Look for this CSA certification symbol before you purchase any new lighting fixtures for use in Canadian homes.

Here in Canada, our residential electrical system is designed for a 110 volt power source, and cannot safely illuminate higher requirement fixtures. On several occasions, our Champs have been called out to install lighting purchased online which was designed for European markets, and therefore require 220 V in order to work. Not only does this mean that our Champs are now unable to install the lights, but also that our clients are left disappointed and on the hunt for new, compatible light fixtures.You may remember the story from a few years ago when the CSA warned Canadians about Christmas string lights that were not inspected. In this particular instance, the lights were being sold in-store rather than online, but regardless of the merchant, they were not CSA approved and there were reported cases of them bursting into flames while in use. This serves as a crucial reminder that electrical safety is no joke, and preserving yours is our top priority at Amp Champ.

Remember, just because a lighting fixture has been approved for use elsewhere does not necessarily mean that it is appropriate for use in Canada. At Amp Champ, we encourage clients to be mindful when selecting their lighting fixtures and, whenever possible, purchase locally from a trusted supplier like Georgian Design Centre in Collingwood, for example. These retailers know the Canadian market, and understand what is and is not CSA compliant. Of course, it is important to be well informed and to ensure that any lights you purchase are safe for Canadian residential use, and one easy way to do that is to look for the CSA sticker on your light’s packaging. Those stickers are only issued by the CSA, and they serve to reassure consumers that the lights are 100% reliable and safe to use. 

If purchasing online is best for you, you can still search for that CSA certification. If you are using a site like Wayfair, or even Amazon, look up your desired fixture’s specifications. If it has been approved for use in Canada, that CSA sticker; or a slight variation thereof, must and will be present under the specification. If you don’t see that sticker, you cannot assume that the light you are looking at is code compliant, and you are much better off searching for a clearly approved alternative; potentially from a different supplier.

One final consideration for those of you who are environmentally conscious is packaging. Too often, lights are packaged in Styrofoam which is currently unrecyclable, and this generates an enormous amount of landfill waste. When possible, ask your supplier how they package, and opt for extruded cardboard to reduce waste.

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