At 08:58 PM 03/04/2014, you wrote:
>I was recently approached by a potential customer in Canada and one of the
>questions that came up was is our device CSA certified. The obvious answer
>is that if you're not sure, then your not. But I think it may be a bit mor=
e
>complicated than that - I'm not sure I need to be...
>
>My product is basically a battery powered portable power tool (think mutan=
t
>cordless drill) it uses batteries and charger from a name brand power tool
>supplier and the charger bears the UL mark with C and US beside it.
>
>So, for anyone more familiar with CSA certification issues, Does a low
>voltage, battery operated device _need_ to have a CSA certification to sel=
l
>in Canada?
>Thanks
>-Denny


Practically, you might be okay so long as the mains-powered stuff
is "CSA", and the cULus means that the charger was tested meet both
Canadian standards and US standards, and competitive products are
similarly grey-certified (to coin a term). People talk about "UL" and
"CSA" loosely to refer to the standards, whether the testing was done
by UL, CSA, ETL or some other appropriate body.

If you ask UL (and I have) whether such stuff as the battery powered
part should be UL, they'll probably tell you 'yes'. Even things powered
by a 9V battery, let alone something with a Lithium or NiMH battery.
Is that asking a barber if you need a haircut? Perhaps..

Have a look at this (UL):=20
http://www.metlabs.com/Ask-A-Compliance-Expert.aspx#ULlisted
And this (CSA):=20
http://www.metlabs.com/Ask-A-Compliance-Expert.aspx#batterypower

As you can see, it's similarly hazy. If there's enough energy stored in the
device to conceivably cause damage or harm someone in some way (fire,=20
shock, burns,
or whatever) it could become important. If there are applicable standards,
it's probably important. If you've gotten away without UL, well, maybe it's
not so important.

P.S. This is not legal or engineering advice, just an observation of
common industry practice. Insufficient knowledge of your situation to be
more specific.

--Spehro Pefhany







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