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Understanding CSA C22.2 No. 47-13 (2018): Safety Requirements for Air‑Moving Devices
A comprehensive guide to the scope, technical requirements, and compliance of the Canadian standard for fans, blowers, and ventilators
CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 (2018) is a key Canadian safety standard under the Canadian Electrical Code umbrella, covering air‑moving devices such as fans, blowers, and ventilators intended for commercial, industrial, and household use. This article provides a detailed overview of the standard’s scope, technical requirements, implementation considerations, and compliance notes for manufacturers, engineers, and certification professionals.
Scope and Application
Devices Covered
CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 applies to electrically operated air‑moving devices with ratings not exceeding 600 V and intended for use in non‑hazardous locations in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1). Typical products include:
- Ceiling, pedestal, box, and desk fans
- Exhaust and inline ventilators
- Centrifugal and axial blowers
- Fan coils and air‑moving components for HVAC equipment
The standard addresses both cord‑connected and permanently wired devices, as well as portable and stationary installations.
Devices Excluded
The standard excludes fans intended for aircraft, explosive atmospheres, direct connection to combustion flues, and devices covered by other specific CSA standards (e.g., range hoods or bathroom ventilation units with integral heaters).
Tip: Manufacturers should verify whether their product is within the scope of CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 or if it falls under a complementary standard such as CSA C22.2 No. 113 (fans and ventilators) or CSA C22.2 No. 166 (range hoods).
Technical Requirements
Electrical Safety
All electrical components must comply with the applicable CSA component standards. Key requirements include:
- Overcurrent protection: Internal or external overcurrent devices must be provided for motors and electronic circuits.
- Insulation and dielectric strength: Minimum 1000 V plus twice the rated voltage applied between live parts and accessible metal for 1 minute without breakdown.
- Clearances and creepage distances: Compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 0.4 (Bonding and Grounding) and CSA C22.2 No. 0.10 (Spacings).
- Grounding: All exposed metal parts must be reliably bonded to a grounding conductor.
Mechanical Safety
The standard mandates robust mechanical construction to prevent injury from rotating parts, guarding, and stability:
- Fan blade enclosure: Grilles or guards must prevent finger entry as per IP20 (minimum) compliant distances.
- Stability test: Portable fans must not tip over when tilted to an angle of 15 degrees in any direction.
- Mechanical strength: Enclosures and guards must withstand a static force of 50 N applied through a 30 mm diameter blunt probe.
Performance Marking and Instructions
Every device must bear a marking label that includes:
- Manufacturer’s name or trademark
- Model or type designation
- Rated voltage, frequency, and current/wattage
- Airflow rating (in CFM or L/s) for ventilation applications
- Sufficient warning and instruction markings in both English and French
Compliance Resource: The CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 standard references CSA C22.2 No. 0 (General Requirements) and CSA C22.2 No. 0.4 for bonding and grounding. Keeping these complementary standards on hand streamlines the certification process.
Implementation Highlights
Testing and Evaluation
Certification bodies (e.g., CSA Group, UL, Intertek) evaluate air‑moving devices against the following tests, among others:
| Test | Requirement | Reference in Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric withstand | No breakdown at 1000 V + 2× Urated | Clause 6.2 |
| Leakage current | ≤ 0.5 mA for portable; ≤ 0.75 mA for stationary | Clause 6.3 |
| Temperature rise | Motor winding ∆T ≤ 85 °C (Class B); ≤ 105 °C (Class F) | Clause 7.1 |
| Stability (portable) | No overturn at 15° tilt | Clause 8.5 |
| Blade guard deflection | ≤ 13 mm under 50 N force | Clause 8.6 |
Design Considerations
To facilitate certification, manufacturers should:
- Use CSA‑recognized components (e.g., switches, motors, capacitors).
- Ensure all internal wiring is rated at least 90 °C and has adequate support.
- Incorporate a thermal cutoff or overload protector for motor protection.
- Provide a clearly labeled wiring diagram inside the device or in the user manual.
Warning: Changes to a certified product—such as a different motor supplier, fan blade size, or guard design—may require reevaluation. Maintain communication with your certification body throughout product development.
Compliance Notes
Applicability of the Canadian Electrical Code
CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 is a normative reference for Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1). Devices certified to this standard are considered acceptable for installation without further field evaluation, provided they are used within their ratings.
Certification Bodies and Marks
Typical certification marks include the CSA or cUL mark. Products bearing these marks demonstrate compliance with both the standard and Canadian regulatory requirements. The 2018 edition is currently active; any earlier editions (e.g., 2007) are no longer recognized for new certifications.
Regional Variations
While the standard is harmonized with many UL/ANSI requirements, specific differences exist for Canadian installations, such as:
- Mandatory bilingual (English/French) markings and instructions.
- Different ambient temperature requirements for some industrial applications.
- Specific bonding requirements for equipment in wet locations.
Critical: Failure to comply with CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 may result in product refusal at the border, recall orders, or liability issues. Always verify that your certification body is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 apply to ceiling fans with lights?
A: Yes. Ceiling fans are within scope, but any integral lighting must also comply with CSA C22.2 No. 166 (lighting) or the appropriate standard for luminaires.
A: Yes. Ceiling fans are within scope, but any integral lighting must also comply with CSA C22.2 No. 166 (lighting) or the appropriate standard for luminaires.
Q: What is the relationship between the 2018 edition and earlier versions?
A: The 2018 edition is the current revision and supersedes the 2007 edition (and any amendments). New product certifications must be based on the 2018 edition.
A: The 2018 edition is the current revision and supersedes the 2007 edition (and any amendments). New product certifications must be based on the 2018 edition.
Q: Are portable fans with battery power covered by this standard?
A: CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 primarily covers line‑voltage devices. Battery‑operated fans may fall under other standards, such as CSA C22.2 No. 122 (low voltage) or IEC 60335‑2‑80. Consult your certification body for product‑specific guidance.
A: CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 primarily covers line‑voltage devices. Battery‑operated fans may fall under other standards, such as CSA C22.2 No. 122 (low voltage) or IEC 60335‑2‑80. Consult your certification body for product‑specific guidance.
Q: Can a fan certified to UL 507 be accepted in Canada?
A: While UL 507 is similar, Canadian requirements—particularly for bilingual markings, grounding, and some test conditions—differ. A dual‑certification approach using both standards or a bilateral arrangement (e.g., CSA cUL) is common.
A: While UL 507 is similar, Canadian requirements—particularly for bilingual markings, grounding, and some test conditions—differ. A dual‑certification approach using both standards or a bilateral arrangement (e.g., CSA cUL) is common.
© 2026 — This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for the official text of CSA C22.2 No. 47‑13 (2018). Always refer to the latest edition published by the Canadian Standards Association for complete requirements.