Section 2
The Canadian Standards Association.
(1) Thermovent
A model FC1 (ceramic elements 1,000 W) was originally submitted by our Western Distributors, Overseas Commodities Ltd., as far back as last January and preliminary reports indicated that a number of changes were necessary to meet CSA requirements.
A further FC1 (spiral elements 1,000 W) modified, as far as possible, but without flex was prepared, and this was taken to the CSA as a basis for negotiation, together with a sample length of Thermotube, in an endeavour to get both approved at the same time.
I was fortunate in securing an introduction to Mr. W. P. Dobson, Chairman of the CSA, who detailed one of his engineers to clear up various outstanding points. These were dealt with one by one, and it was agreed that our revisions were satisfactory so far as the FC1 was concerned, subject to an approved Canadian flex and plug being fitted, and an additional label being fixed to the back of the Heater, reading as follows:- "CSA APP. No. 8502. CAUTION: FOR USE WITH WALL OR BASE RECEPTACLE ONLY". This label to appear in addition to the present Thermovent label giving loading, voltage, etc., and quoting the words "For use on AC only".
Having given provisional approval on the FC1 the CSA ruled "that the manufacture was a person or Company who fixed the supply cord and plug" and therefore in our case, the approval would be given in the name of Overseas Commodities Ltd., who submitted the first sample. This was objected to on the grounds that we were not too happy about our arrangements in Western Canada, and in any case intended to have separate distributors in Eastern Canada, who would fix their own cord and plug.
After some discussion it was agreed that providing we accepted responsibility for ensuring the fitting of an approved cord and plug, the approval would be issued in our name.
The next query was whether this approval would cover Thermovent Heating as a system, but on this point the CSA were adamant and would not at first grant any concession, ruling that each type of Thermovent would have to be independently tested because different tests were imposed upon heaters built into walls as distinct from those of the floor-standing variety, also a separate test would be necessary if we wished to supply a heater loaded to the maximum i.e. 1,320 watts. However, CSA did make one concession in the case of the model F1, after it was explained that the only difference was the direct wiring to the element from the terminal block instead of via the Thermostat. The Thermostat was therefore disconnected and CSA agreed the only necessary test would be the safety test, with the Heater lying on its face as if knocked over. The Thermostat model had, of course passed this test. In fact, CSA commented that the results of the FC1, on this safety test were the best ever experienced. Unfortunately these remarks did not apply to the F1, and the vexed question of wire and flex again cropped up as after two hours running, with the heater lying on its face, the whole of the insulation on the lead from the terminal block to the element disintegrated, leaving the wire bare (Remains passed to Development and Engineering).
Considerable difficulty was experienced in overcoming this but eventually it was agreed to approve the F1 providing we undertook to change the lead for a wire insulated with a 40 Mil. Wall of treated asbestos, or use the present lead reinforced with a fibre glass sleeving, adding a label similar to that called for on the Model FC1 but deleting the one "For use on A.C. only". Again it was necessary for a Canadian approved flex and plug to be fitted.
One disturbing feature was that both the FC1 Thermovents submitted for approval developed cracks, in the top left-hand corner of the aperture, during the course of the heat run, but the CSA did not regard this as a failure as, even after the case had cracked, it was not possible to obtain a shock nor did it affect the fire risk. It is of course rather a serious matter from our point of view, as in both cases the Heaters had only been on circuit for 2 ½ hours although no data is available as to when, during that 2 ½ hours run, the cracks appeared.
(2) Thermotube
A sample 2 ft. length, 110v, 60w, P.F. Thermotube was submitted and approved, with the exception of difficulty due to the surface temperature of the terminals being in excess of the permitted temperature of 122°F. It was pointed out that their tests were unfair as the ambient temperature was approximately 80°F and the heater had been left on circuit for 1 ½ hours, lying on a bench in the laboratory, whereas under normal conditions the heater would be suspended from the wall by means of the fixing brackets provided, therefore a further test was requested to which CSA agreed.
As I had some doubt as to whether the re-test would show a surface temperature below 122°F, CSA were asked if there was any way of getting over this point, and they stated that they were prepared to grant approval if we would undertake to die stamp or rivet a label on the terminal cap, with the words "USE ASBESTOS INSULATED SUPPLY CONDUCTORS" and "CSA App. No. 8502"; also change the thread on the conduit bracket so as to be suitable for an American ½" conduit. (Details and samples of this thread passed to Drawing Office).
As in any case, we would have to die-stamp the CSA Approval number on the end cap, and it would not cost any more (except the extra initial cost of the die) to add the Clause re: "asbestos supply conductors", I agreed that this alteration would be put into force; otherwise there was a danger that approval would be delayed.
Although the tests of the Thermotube were carried out with a 110v, heater at 60w, P.F. it was agreed that the approval would be for 110v. and 220v. Thermotubes at 70 watts per foot.
(3) General
Whilst waiting for these various tests to be carried out, Mr Dobson (CSA) was good enough to arrange for me to be shown over the laboratory and see the various tests to which equipment was subjected. I raised the question of why some of the very inferior articles on sale had been approved whilst a quality article such as Thermovent was having difficulty, and it was explained that under their terms of reference, the Standards Association are only interested in Fire and Shock Hazards and have no jurisdiction whatsoever over construction, finish, appearance, etc. except as they effected the possibility of shock or fire.
A discussion of some length was held on the question of approving British flex, in which Mr. J. Paterson, the British Trade Commissioner in Toronto joined, and finally Mr. Dobson, on behalf of the CSA, agreed with our suggestion that, as a Manufacturers Association to co-operate with the Cable Manufacturers Association of Great Britain, tests should be carried out on British cables with a view to holding a meeting early in August, at which meeting – providing results of the tests were reasonable – Mr. Dobson would recommend that a 12 month temporary approval or concession should be granted so as to give easement to British Manufacturers anxious to get going in Canada, and to enable the Cable Manufacturers' Association and the CSA to get down to agreement on standards. (I have subsequently learned that this meeting was fixed for August 11th and 12th).
It should be noted that in the general conditions of approval we are:
A under an obligation to advise the CSA of any changes which we propose to introduce to our heaters and in the event of failure to do so, they in turn reserve the right immediately to withdraw approval and to quarantine all stocks of non-approved heaters which may be in Canada.
B to keep CSA advised of any changed arrangements for fixing cord and plug.
C called upon to pay an annual re-examination fee of $15 for the first $10 for the second distributor. This fee covers models F1, FC1 and Thermotube.
(4) Publication Obtained
A Draft of the proposed new Specification C22.2 No. 16T, "Construction and Test of Insulated Conductors for power-operated Radio Devices" This has been approved by Part 1 and Part 2 Committees, but is awaiting final approval from Main Committee.
B Definition and general requirements of the Canadian Electrical code.
C Complete list of Electrical Equipment approved by CSA.
