CSA SPE-1000 is a Model Code for One-Time approvals of General Electrical Products being sold, installed, or operated in Canada and that do not comply with Canadian Electrical Code requirements.
Products that are custom-built, modified, or imported from other parts of the world could fit this criterion.
This program is only valid for the Canadian market and allows for up to 500 units, per model, per Inspection Body (IB), per year This model code addresses the product construction, markings, and test requirements and is not meant to replace full certification.
Special Inspections to SPE-1000 are only performed on a complete systems or subassemblies (ie. control panels) and cannot be performed on a component (ie. switch or relay).
As per Canadian regulations, Special Inspections should only be performed by Inspection Bodies who are accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and authorized to label the products.
Products within the CSA SPE-1000 scope:
Industrial Control Panels, Automated manufacturing, Semiconductor fabrication, Luminaires, Switchboards, Robotics, Heating and Cooling, Generators, Distribution Systems, any Mobile Equipment that have electrical components, and more.
Examples of Tests performed:
Based on the construction, one of main mandatory tests required for every electrical product within SPE-1000, is the Dielectric Strength Test, also known as Hi-pot test.
For equipment rated 250vac or less, 1000 Vac Test voltage is applied to the product for one minute, without a breakdown between live parts and exposed non-current carrying metal parts and between live parts and accessible extra low voltage secondary circuits.
The other test that can be performed on the product are Temperature test, Leakage current test, Strain Relief test and Flame test.
If the unit is installed outdoor, it will also have to be tested for a Rain test for a duration of 90 minutes.
Special Inspection is the way to go if:
- Product needs quick approvals
- For limited quantities or batches
- Product has been “Red Tagged”
- Certification is not practical
- Product has already been shipped and/or installed
- Testing the market and may not continue production
- Modifying already certified products
If the above scenarios sound familiar, you may need an SPE-1000!
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