scope:

This Standard covers requirements for devices to detect certain out of parameter conditions of supply voltage and/or load current and mitigate, by circuit interruption, the effects of

(a) overload within utilization equipment; or

(b) over- or under-voltage, or both,

that can pose a risk of fire ignition under certain conditions.

These devices are to be incorporated in certified (end) products intended for use on alternating current (ac) circuits of 120 V, 60 Hz, up to 20 A in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.

Devices covered by this Standard are called out of parameter circuit interrupters (OPCI), and there are three types:

(a) OPCI-I - an OPCI for overload current within a load;

(b) OPCI-V - an OPCI for over or under voltage; and

(c) OPCI-VI - an OPCI incorporating both OPCI-I and OPCI-V functions.

In CSA standards, "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 (nonmandatory) to define their application.

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.