CSA C22.2 NO. 270-16 (R2021)

Preface

This is the second edition of C22.2 No. 270, Arc fault protective devices, one of a series of Standards issued by CSA Group under Part II of the Canadian Electrical Code. It supersedes the previous edition published in 2014.

This edition includes additional requirements for leakage current detector interrupters, deletion of references to branch/feeder type AFCIs, updated testing figures, an updated limited short circuit test for cord connected devices, a revised finger probe, and numerous other smaller updates throughout.

Arc fault protective devices are usually embodied in combination with another device. As such, the user of this Standard will need to reference additional requirements as found in CSA C22.2 No. 5, CSA C22.2 No. 144.1, CSA C22.2 No. 21, and CSA C22.2 No. 42 as applicable.

For general information on the Standards of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II, see the Preface of CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 0, General Requirements - Canadian Electrical Code, Part II.

This Standard is considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scope of the Standard.

Scope

1.1
This Standard applies to arc fault protective devices designed to be installed in accordance with the Rules of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.

1.2
These devices include arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) and devices that incorporate arc fault circuit protection for use on single phase, 120 V, or single phase, two-pole, three-wire 120/240 V alternating current, 60 Hz circuits having a maximum current rating of up to 20 A for permanently connected devices.

1.3
This Standard also includes cord-connected devices for use on single phase, 120 V, or single phase, two- pole, three-wire 120/240 V alternating current, 60 Hz supply up to 30 A.

1.4
This Standard additionally applies to leakage current detector interrupters.

1.5
In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.