Navigating the Transition to IEC 62368-1 for Audio, Video, and IT Equipment

• Look at when products will ship to different places.

• Ask their teams and component makers if important parts are ending soon.

• Get ready for any re-certification and change factory plans if needed.

Getting ready with IEC 62368 Test Equipment helps them follow the safety rules. Acting early keeps new products safe and helps the business keep running under the new IEC rules.

Key Takeaways

• Manufacturers need to move fast to follow the IEC 62368-1 safety standard. This helps them avoid waiting for product approval. Planning early and talking with suppliers can stop problems at the last minute. It also helps keep production on time. Knowing the hazard-based approach is very important. It helps find risks and keeps products safe under the new rules. Picking the right parts and using trusted labs can make certification easier. It also makes products safer. Learning about different rules in each area helps manufacturers sell in more places.

Transitioning to the IEC 62368-1 Safety Standard

Key Compliance Actions

Manufacturers have a tough job moving to the IEC 62368-1 safety standard. The International Electrotechnical Commission gives clear rules for compliance. Companies must act quickly to avoid delays and problems with certification. These steps help make the change easier and help products meet new safety rules:

1. Check how many parts are left in stock. Teams should make a plan to replace any parts that do not have certification under the fourth edition of IEC 62368-1.

2. Watch when each market will start using the new rules. Some places let older rules stay longer, so companies can switch slowly and lower risk.

3. Share certification needs early. Working with suppliers and teams makes sure all parts follow the IEC 62368-1 safety standard.

4. Group recertification work together. By testing and updating documents at the same time, manufacturers do less extra work and get products to market faster.

Tip: Planning early and talking clearly with suppliers helps stop last-minute problems and keeps production on schedule.

Manufacturers also face many challenges during this change. They must follow different rules in each region. This means they may need to make different versions of products and keep more paperwork. Not all regions use IEC 62368-1 at the same time, which can be confusing. Sometimes, companies must follow more than one edition at once. For example, North America may have different dates than the European Union or Asia.

IEC 62368-1 uses a hazard-based approach. This brings new rules for checking risks and keeping records. Teams must find hazards, check risks carefully, and write detailed documents. Testing is now harder, and designs may need changes to meet new safety rules. Manufacturers must also think about global and national differences. These can change how products get certified and sold.

Effective Dates and Product Impact

Knowing when IEC 62368-1 starts is important for planning product launches and certifications. The International Electrotechnical Commission set global dates, but regions are different. The table below shows important dates for big markets:

Region	Effective Date
Global	2020-12-20
North America	2025-10-10
EU	2025-10-10

North America, the EU, and other big markets will start using the new rules after July 31, 2025. Manufacturers must make sure all new audio, video, and IT equipment follows IEC 62368-1 by these dates to keep selling in these places.

The new rules have a big effect on products. If teams do not understand the hazard-based approach, they might fail certification and need to redesign products. Poor risk checks can cause delays or rejection by certifiers. There is more paperwork now, and testing needs more careful checks for hazards. Design teams must change products to meet new rules and think about both global and national differences.

Manufacturers selling in Korea have more changes. KC 62368-1 will take the place of three old standards: KC 60065, KC 60950-1, and KC 60950-22. The old rules could be used until December 31, 2022. From January 2023, products must meet KC 62368-1 to get new certification and sell in Korea.

Note: Keeping up with IEC 62368-1 updates and knowing regional differences helps companies stay compliant and enter markets smoothly.

Manufacturers who act early and match their product design, paperwork, and testing to IEC 62368-1 will be able to sell in North America and other places. Following IEC 62368-1 early helps keep business going and helps companies do well as rules change fast.

IEC 62368-1 Overview and Hazard-Based Approach

Scope and Applicability

IEC 62368-1 gives safety rules for many types of equipment. These include audio, video, information, and communication technology products. The standard is for things used at home, in offices, schools, and stores. It covers both things people use and things used by workers. This means manufacturers must know which products the rules cover.

