[Canada] Electric Equipment requirements

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the regulations regarding the use of electrical equipment in Canada, specifically whether equipment that is not CSA approved but has CE and/or FCC certifications can be used. Participants explore the nuances of electrical regulations and the implications for tourists and non-registered individuals.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Dave, inquires about the acceptability of using non-CSA approved equipment with CE and/or FCC certifications in Canada.
  • Another participant suggests contacting the electrical regulations authority for accurate information.
  • Dave mentions that Industry Canada could not provide the requested information, expressing frustration about the lack of clarity.
  • A participant questions whether Industry Canada’s inability to provide information is due to restrictions on who can receive it, such as only registered electricians.
  • Another participant shares their experience as a tourist, noting that they were not questioned about their devices at the border and suggesting that regulations may differ between usage and sales.
  • A later reply discusses findings regarding CSA standards, indicating that there is no CSA standard specifically for computers, while power converters and related equipment do have CSA labels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the regulations, with no consensus on the acceptability of using non-CSA approved equipment. Multiple viewpoints exist about the interpretation of CSA standards and the role of regulatory authorities.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clear guidance from regulatory bodies and the potential confusion between regulations for usage versus sales of equipment. The discussion also highlights the absence of a CSA standard for computers specifically.

cpscdave
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Does anyone know, or know where I go could to find more information.

Are we allowed to bring in and use equipment (computer& computer related) that isn't CSA approved if the equipment has CE and/or FCC certifications?

I can't seem to dig up information on specifically if this is kosher or not.
Thanks
-Dave
 
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your best bet for accurate info would be to go to the electrical regulations authority in your country/area
why go anywhere else ?
 
Haha I did contact Industry Canada, and they said they can't provide that information.

I feel comforted that my tax dollars are going to good use!
 
cpscdave said:
I did contact Industry Canada, and they said they can't provide that information.

cant or won't ?
as in will only supply it to registered electricians etc ?
 
As a tourist to Canada, nobody at the border questioned me about the devices I was bringing.

There could be regulations about selling equipment, as opposed to using it. You have to find someone who knows the Canadian rules.
 
After continuing to look into this and speaking with a couple people who know CSA rules better we've come to the following conclusion.

It appears as there is no CSA standard covering computers. If you look on a laptop or other similar device they all lack a CSA approval.
What does have a CSA standard is any sort of power converter. So if the computer equipment takes 120v directly (monitor, printer, etc) they all have the CSA label, as do the power converters for laptops.
 

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