Updated: December 2022
IEC 62368–1 is a standard that covers two worlds that increasingly grow into one: ICT and AV. Here’s a quick guide on what to expect.
Up until recently, equipment that features both ICT and AV elements has had one of two safety standards: IEC 60950‑1 and IEC 60065. They are now replaced by IEC 62368–1.
The IEC 60065 and IEC 60950-1 standards were withdrawn on December 20th, 2020, in most markets, and IEC 62368–1 came into effect the same day.
However, the adoption time for IEC 62368-1 varies from market to market, adding to the complexity of the transition to the standard. If you are planning to sell to multiple markets, it is crucial that you understand which standard and editions of the standard the various markets base their market access requirements on.
It still may be that companies will need to test and certify for parallel standards/editions due to national requirements.
IEC 62368–1 replaces not only the two former standards but also changes the approach from incident-based to hazard-based. Rather than being formulated in response to incidents, the hazard-based approach will test equipment on how it safeguards users against energy sources within the product itself and its auxiliary equipment.
For further details, see In Compliance Magazine’s comprehensive article.
IEC 62368‑1 covers IT/AV equipment, which means everything that today is covered by IEC 60950‑1 and IEC 60065. The standard also covers components/sub-assemblies, external power supplies and large equipment installed in restricted access areas, and now also has requirements for equipment used in an outdoor location.
The IEC 62368-1 safety standard uses new performance and construction requirements that take the energy sources, safeguards and the intended users into account.
The current editions of the standard (IEC 62368-1. 2nd and 3rd editions) accept internal/external components and subassemblies tested/certified to IEC 60065 and IEC 60950-1. However, this will not be accepted for the coming 4th edition of the standard. The forecast for publication of the 4th edition is the first half of 2023, and the Date of Withdrawal (DOW) for the European standard EN IEC 62368-1:2020 (3rd edition) is 6. July 2024. It's critical that manufacturers of IT/AV equipment develop a proactive plan to ensure their products remain compliant and marketable when there is no longer acceptance of components/parts covered by IEC 60065 and IEC 60950-1.
For IEC 62368-1, 2nd and 3rd editions, please consult the infographic below:
For the coming 4th edition, all documentation must comply with IEC 62368-1. If you would like to understand better what is required from you, please do not hesitate to contact us here.