Products that must follow IEC 62368-1 include:

• Computing and networking products like servers, PCs, routers, laptops, tablets, and their power supplies

• Consumer electronics such as amplifiers, home theater systems, digital cameras, and personal music players

• Displays and display units like monitors, TVs, and digital projectors

• Telecommunication products such as network equipment, cordless and cell phones, and other communication devices, including battery-powered devices

• Office appliances like copiers and document shredders

• Banking equipment, postage equipment, and electrical and electronic retail equipment

• Data and text processing machines, data network equipment, and other information technology equipment

Manufacturers need to check their products to see which ones must follow the rules. The rules cover many devices, so more products now need to meet new safety requirements.

Hazard-Based Safety Principles

IEC 62368-1 uses a hazard-based safety engineering method. This way, designers look for dangers before they happen. They do not just fix problems after something goes wrong. The standard tells designers to use hazard-based safety engineering to keep people safe from energy sources that can hurt them.

The main ideas of hazard-based safety are:

1. Find energy sources in the product that can hurt people, like electrical, mechanical, or thermal hazards.

2. Decide how these energy sources can affect the body or cause fires.

3. Choose the right safeguards, such as equipment, instructions, or how things are set up.

4. Make sure these safeguards work by using performance or construction rules.

The table below shows how the old way and the hazard-based way are different in IEC 62368-1:

Aspect	Incident-Based Approach	Hazard-Based Approach
Focus	Responds to incidents	Finds and fixes hazards
Flexibility	Not much room for design changes	More ways to design and build safely
Safety Measures	Often waits for problems	Stops problems before they happen
Approach to Energy Sources	Does not focus on energy sources	Looks at energy sources that can hurt people
Requirement for Designers	Does not ask much about finding hazards	Needs designers to find and measure hazards

This new way helps manufacturers meet safety rules better. It also lets them make new and safer products.

Note: Using hazard-based safety engineering helps products follow IEC rules and keeps users safer.

Differences from Previous Standards

Incident-Based vs. Hazard-Based

Old safety rules only acted after something bad happened. The old way had strict rules for certain problems. Designers had to follow these rules, even if products changed. The iec 62368-1 uses a hazard-based way. This means teams look for dangers early when making products. They must check for electrical, thermal, chemical, kinetic, and radiation hazards. The new way lets designers pick how to keep people safe. They just need to make sure the product meets safety rules.

Note: The hazard-based way helps companies make safer products and use new technology faster.

Expanded Product Coverage

The iec 62368-1 covers more products than before. It now includes many things used at home, work, school, and stores. More companies must now follow these new rules. Products now covered are:

• Computing and networking products like servers, PCs, routers, laptops, tablets, and their power supplies

• Consumer electronics such as amplifiers, home theater systems, digital cameras, and personal music players

• Displays and display units including monitors, TVs, and digital projectors

• Telecommunication products like network equipment, cordless and cell phones, and other communication devices, including battery-powered devices

• Office appliances such as copiers and document shredders

• Other equipment that is now common, like smartphones, tablet computers, and wearable computers

This wider coverage makes sure iec 62368-1 applies to more devices and places.

Technical and Testing Changes

The iec 62368-1 brings big changes for testing and design. Teams must use hazard-based safety engineering now. They need to find and control dangers before the product is done. Each product needs a full risk check. Older rules did not need this step. The iec 62368-1 lets teams use new ideas and tech. The standard works with any technology and is ready for the future. This makes it easier to update products as tech changes. These changes help companies follow the rules and meet new market needs.

Certification: IEC 62368-1 vs. UL 62368-1

International Certification Pathways

Manufacturers who want to sell audio, video, and IT equipment around the world need to know about different safety rules. The IEC makes international safety rules for products. Many countries, like China, Taiwan, and Korea, use IEC 62368-1 or their own version of it. These countries want products to follow the newest edition of the standard. The third edition (IEC 62368-1:2018) and the fourth edition (IEC 62368-1:2023) are now very important for selling in these places.

