What Does CSA Stand for and Why is it Important?
CSA approved is a term used to describe an electrical product that has been tested and certified by the CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION to meet certain standards of safety and performance. Once CSA approved, the product can carry the CSA mark. CSA approval demonstrates the quality and safety of your product.
Why do you need CSA approval?
The CSA mark indicates that a product has been tested against and has met the requirements for safety, performance and/or energy efficiency for Canada.
Is CSA certified mandatory in Canada?
All of the Canadian provinces have adopted the CSA electrical standards, which means that certification is mandatory for all electrical products to be installed in Canada. These standards focus mainly on safety from electrical shock and fire hazard. If anything bad was to happen to your business (or to a client) as a result of an electrical mishap and your item was not CSA approved, severe consequences could result (ie. insurance claim could be denied, personal liability lawsuits could be filed, etc).
What is the difference between CSA and UL certification?
UL is an American company based in Northbrook, Illinois. It is an independent organization which issues certificates of security for many products. Unlike CSA, a UL certification applies only to the United States. The organization can perform the tests to the international standards (ISO) or Canada, but the UL logo indicates that the product has been certified for the United States ONLY.
Are all of your electrical products CSA approved?
Yes, they are.
Do you most online retailers sell electrical items that are CSA approved?
Unfortunately, no they don't. They are not required to sell CSA approved items, so it's up to you, the consumer, to do your due dilligence and buy eletrical items that are CSA approved. Just an FYI, but most electrical items sold on Amazon or eBay are NOT CSA approved!