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Understanding CSA C22.2 No. 223-15 (2017): A Technical Guide to Power Supply and Battery Charger Safety
Scope, technical requirements, and compliance strategies for power conversion equipment under the Canadian Electrical Code
1. Scope and Application
CSA C22.2 No. 223-15 (2017), formally titled “Power supplies and battery chargers,” is a cornerstone safety standard within the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II (C22.2 series). This standard prescribes safety requirements for power supplies and battery chargers intended for household, commercial, and industrial applications, designed for connection to a supply circuit with a nominal voltage of 600 V or less, in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
The standard covers a wide range of equipment, including but not limited to:
- Standalone battery chargers for automotive, marine, and deep-cycle batteries.
- Power supplies for appliances, tools, and electronic equipment.
- Class 2 power supply units characterized by limited output energy.
- Power supplies with cord-and-plug connections or intended for permanent installation.
- Devices rated for indoor installation, outdoor installation, or damp/wet locations.
Scope Clarification: This standard does NOT apply to power supplies that are integral components of equipment covered by other specific Part II standards, such as CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1 for ICT equipment or CSA C22.2 No. 60745 for hand-held motor-operated tools, providing the integral supply is tested with the host product.
2. Key Technical Requirements
Protection Against Electric Shock and Fire
The fundamental safety philosophy of CSA C22.2 No. 223-15 revolves around the separation of hazardous live parts from user-accessible parts. This is achieved through strict requirements for:
- Spacing (Creepage, Clearance, and Distance Through Insulation): Minimum distances are specified based on working voltage, pollution degree, and material group. For example, reinforced insulation between primary and secondary circuits operating at 250 V requires a minimum clearance of 6.4 mm.
- Dielectric Strength (Hipot): Insulation must withstand prescribed test voltages without breakdown.
Table 1 provides an extract of the required dielectric strength test voltages for basic insulation:
| Working Voltage (V, peak or DC) | Working Voltage (V, RMS) | Test Voltage (V, RMS) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 50 | 0 – 50 | 500 |
| 50 – 125 | 50 – 125 | 1240 |
| 125 – 250 | 125 – 250 | 1500 |
| 250 – 600 | 250 – 600 | 2000 |
Note: For reinforced insulation, the test voltages are double the values shown above. Production line tests may be conducted at 120% of the specified voltage for 1 second.
Output Ratings and Class 2 Circuits
A significant portion of the standard deals with output characteristics. Power supplies are categorized by their output ratings, and those meeting the definition of a “Class 2” power supply (limited voltage and power output, typically < 100 VA and < 30 V RMS or 42.4 V peak) are subject to less restrictive wiring and enclosure requirements in the field.
Design Consideration: While a Class 2 power supply offers wiring flexibility, the internal construction must still meet the spacing and dielectric requirements of a general power supply. The < 100 VA rating is an inherent limiting characteristic, often achieved through a non-replaceable fuse or a specialized transformer design.
3. Implementation Highlights and Marking
Proper marking and documentation are critical for compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 223-15.
Marking Requirements
Each power supply or battery charger must be permanently marked with:
- Manufacturer’s name, trademark, or authorized agent identifier.
- Model number, catalog number, or type designation.
- Electrical ratings: Input voltage (V), frequency (Hz), phase, and current (A). Output voltage and current (or VA rating).
- Environmental rating: “Indoor Use Only” or “Outdoor Use” as applicable. Pollution Degree rating is assumed unless marked otherwise.
- If intended for Class 2 wiring, the output must be marked “Class 2 Power Supply.”
Bi-National Certification Strategy: Many manufacturers seeking access to both the Canadian and US markets apply for combined certification to CSA C22.2 No. 223-15 and UL 1012 (Power Supplies) or UL 1310 (Class 2 Power Units). Although not fully harmonized, the technical requirements exhibit significant overlap, and a single test program can typically cover both standards.
Instruction Manuals
Instructions must be provided with the product, detailing:
- Installation procedures (wiring, grounding).
- Operating environment limitations (temperature, altitude).
- Battery charging instructions specific to the chemistry (e.g., lead-acid, Li-ion, NiMH).
- Warnings against misuse, such as charging non-rechargeable batteries or using near water.
4. Compliance Notes and the Canadian Regulatory Context
Compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 223-15 is typically mandatory under provincial and territorial electrical safety regulations. The standard operates within a rigorous framework:
Certification Bodies and Equivalency
To demonstrate compliance, manufacturers must obtain certification from an accredited certification body (CB) such as CSA Group, Intertek (ETL), UL, or TÜV Rheinland. These CBs are accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to test and certify products to the C22.2 series. While the standard is Canadian, CBs can equivalently test to the harmonized U.S./Canadian requirements.
Critical Compliance Risk: Component vs. End-Product Recognition
A power supply certified solely as a component (e.g., a bare PCB power module recognized to CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1) cannot be sold as a standalone battery charger. The end-product certification under CSA C22.2 No. 223-15 mandates evaluation of the enclosure, supply cord, field-wiring terminals, and the overall assembly against fire and shock hazards as installed by the end-user.
A power supply certified solely as a component (e.g., a bare PCB power module recognized to CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1) cannot be sold as a standalone battery charger. The end-product certification under CSA C22.2 No. 223-15 mandates evaluation of the enclosure, supply cord, field-wiring terminals, and the overall assembly against fire and shock hazards as installed by the end-user.
Key Updates in the 2015 Edition (Reaffirmed 2017)
The 2015 edition represented a significant update, introducing harmonized requirements for battery chargers based on IEC 60335-2-29 while retaining compatibility with North American installation codes. The reaffirmation in 2017 signified that no technical changes were required, confirming the stability and currency of the standard. Manufacturers validating compliance against this edition can be confident in its acceptance across Canadian jurisdictions.
Factory Inspections
Certification requires not only type testing but also an initial factory inspection and periodic unannounced follow-up inspections to ensure ongoing production conformity. Verification of critical components (transformers, fuses, insulation materials) and production line hipot testing are routinely audited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 223-15 cover wireless charging pads?
A: Yes, it applies to the base station (charging pad) as a power supply. The standard evaluates the safety of the primary circuit and the electromagnetic field limits to ensure safe operation in the domestic environment.
A: Yes, it applies to the base station (charging pad) as a power supply. The standard evaluates the safety of the primary circuit and the electromagnetic field limits to ensure safe operation in the domestic environment.
Q: Can I use a power supply certified to this standard in the United States?
A: While the standard is Canadian, it is well-recognized, and most products certified to it are also certified to the equivalent U.S. standard (UL 1012 or UL 1310). Ensure the product carries the appropriate mark for the target market (e.g., CSA US, cULus, or ETL US).
A: While the standard is Canadian, it is well-recognized, and most products certified to it are also certified to the equivalent U.S. standard (UL 1012 or UL 1310). Ensure the product carries the appropriate mark for the target market (e.g., CSA US, cULus, or ETL US).
Q: What are the pollution degree assumptions for this standard?
A: Unless otherwise marked, power supplies are typically evaluated for Pollution Degree 2 (normally non-conductive, with occasional condensation). Devices intended for outdoor or wet locations must be designed for Pollution Degree 3 (conductive pollution) and appropriately tested.
A: Unless otherwise marked, power supplies are typically evaluated for Pollution Degree 2 (normally non-conductive, with occasional condensation). Devices intended for outdoor or wet locations must be designed for Pollution Degree 3 (conductive pollution) and appropriately tested.
Technical Article — 2026. For regulatory compliance, always verify the latest edition of the standard with the Standards Council of Canada or CSA Group.