Some of you may not be aware of the many articles and information I have posted on my web site at http://www.fromtimespast.com/ . Although much of my writing energy goes towards this blog these days I constantly get contacted by readers with questions about what I have written on my web site.Case in point: I wrote an article about CSA regulations on my site. CSA stands for Canadian Standards Association and it is the federal body that regulates the specifications of light fixtures (amongst other things) for safety. It is equivalent to the “UL” listing we see on personal electronics and appliances. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratory and it is the American equivalent of CSA.To read the whole article click here: http://www.fromtimespast.com/CSAandULinAntiqueLightFixtures.htmI received an email from a reader who was very interested in buying a light fixture from the US. Her electrician refused to install it if it was not CSA approved because he would be breaking the law. I suggested she contact the CSA directly for more info or contact the company to see if it was CSA approved.
After doing this research here is what she wrote back:
“Well, I am definitely learning something today….your info was very helpful and led me to the right sources. The CSA people sent me on to the UL website. If a product from the States is UL certified, that sort of means the same thing as CSA approved up here…EXCEPT…that it is only for the States. In order to find out if an electrical product like a lighting fixture is approved for use in Canada, one has to go on the UL.Com website, go to “certification”, press that, then fill out what you can on the form. You may be lucky to find what you are looking for with little info. But, in my case, I had to dig a bit deeper. I knew the company name, home city, and the State, as well as the sku which goes in the “keyword” line. But, the best way to find out if it is ULC- ask the company directly what the UL file # is…then you will know right away and place that # in the slot that says UL file #.
What you have to be careful of is- the company that makes the chandelier that I like does have some items that are approved for use in Canada…but, looking closer at the specific items under the file number, I found that the particular item I wanted to buy was not. Bummer!!!!
Well I learned, but didn’t want to learn what I learned! And yes, like you said to me….if a fire was started because of the light fixture and it was not CSA or ULC approved, the insurance would not cover it, and also…I already know that my electrician had told me yesterday to be careful buying from the States because so many company’s will say they are approved when they aren’t. Canada has stricter codes.
Anyways…as beautiful as it is, I will have to let it go and find something else. Maybe this will be the catalyst to get this company to go through the proper process to have these fixtures approved.
So there you have it. Remember this caution applies to both new and antique light fixtures. You cannot assume and honestly, who wants to take chances when your property – even your life could be at stake.
Johanne Yakula 
I think that there are people in canada that can certify these fixtures no matter where they are manufactured
Do you have more information on this?