Neonific holds certification to Canadian electrical safety standards through International Testing Laboratory (ITL). This page explains what that means, why electrical certification matters in Canada, and what to check before you buy any electrical sign, whoever you buy it from.
What is CSA certification?
CSA Group is a Canadian organization that develops the safety standards used across the country for electrical products, including the standards behind the Canadian Electrical Code. Certification is the step that follows: an independent laboratory tests a product against the relevant standard, reviews how it is built, and, if it passes, lists it and allows an approval mark to be applied.
CSA Group is one of several certification bodies accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. Other accredited laboratories certify products to the same Canadian standards, which is why you will see marks from more than one organization on electrical products sold in Canada.
Our certification
Neonific holds its certification through International Testing Laboratory, a recognised laboratory authorised to evaluate products against Canadian electrical safety standards. You do not have to take our word for it: our listing is published in the laboratory's public directory, and you can view our listing in International Testing Laboratory's directory at any time.
Why electrical certification matters in Canada
Electrical safety rules in Canada are set out in the Canadian Electrical Code and enforced by provincial and territorial authorities. In general, electrical equipment has to be certified by a recognised body before it can be sold or installed. Signage that is not certified can lead to:
- Rejection by electricians, contractors or inspectors at the time of installation
- Insurers declining to cover losses or damage
- Safety hazards, including the risk of fire or electrical shock
- Fines or penalties from local electrical safety authorities
These risks matter most in commercial spaces such as restaurants, retail stores, offices and event venues, where a sign is often installed permanently, sits close to the public, and may be reviewed as part of an inspection or an insurance assessment.
What certification testing looks at
The exact tests depend on the product and the standard, but certification testing typically looks at:
- Construction and materials, including how enclosures and plastics behave around heat and flame
- Electrical insulation and wiring, to reduce the risk of shock and short circuits
- The power supply or adapter, since this is usually the part of an LED sign connected to the building's electrical system
- Temperature rise during extended operation
- Markings and instructions, so installers and owners know how the product is meant to be used
LED neon signs generally run on low-voltage DC power through an adapter, which is one reason they are a popular alternative to traditional glass neon. Low voltage does not remove the need for sound wiring, a suitable power supply and correct installation, which is why recognised certification is still worth looking for.
What to check on any electrical sign you buy
- A recognised certification mark. Look for a mark from a certification body recognised in Canada.
- A listing you can verify. Reputable certifiers publish directories where you can confirm a company's listing yourself.
- Documentation on request. A supplier should be able to point you to certification details if an inspector or insurer asks.
- The right installation. Permanent or hardwired installations are best handled by a qualified electrician who knows your local requirements.
Requirements by province and territory
Electrical regulations are enforced provincially and territorially, so the details differ across the country. The Standards Council of Canada publishes the list of recognised Canadian electrical product approval marks, and each authority below explains its own requirements for approved equipment:
- British Columbia: Technical Safety BC
- Alberta: Municipal Affairs, Electrical STANDATA
- Saskatchewan: Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK)
- Manitoba: Office of the Fire Commissioner
- Ontario: Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
- Québec: Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)
- New Brunswick: General Regulation under the Electrical Installation and Inspection Act
- Nova Scotia: Electrical Code Regulations
- Prince Edward Island: Recognized Electrical Certification Marks
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Electrical Regulations under the Public Safety Act
- Yukon: Bulletin 22-15, Markings, Approvals and Control Panels
- Northwest Territories: Department of Infrastructure, Information on Certified Products
- Nunavut: Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector, Approved Electrical Equipment
Rules and lists of recognised marks are updated from time to time, so check with the authority where your sign will be installed. If you are planning a commercial installation, it is worth doing this before you order.
Documentation for inspections and insurance
If you need paperwork for an inspection, a permit application or your insurer, please contact our support team and tell us about your project. We are happy to help with what we can provide.
Frequently asked questions
Is CSA the only certification mark accepted in Canada?
No. Several accredited certification bodies can certify products to Canadian standards, and each uses its own mark. Provincial authorities publish lists of the marks they recognise, including the ones linked above.
Where can I verify Neonific's certification?
Our listing is published in International Testing Laboratory's public directory. You can view it here.
Does certification replace professional installation?
No. Certification is about the product. How and where a sign is installed is governed by local rules, and a qualified electrician can tell you what applies to your project.
Do home installations need certified signage too?
Requirements can differ between residential and commercial settings, so check with your local electrical authority. Many homeowners prefer certified electrical products because it can matter for insurance and peace of mind.
Keep exploring
Browse our Custom LED Neon Signs or our light signs. For a detailed explanation of Canadian certification marks and what to check before buying, read our guide to CSA and UL certification for LED neon signs in Canada.