Manufacturers must check which edition each country uses. Using the right version helps them avoid problems when selling products. If a product does not match the needed edition, it might not get certified and cannot be sold in some places. The process means working with special labs that know the local rules and tests. These labs help manufacturers follow all the steps to meet the rules.

• Countries like China, Taiwan, and Korea use IEC 62368-1 or their own version.

• The third and fourth editions of IEC 62368-1 are now very important for selling worldwide.

• Manufacturers must use the right edition to keep selling in important markets.

CE marking is also needed to sell products in the European Union. The CE mark shows a product meets EU safety rules and other laws. To get the CE mark, manufacturers must follow the right rules and standards, including IEC 62368-1. The process has testing, paperwork, and a statement that the product is safe. Products without the CE mark cannot be sold in the EU.

Note: Manufacturers should always check the newest rules and editions before selling new products. This helps stop delays and expensive changes.

UL 62368-1 Requirements

UL 62368-1 is the North American version of the IEC safety rule. Underwriters Laboratories, called UL, handles the certification in the United States and Canada. UL certification is needed for products sold in North America. The rules for UL 62368-1 are a lot like the IEC standard, but there are some differences that manufacturers need to know.

UL certification means testing products to make sure they meet safety rules from Underwriters Laboratories. The process checks how the product is made, looks at parts, and does hazard-based safety tests. UL certification also needs manufacturers to keep good records and update them when rules change.

Manufacturers have some problems when trying to get both IEC and UL certification. Getting both certifications costs more because companies must follow two sets of rules. The process can be hard, especially when the rules change from one edition to another. Manufacturers must watch for changes in both IEC and UL rules to keep products safe. Sometimes, certification is not as useful when rules move from the second to the third edition. Companies must update products and paperwork to stay safe.

• Getting both certifications costs more for manufacturers.

• Meeting different market rules makes things harder.

• The value of certifications can change when rules change, especially between editions.

UL certification also checks labels, paperwork, and factory checks. Underwriters Laboratories makes sure products still meet safety rules after they are first approved. Manufacturers must work with UL if they change how a product is made or change parts. If they do not keep UL certification, products can be taken off the market in North America.

Tip: Manufacturers should talk to both IEC and UL groups early when designing products. This helps make testing easier, saves money, and makes sure products are safe.

The CE marking in Europe and UL certification in North America are both needed to sell products. Manufacturers must know the differences between IEC and UL certification. They should plan for both certifications when selling in many places. Getting ready early and talking clearly with certification groups helps stop delays and keeps products for sale.

Certification Body	Region	Standard Version	Key Requirements
IEC	Global	IEC 62368-1 (3rd/4th)	Hazard-based safety, documentation
UL (Underwriters Laboratories)	North America	UL 62368-1	Hazard-based safety, UL certification, ongoing inspections
CE Marking	European Union	IEC 62368-1	Compliance with EU directives, testing, documentation

Manufacturers who know about these certification rules can launch products better and avoid mistakes. Using the right edition of IEC 62368-1 and meeting UL 62368-1 rules helps companies follow the law and sell products easily.

Compliance Steps and Component Selection

Testing Protocols for IEC 62368-1

Manufacturers have to follow tough testing rules for iec 62368-1. Teams must test every product before it gets certified. These tests check for electrical, thermal, and mechanical hazards. Each product goes through tests for surge, overcurrent, and strange conditions. The third edition added new rules for surge protection and what happens if parts fail. Now, teams must check more details about how products handle problems. Testing labs use special tools to copy real dangers and make sure safety features work. Companies should pick labs that know both iec and ul 62368-1 rules. This helps stop delays and makes sure products are safe everywhere.

Selecting Compliant Components

Picking the right parts is very important for iec 62368-1. Teams need to choose fuses, varistors, and gas discharge tubes (GDTs) that follow strict rules:

• Fuses must work with the system voltage and handle the biggest fault current. They should not turn off during normal use and must fit in the space. Fuses need third-party approval, like ul or iec.

