Wireless security systems: ISED certification and the Canadian Representative
Security products span the simplest and the most complex radio certifications: a door contact that transmits a few milliseconds under RSS-210, a Wi-Fi video doorbell under RSS-247 with RSS-102 SAR questions, and a cellular alarm communicator under the RSS-130 family. A system from one manufacturer may carry a dozen IC certification numbers, each needing its own Canadian Representative letter if the manufacturer is outside Canada.
What is specific to this category
Many small certifications. A security ecosystem (panel, keypad, contacts, motion sensors, sirens, key fobs, smoke and CO detectors, cameras, doorbells, locks, communicators) can involve ten or more certifications from one applicant. Each has its own IC number and needs its own letter. Applicants in this category usually put every certification on one consolidated invoice rather than paying one at a time. See one representative letter per IC ID.
Periodic and intermittent transmitters. Sensors operating under RSS-210's provisions for periodic transmission (alarm and control signals in the 300–400 MHz and 433 MHz ranges, and 915 MHz) have specific limits on duty cycle and transmission duration. Test data from FCC Part 15.231 generally transfers; see from FCC to ISED.
Cameras and doorbells. Wi-Fi cameras, particularly battery doorbells and body-worn or handheld devices, raise RSS-102 exposure questions; wall-mounted units generally qualify for exemption at the relevant separation. Cameras commonly use certified Wi-Fi modules, in which case the host needs no new certification (RSP-100 section 8).
Cellular communicators. Alarm communicators on LTE-M or LTE Cat-1 use certified cellular modules; the communicator itself may still need certification if it adds a radio. Carrier certification for Canadian networks is a separate commercial process with the carrier, not an ISED matter.
Professional monitoring and UL/ULC. Security products are also listed to UL/ULC standards for fire and burglary. Those are separate from ISED certification and from the Canadian Representative role; we do not act in the ULC process.
Long installed base. Panels and sensors stay installed and on sale for a decade or more. The Canadian Representative is required for as long as the product is offered in Canada. See how long must a Canadian Representative be appointed.
Typical certification path
Lab tests to RSS-210, RSS-247, RSS-130 family as applicable, RSS-102 exposure, RSS-Gen. Module-based products often need no new certification. CB issues the IC numbers. The applicant, if outside Canada, orders a letter per certification, ideally batched onto one invoice at the start of the programme.
Sources. RSP-100, Issue 12, sections 4.1, 8 and 10. RSS-210, RSS-247, RSS-130 family, RSS-102 and RSS-Gen as published by ISED; confirm current issues with your lab.