IEC 62368 vs. IEC 60950-1: Updates on AV/IT Equipment Safety Standards

IEC 62368-1 vs. IEC 60950-1: Key Updates for AV/IT Equipment Safety Standards

The transition from IEC 60950-1 (safety for IT equipment) and IEC 60065 (safety for AV equipment) to IEC 62368-1 represents a seismic shift in how safety standards address modern audio/video (AV) and information technology (IT) equipment. With rapid advancements in hybrid devices like smart TVs, VoIP systems, and cloud-connected hardware, the new standard streamlines compliance while future-proofing safety requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about these standards, their differences, and how to navigate the updates.

Why the Shift to IEC 62368-1?

The merger of IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065 into IEC 62368-1 reflects the convergence of AV and IT technologies. Legacy standards were prescriptive and siloed, struggling to address:

• Hybrid devices (e.g.,      streaming media players, video conferencing systems).

• Emerging risks from      higher-voltage USB-C, PoE (Power over Ethernet), and wireless charging.

• Global harmonization needs      (IEC 62368-1 aligns with UL/CSA 62368-1 and EN 62368-1).

Key Deadlines:

• IEC 60950-1 & 60065 were      officially retired in December 2020.

• Most markets (EU,U.S.,Canada,      etc.) now mandate compliance with IEC 62368-1:2018 (3rd Ed.) or      later.

Core Differences: Prescriptive vs. Hazard-Based

Key Updates in IEC 62368-1

1. Hazard-Based Safety Engineering (HBSE)

Instead of rigid rules, IEC 62368-1 requires manufacturers to:

• Identify energy sources (electrical, thermal, mechanical).

• Assess potential hazards (e.g., electric shock, burns, fire).

• Implement safeguards (barriers, insulation, alarms) based on risk levels.

Example: A USB-C port delivering 100W (ES3 energy source) must have protections to prevent overheating or arcing.

2. Expanded Energy Source Classifications

• ES1/PS1: Low-risk energy (e.g., 30V DC, 8A max).

• ES2/PS2: Moderate risk (e.g., 60V DC, 240VA max).

• ES3/PS3: High risk (e.g., >60V DC, >240VA).

Safeguards escalate with each class (e.g., reinforced insulation for ES3).

3. Fire and Mechanical Hazard Updates

• Fire Containment: Enclosures must prevent flames from spreading beyond the      device.

• Battery Safety: Stricter rules for      Li-ion batteries (e.g., thermal runaway mitigation).

• Moving Parts: Guards required for fans or motors accessible to "ordinary      persons."

4. New Testing Requirements

• Fault Condition Testing: Simulate component failures (e.g., short circuits) to ensure      safety mechanisms activate.

• Environmental Stress Testing: Validate performance under extreme temperatures/humidity.

Challenges in Transitioning to IEC 62368-1

1. Redesigning Legacy Products: Older devices compliant with 60950-1 may need updates for ES/PS      classifications or fire containment.

2. Documentation Overhaul: Technical files must now include hazard analyses and risk      assessments.

3. Component Recertification: Parts like power supplies or connectors may need reevaluation      under the new standard.

Case Study:
A VoIP desk phone originally certified under IEC 60950-1 failed IEC 62368-1 due to insufficient insulation between its PoE circuitry (ES3) and metal casing. The fix involved adding reinforced insulation and retesting.

Best Practices for Compliance

1. Adopt HBSE Early: Integrate hazard analysis into the design phase to avoid costly      retrofits.

2. Leverage Third-Party Labs: Work with accredited labs familiar with IEC 62368-1’s nuances.

3. Train Teams: Educate engineers and QA teams on HBSE principles and energy      classifications.

4. Update Documentation: Ensure technical      files include:

• Risk assessment reports.

• Energy source classifications.

• Compliance matrices for all       applicable clauses.

Future-Proofing with IEC 62368-1

The standard is designed to evolve with technology. Recent amendments address:

• Wireless Power Transfer      (WPT): Safety for Qi chargers and resonant      inductive systems.

• Edge Computing Devices: Risks in IoT gateways and industrial controllers.

• Higher Power Delivery: USB4, Thunderbolt, and 240W USB-C.

Conclusion

IEC 62368-1 isn’t just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a forward-thinking framework that aligns with the interconnected, high-power world of modern AV/IT equipment. By embracing its hazard-based approach, manufacturers can streamline compliance, enhance product safety, and stay ahead of technological trends.

Final Tip: Don’t wait for audits—start mapping legacy designs to IEC 62368-1 now. The longer you delay, the steeper the learning curve!