• Varistors must have a working voltage at least 1.25 times higher than the equipment’s top voltage. The surge rating depends on how big the varistor is.

• For surge protection, teams must check if the ground connection is strong. If the ground is not good, use varistors with GDTs that follow Annex G.8. Think about clamping voltage, let-through energy, leakage current, and how long the part lasts after many surges.

Manufacturers can get the right parts at DGKingpo, which sells products made for iec and ul 62368-1.

Design Considerations

Designers need to protect against surges and too much current for iec 62368-1. The rules say to use metal oxide varistors and GDTs for AC mains ports. A GDT must be put in line with MOVs to stop MOV failure from causing fires. This setup keeps a broken MOV from starting a fire. Clause G.8 has tests that overload MOVs to make sure they do not become dangerous. These steps help products pass tests and stay safe. Teams should look at all the new rules in the third edition, because these changes affect how products get certified for both iec and ul 62368-1.

Tip: Planning early and picking the right parts helps manufacturers meet safety rules and avoid expensive changes.

Strategies for Future-Proofing Compliance

Early Preparation

Manufacturers who want to stay ahead start getting ready early. They look at product designs and change safety steps before new rules start. Planning early helps teams find risks and fix them before testing. Companies that act soon can avoid last-minute changes and big delays. They also get more time to train workers and update supply chains. With strong plans, manufacturers keep products safe and ready for certification.

Working with Accredited Labs

Accredited labs are very important in the iec 62368-1 process. These labs show proof of their skills, so manufacturers trust the test results. Working with these labs has many benefits:

• Test results from these labs are accepted in many countries because of ILAC signatory checks. This means less retesting in other places.

• Accredited labs help make product designs better and give more trust to rules.

• The certification process is faster and easier when manufacturers use skilled labs.

Tip: Picking the right lab saves time and helps products sell in more places without extra tests.

Leveraging Standard Flexibility

The iec 62368-1 standard gives manufacturers more choices than old rules. Teams can use a hazard-based way to make safer and better products. Some ways to use this freedom are:

• Adding safety steps early in design

• Using hazard-based safety engineering for new ideas

• Doing careful risk checks to find dangers and set up safety steps

• Asking experts for help to use the standard right

• Checking designs early to make sure safety is included from the start

• Making special compliance plans for each product

Manufacturers who use these ways can handle changes in the standard and keep products ready for updates. They also help with green design, clear supply chains, and cybersecurity, which are important for long-term success.

Manufacturers who follow IEC 62368-1 early get a big advantage. They can meet both IEC and UL 62368-1 rules for the world and North America. Companies that know these rules can sell products faster and to more people. The hazard-based approach in IEC 62368-1 helps teams find risks sooner and make products safer. Keeping up with the rules and making updates helps products stay ready when standards change.

FAQ

What products must comply with IEC 62368-1?

Manufacturers need to make sure all audio, video, IT, and communication equipment follow IEC 62368-1. This means things like computers, servers, TVs, routers, and other electronics used at home, in offices, or in schools.

How does IEC 62368-1 differ from older standards?

IEC 62368-1 uses a hazard-based way. Teams have to find risks and use safety steps. The standard covers more products and lets teams pick safer designs.

When do manufacturers need to comply with IEC 62368-1?

Most places want products to follow the rules by October 2025. Some countries might ask for it sooner or later. Manufacturers should check their local rules and update products before the deadline.

What are the main testing requirements under IEC 62368-1?

Testing checks for electrical, thermal, and mechanical dangers. Labs pretend real problems to see if products stay safe. Teams must write down all test results and safety steps.

Can one product meet both IEC and UL 62368-1 requirements?

Yes. Manufacturers can make products that follow both rules. Planning early and working with trusted labs helps products pass tests for the world and North America.

IEC TR 62368-2_2025 RLV