CSA is a not-for-profit organization and is well known in the world for its work on certification of various products (not just electrical) A leading developer of standards and codes, CSA Standards enhances public safety, improved quality of life, preserves the environment and facilitates trade.
Since 1927, Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) has provided the standards for dealing with safety in electrical products and installations. The CEC is regularly updated every three (3) years to address changing technology and operating conditions; it has a number of inter-related components:
Part I – Electrical Installation Code
CEC Part I, covers the wiring installations and maintenance of all electrical equipment operating or intended to operate at all voltages in buildings, structures and premises, including factory built structures.
Part II – Standards for Construction Testing & Making of Electrical Equipment
CEC Part I, requires electrical products to be “approved” or certified, and Part II standards specify the product requirements for a wide range of electrical products, including: Ø General testing and construction requirements Ø Consumer & commercial Products Ø Industrial Products Ø Wiring Products
Part III – Outside Wiring
CEC Part III, covers a wide variety of requirements related to transmission and distribution systems and electrical stations. Part III also covers requirements for overhead systems, electrical coordination, underground systems, railway and many more.
Part IV – Industrial Users
CEC Part IV, is comprised of two industrial integrated components: 1. C22,4 No. 1 – Objectives Based Industrial Electrical Code (OBIEC) 2. C22.4 N0. 2 – Safety Management System Requirements (SMS) These two standards provide industrial users (e.g. oil refinery & steel plant) flexibility in engineering design, day-to-day operation and maintenance, to remain competitive while enhancing the existing levels of electrical safety. In recent years CSA has shifted its emphasis to three major areas:
1. Education and Training 2. Standards Development 3. Product Certification,
International Harmonization of Standards
In addition to having a key role in the development of Canadian standards, CSA is very active in the international Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). By active participation in these various international and regional forums provides Canadian industry with the opportunity to influence inter-nations standards, which then form the basis for CSA standards, helping to eliminate technical barrier (courtesy of CSA)
