marking requirements: each relay must bear the manufacturer’s name or trademark, type or model designation, rated voltage and current, and the date of manufacture (or code). A schematic symbol for the relay function is recommended. Furthermore, instructions for installation and safe use must be provided with the relay or in the final product manual.
Tip: when preparing for CSA certification, request a pre-assessment review of your relay’s design against CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13. Many testing laboratories offer gap analysis, which can identify missing requirements early and save time during formal testing.
For products that include a relay as part of a larger control system, the complete assembly must also comply with the relevant system-level standards (e.g., CAN CSA C22.2 No. 0 for general safety). The relay’s individual certification can simplify system certification but cannot replace the need to meet all applicable requirements of the end product.
Critical: failure to respect the Canadian deviations from the base IEC standard could lead to non-compliance. For example, CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 may require a higher level of protection against low temperatures encountered in Canadian climates or different marking language requirements. Always consult the latest edition of the CSA standard for up-to-date national differences.
Compliance and Certification
To achieve compliance with CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 (2018), manufacturers must demonstrate that their motor-starting relays meet all applicable requirements. The most common route is to obtain product certification from a recognized certification body (CB) that is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), such as CSA Group, UL, or Intertek.
The certification process involves:
- Application and standard review – submitting the relay and its documentation.
- Construction review – checking materials, dimensions, clearances.
- Type testing at an accredited laboratory.
- Factory inspection – including routine test records and quality system.
- Granting of certification mark.
The standard is considered a safety standard under Canadian legislation (e.g., provincial electrical codes and the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act). Therefore, compliance is mandatory for products sold in Canada that incorporate such relays. Non‑compliant relays can lead to product recalls, market restrictions, and legal liability.
Success: Manufacturers that obtain CSA certification for their relays under CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 (2018) gain a competitive edge, because the mark is widely accepted across North America. Many US-based certification bodies also recognize CSA testing through bilateral agreements, easing entry into the US market.
Note that the standard was reaffirmed in 2018 without changing the 2013 edition. However, it is always prudent to monitor for new amendments or revisions (such as a possible new edition based on IEC 60730-2-10:2022) to ensure ongoing compliance. The CSA website lists the latest status and any notification of changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 and IEC 60730-2-10?
A: CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60730-2-10:2006. It includes national deviations to account for Canadian climatic conditions (e.g., lower ambient temperatures) and regulatory references (e.g., marking in English and French). The technical content is essentially aligned, but the CSA version contains annexes that detail modifications relevant to Canada.
A: CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 is the Canadian adoption of IEC 60730-2-10:2006. It includes national deviations to account for Canadian climatic conditions (e.g., lower ambient temperatures) and regulatory references (e.g., marking in English and French). The technical content is essentially aligned, but the CSA version contains annexes that detail modifications relevant to Canada.
Q: Does CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 apply to all motor-starting relays?
A: It applies to relays intended for automatic starting (and stopping) of single-phase or three-phase motors in household and similar appliances. Relays for industrial motors larger than 63 A or that operate at voltages > 690 V may be covered by other standards. The standard is also applied to electronic motor-starting relays, not only electromechanical types, as long as they perform the same function.
A: It applies to relays intended for automatic starting (and stopping) of single-phase or three-phase motors in household and similar appliances. Relays for industrial motors larger than 63 A or that operate at voltages > 690 V may be covered by other standards. The standard is also applied to electronic motor-starting relays, not only electromechanical types, as long as they perform the same function.
Q: What testing is required for motor-starting relays under this standard?
A: Key tests include: temperature rise, electrical endurance (e.g., 100,000 cycles of starting/operating current), mechanical endurance (1 million cycles), dielectric strength (hi‑pot), humidity conditioning (damp heat steady state), and abnormal operation tests (locked rotor, loss of capacitor, etc.). All type tests must be performed by an SCC‑accredited laboratory.
A: Key tests include: temperature rise, electrical endurance (e.g., 100,000 cycles of starting/operating current), mechanical endurance (1 million cycles), dielectric strength (hi‑pot), humidity conditioning (damp heat steady state), and abnormal operation tests (locked rotor, loss of capacitor, etc.). All type tests must be performed by an SCC‑accredited laboratory.
Q: Is CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 mandatory in Canada?
A: Yes, it is referenced in Canadian electrical codes and product safety regulations. Relays that fall within its scope must comply with this standard to be sold in Canada or incorporated into products destined for the Canadian market. Certification marks from CSA, UL, or other recognized bodies indicate conformance.
A: Yes, it is referenced in Canadian electrical codes and product safety regulations. Relays that fall within its scope must comply with this standard to be sold in Canada or incorporated into products destined for the Canadian market. Certification marks from CSA, UL, or other recognized bodies indicate conformance.
This article provides a technical overview of CAN CSA E60730-2-10-13 (2018) as of 2026. For detailed certification guidance, always consult the full standard and a qualified testing partner.