April 25, 2023

Hazard-based: 2nd, 3rd and 4th edition – what are the differences?

If you find the different editions somewhat confusing, you’re not alone. With the soon-to-be launch of the 4th edition of the Hazard-based standard, IEC 62368-1, let's make a quick comparison to get an overview of the main differences between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions.

And hopefully, this will provide some clarity - and help you in your quest to choose the most appropriate edition for your product.

The intention for the standard IEC 62368-1 was to cover the scope of the previous standards, IEC 60950-1 (IT equipment) and IEC 60065 (AV equipment).

However, already at the time of publication, it became evident that the standard had so many significant shortcomings that the IEC countries agreed not to use it for certification. Thus, the 1^st edition of the standard was withdrawn by IEC and was never adopted in Europe.

IEC 62368-1:2014 (2^nd edition)

The improved 2^nd edition was published in 2014, and several thousand CB certificates have been issued since then. There were still shortcomings, particularly concerning the interpretation of some requirements. Because of this, some manufacturers have chosen to wait for the 3^rd edition that was published in 2018. In Europe, EN 62368-1:2014 became mandatory on 20 December 2020, replacing the previous standards EN 60950-1 and EN 60065.

IEC 62368-1:2018 (3^rd edition)

The 3^rd edition is currently the latest version of IEC 62368-1. This edition has several improvements that clarify or replace existing requirements from the previous edition. In Europe, the standard is called EN IEC 62368-1:2020. It was initially going to replace EN 62368-1:2014 on 6 January 2023, but an 18-month extension has been granted.

IEC 62368-1:2023 (4th edition)

The 4th edition of the standard is expected to be published in June 2023. This edition also has several improvements that clarify or replace existing requirements. However, the main thing with the 4th edition is that components and parts used in a product can no longer be documented to IEC 60065 / IEC 60950-1 (ref. Clause 4.1.1 in 2nd and 3rd editions).
In Europe, the standard will be called EN IEC 62368-1:2023 and is expected to be published later in 2023. Since EN IEC 62368-1:2020 never became cited in the Official Journal, there is an expectation that EN IEC 62368-1:2023 will be cited.

Comparing the different editions

2nd edition	3rd edition	4th edition
	The official name of the standard
IEC 62368-1:2014 EN 62368-1:2014 EN 62368-1:2014/A11:2017	IEC 62368-1:2018 EN IEC 62368-1:2020 EN IEC 62368-1:2020/A11:2020	IEC 62368-1:2023 EN IEC 62368-1:2023
	First possible date of use
Already in use	Already in use	IEC, expected June 2023
	Last possible date of use
6. July 2024 (ref. the extension mentioned above)	TBD	TBD
	Current situation
This edition is cited in the Official Journal (OJ) and can therefore be used as the base for CE marking. Many countries outside Europe have adopted this edition.	This edition was not cited in the Official Journal (OJ) and, therefore, cannot be used as the base for CE marking without a more “extensive” risk analysis. The following equipment must use this edition instead of the 2nd edition: Outdoor equipment Work cells Wireless power transmitters Insulating liquids Fully insulated winding wires Examples of requirements added/modified in this edition compared to the 2nd edition: Optical radiation Determination of top, bottom and side openings for fire enclosures Sound pressure	This edition is expected to be cited in the Official Journal and can therefore be used as the base for CE marking similar to the 2nd edition. Examples of requirements added/modified in this edition: Components/parts documented to IEC 60065 / IEC 60950-1 no longer accepted Extended requirements for liquid-filled components The definition of Resistive PIS in PS2 and PS3 circuits simplified Requirements for openings in the fire enclosure are modified Requirements for Wireless Power Transmitters are revised Modified requirements for secondary lithium batteries External circuits (table 13 extended and modified)
	Important aspects to consider
Examples of equipment that is not covered by this edition: Outdoor equipment Work cells Wireless power transmitters Insulating liquids Fully insulated winding wires	Manufacturers/suppliers can only use this version as a base for their European Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and CE marking if they also include an extensive risk analysis. This is because it is not cited in the Official Journal.	Since the documentation of components/parts to IEC 60065 or IEC 60950-1 will no longer be accepted, it is important that new/updated documentation for such is provided.

Which version should you choose?

The DOW (date of withdrawal) of the 3rd edition has been confirmed to July 2024, which means that using the 2nd version to show compliance will soon become history*. Manufacturers who intend to sell their product even after July 2024 will have only two choices; the 3rd or the 4th edition.
**When a DOW date is set for an edition of a standard in CENELEC, it means that the preceding edition of the standard will be withdrawn.

Your choice of version should be based on several factors:

What are the main markets in which you intend to sell your product? This plays a role since the adaptation of the different editions varies from country to country.
For how long do you intend to have the product on the market?
It is expected that the 4th edition will be cited in the Official Journal. Without a more “extensive” risk analysis for the 3rd edition, the 4th edition will be the most relevant version for CE marking, and hence Europe.

The best way to map this out will be to speak to an expert. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

We can help you with the following:

Consultancy so you better understand the considerations you need to take based on how long and where you intend to sell your product
GAP analysis
Testing
Certification
Global market access

We strongly recommend that you start the process as soon as possible to identify and map out your strategy for your product.

Tags: Hazard based , IT and Audio Video , Safety testing , Information Technology Equipment (ITE) , EN/IEC 62368 , EN/IEC 60950

Ole Morten Aaslund

Ole Morten Aaslund is responsible for projects with the safety laboratory in Norway. He has extensive experience within the ICT/AV-areas, and has been with Nemko, in the Norway office, since 1996. He has been organising and hosting Hazard-Based workshops and developing GAP analysis for some of the world's largest...