What is IEC 62368-1?

IEC 62368-1 is an internationally recognized safety standard, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It is formally titled “Audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment – Part 1: Safety requirements.” This standard lays out safety requirements for various categories of audio, video, and information technology equipment, suitable for use in commercial, residential, and industrial environments.

The 3rd Edition of IEC 62368-1, which is the latest update to the standard, serves as the successor to two prior standards: IEC 60065 for audio/video equipment and IEC 60950-1 for information technology equipment. The objective behind its development was to address the increasing convergence of technologies and provide a unified approach to safety requirements for modern electronic devices.

This standard adopts a hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) approach, which means that it places a strong emphasis on identifying potential hazards associated with equipment and implementing measures to mitigate those risks. It comprehensively takes into account various potential hazards, including electric shock, fire risks, mechanical dangers, and potential energy sources.

For manufacturers and designers of audio, video, and information technology equipment, compliance with IEC 62368-1 3rd Edition is crucial. It ensures that their products adhere to international safety standards, guaranteeing the safety and well-being of end-users and supporting a safer and more reliable technological landscape.

IEC 62368-1 3rd Edition and UL 62368-1 Ed. 3 share a common objective as they both address the safety requirements for audio, video, information, and communication technology equipment. However, it’s important to clarify the relationship between these two standards and their significance.

UL 62368-1 Ed. 3 is a certification standard offered by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) specifically designed for assessing compliance with the requirements outlined in IEC 62368-1. UL certification is an assurance that products meet the current edition of the IEC standard, which is presently the third edition. It’s important to note that UL-62368-1 pertains to the UL certification process for assessing compliance with IEC 62368-1 and does not introduce a distinct standard of its own. Instead, it aligns with the latest edition of the IEC standard.

Manufacturers aiming to achieve certification and compliance with IEC 62368-1 can collaborate with testing and certification bodies, such as UL, to undergo the evaluation process based on the most recent edition of the IEC standard.

UL 62368-1 Ed. 3 standard brings together and supersedes two previous standards: UL-60950-1 for information technology equipment and UL-60065 for audio/video equipment. This consolidation is designed to keep pace with modern technology trends and effectively address potential safety risks associated with new and emerging technologies.

The 3rd Edition of UL-62368-1 also places a strong emphasis on adopting a hazard-based approach to safety. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of energy sources, fire risks, electric shock hazards, mechanical dangers, and other potential risks connected to the usage of such equipment. This approach ensures that products are thoroughly assessed for safety and that they meet the evolving requirements of the technology landscape.

IEC 62368-1 3rd Edition and UL-62368-1 certification processes exhibit variances in terms of their certification methods, regional relevance, and specific requirements. Let’s delve into the critical disparities:

Certification Process: IEC 62368-1 3rd Edition, an international safety standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), necessitates compliance with specified safety requirements, accompanied by testing and evaluation by accredited laboratories. On the other hand, UL-62368-1 denotes the certification process provided by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an accredited testing lab. UL’s certification services encompass the requirements of IEC 62368-1, along with their own additional criteria. UL is widely recognized as a global leader in safety science.

Regional Applicability: IEC 62368-1 is an internationally accepted standard with relevance in various countries and regions, offering a unified approach to safety requirements for audio, video, information, and communication technology equipment across diverse markets. Conversely, UL-62368-1 primarily signifies the certification process conducted by Underwriters Laboratories, a certification body extensively recognized in the North American market. Manufacturers aiming to market their products in North America often seek UL certification, which includes compliance with UL-62368-1.

Specific Requirements: IEC 62368-1 3rd Edition outlines fundamental safety requirements. However, testing methods, evaluation criteria, and specific requirements may vary for UL-62368-1. UL’s certification process may introduce additional or modified criteria, aligning with their procedures and addressing regional considerations. These distinctions are crucial for compliance with the specific safety standards acknowledged in the North American market.

In essence, adhering to either IEC 62368-1 3rd Edition or UL-62368-1 ensures compliance with safety standards for products related to Audio/Video, Information, and Communication Technology Equipment (AVICT).