When specifying or purchasing industrial armored cable for high-stakes commercial, mining, or manufacturing projects, technical submittal sheets consistently reference CSA C22.2 No. 131.

Understanding what this safety standard entails is essential for electrical engineers, contractors, and project estimators who need to ensure job-site compliance, pass electrical inspections, and guarantee long-term operational reliability.

1. What is CSA C22.2 No. 131?

CSA C22.2 No. 131 is the official Canadian Standards Association (CSA) manufacturing, design, and testing standard specifically governing Type TECK90 Armored Cable.

First established to create a standardized, robust wiring method capable of withstanding Canada's extreme climate variations and heavy industrial environments, C22.2 No. 131 dictates every physical and electrical requirement a cable must meet to legally carry the TECK90 designation.

Under the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC Part I) and industrial installation guidelines across North America, any cable labeled as TECK90 must strictly comply with this standard.

2. Core Construction Requirements Mandated by C22.2 No. 131

CSA C22.2 No. 131 establishes precise manufacturing specifications to ensure TECK90 functions as a self-contained, protective wiring system.

                      [ CSA C22.2 No. 131 ARCHITECTURE ]

  Outer PVC Jacket   ──► -40°C Rated, Flame-Retardant & Chemical Resistant
    Interlocked Armor──► Flexible Aluminum (AIA) or Steel (SIA)
      Inner PVC Jacket ──► Gas-Tight Protective Bedding Layer
        RW90 XLPE      ──► Thermoset Insulation (1000V / 90°C Rated)
          Conductors   ──► Stranded Copper (7-Strand Min) + Bare Ground

Key Engineering Requirements:

1. Thermoset Insulation (RW90): Mandates Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) insulation rated for maximum continuous operating temperatures of +90°C in both wet and dry locations, with voltage ratings up to 1000V (1kV).

2. Inner Bedding Jacket: Requires a continuous, extruded lead-free PVC inner jacket over the insulated conductors. This layer acts as a mechanical cushion and prevents gas transmission between conductors.

3. Metallic Armor Sheath: Specifies a closely fitting interlocked metallic armor—typically Aluminum Interlocked Armor (AIA)—providing mechanical crush and impact resistance while maintaining bendability.

4. Protective Outer Jacket: Mandates a heavy-duty outer PVC jacket over the armor that resists sunlight (UV), chemical exposure, moisture, and extreme cold impact down to -40°C.

3. Mandatory Testing Framework Under CSA C22.2 No. 131

To earn the CSA stamp under Standard 131, cable samples undergo rigorous laboratory destruction and endurance testing:

4. CSA C22.2 No. 131 vs. CSA C22.2 No. 174 (Hazardous Locations)

While CSA C22.2 No. 131 covers the base construction and general industrial performance of TECK90 cable, it works hand-in-hand with CSA C22.2 No. 174:

• CSA C22.2 No. 131: Governs physical cable design, insulation, armor, temperature ratings (+90°C/-40°C), and general wiring approval.

• CSA C22.2 No. 174: Governs additional explosive atmosphere requirements to earn the CSA HL (Hazardous Location) rating for Class I, Division 1 and 2 environments.

To read more about how hazardous location certifications protect industrial facilities, check out our comprehensive guide: What is CSA HL Rating? A Guide to Hazardous Location Cables.

5. Where Does CSA C22.2 No. 131 Cable Get Installed?

Cables manufactured to C22.2 No. 131 standards are approved for virtually all industrial, commercial, and utility wiring methods, including:

• Direct Earth Burial: Laid directly into open trenches without concrete encasement or rigid conduit.

• Wet & Exposed Cable Trays: Routed outdoors across industrial ladder racks exposed to direct sunlight, snow, and rain.

• Class I, Div 1 & 2 Hazardous Zones: Deployed across oil refineries, chemical plants, and pulp/paper mills when terminated with approved HL glands.

• Commercial & Heavy Subpanels: Feeding high-ampacity electrical distribution boards in workshops, manufacturing plants, and EV charging infrastructure.

Source CSA C22.2 No. 131 Compliant Cable at Wire America

At Wire America, our complete catalog of hazardous location wiring—including heavy TECK90 Cable (14 AWG to 8 AWG to 500 MCM) and continuous-sheath MC-HL / CCW cables—carries official CSA HL, FT4, and AG14 compliance markings printed directly on the jacket legend. 

• Custom Cut-to-Length: We custom cut these high-performance cables by the foot, ensuring you buy only what your trench layout or cable tray requires.

• Bulk Master Reels: Available in master spool quantities for major industrial buildouts.

👉 BROWSE OUR TECK90 ARMORED CABLE COLLECTION HERE

Not sure which cable is right for your project? Our team is here to help!

Call us today at (833) 268-8644 or email sales@wireamerica.com.

At Wire America, we believe in genuine conversation. You'll always talk with real people who understand that every project requires careful product selection. We supply several different types of Industrial Cable & Armored Cable including TECK90, Tray Cable, DLO Cable, VFD Cable, Type P Cable, Type W Cable, and Generator Cables. We're here to ensure you feel educated, confident, and great about your final purchase. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your project! You can reach us at: 833-268-8644 or email sales@wireamerica.com

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: Safety and Compliance

Wire America provides this information as a guide only. Electrical installations must strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all state, local, and jurisdictional requirements, which vary widely. Always consult a licensed electrician, electrical engineer, or the local inspecting authority before purchasing material or starting any electrical project. Wire America assumes no liability for the installation, use, or interpretation of these guides.