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 Thus, the 1st edition of the standard was withdrawn by IEC and was never adopted in Europe.
The improved 2nd 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 3rd 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.
The 3rd 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.
2nd edition |
3rd edition |
4th edition |
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The official name of the standard |
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IEC 62368-1:2014 |
IEC 62368-1:2018 |
IEC 62368-1:2023 |
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First possible date of use |
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Already in use |
Already in use |
IEC, expected June 2023 |
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Last possible date of use |
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6. July 2024 |
TBD |
TBD |
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Current situation |
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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.
Examples of requirements added/modified in this edition compared to the 2nd edition:
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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:
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Important aspects to consider |
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Examples of equipment that is not covered by this edition:
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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. |
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:
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:
We strongly recommend that you start the process as soon as possible to identify and map out your strategy for your product.