New version: CSA SPE-1000

Bulletin date:
Bulletin number:
2022-02

Action required

All accredited inspections bodies performing inspections according to SPE-1000 are required to provide transition documentation to SPE-1000-21 by May 2, 2022. 

 

In addition, all equipment and product conformity assessment inspections performed after May 2, 2022 shall apply the new Model Code’s requirements.
 

Affected customers

Inspection bodies accredited to the Inspection Bodies Accreditation Program (IBAP), and evaluation of electrical equipment (SPE-1000) auditors and assessors.  

 

Background

CSA Group issued the fifth edition of CSA SPE-1000 Model Code for the field evaluation of electrical equipment in September 2021. It supersedes the previous edition published in 2013.

 

This Model Code was developed by a Working Group of the Canadian Advisory Council on Electrical Safety (CACES) Subcommittee on SPE-1000, and was approved by CACES.

 

New requirements

As indicated in the Model Code’s preface on the CSA website, this fifth edition integrates significant changes, such as new requirements for high-voltage transformers, skids, lasers, non-medical X-rays, cosmetic and hygiene products, and non-residential equipment producing ozone. 

It also includes updates and clarifications to some existing requirements. Clauses previously in Annex A, General requirements for electrical equipment, were moved to the body of the Model Code.

 

This Model Code is based on guidelines for special inspections. These guidelines have been in effect for many years with a good safety record. 

 

The Canadian Advisory Council on Electrical Safety strongly supports the continuation of special inspections of electrical equipment, with the stipulation that the requirements be formally published. 

 

It is always within the purview of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) in whose jurisdiction the Model Code is applied, to add technical or administrative requirements, stipulations, or deviations to this Model Code.

 

Deadline

An inspection body accredited to perform inspections according to SPE-1000 is required to provide the following transition documentation by May 2, 2022:

  • Evidence of updates to the management system that cover the Model Code’s modifications in the system
  • Updated list of qualified SPE-1000:21 inspectors
  • Training material that is up-to-date to SPE-1000:21
  • Training records

 

It will be assessed against the new Model Code, SPE-1000:21, at its next regular scheduled assessment activity starting May 2, 2022. In addition, all witness audits performed after May 2, 2022 shall comply with the new Model Code. 

 

An applicant inspection body shall be assessed against the new Model Code starting May 2, 2022.

 

Questions?

Please contact Abdel Kassou, Manager, Compliance and Assessment Services, Accreditation Services, at abdel.kassou@scc-ccn.ca or +1 613 238 3222 for more information.