IEC/UL 62368‐1: What You Need To Know 🔌

IEC/UL 62368‐1

Background 

IEC/UL 62368‐1 is the new standard for audio, video, information and communication technologies created in 2010. This new standard is born off the back of two existing standards: IEC/UL 60065 (audio/video/info/comms) & IEC/UL 60950‐1(information technology equipment)

IEC/UL 62368‐1 was produced to merge the safety requirements for applications where equipment functionality currently falls under the scope of either or both directives. Due to the diverse nature of the products covered by this standard, it has taken on a ‘Hazard Based’ approach with regard to product assessment, set to identify and classify apparent hazards in products under regular and abnormal operating conditions, and the safeguards that are applied to protect against them. IEC/UL 62368-1 offers a completely new standard with its criteria relating to both performance and construction.

Key facts 

  • IEC/UL/CSA 60950‐1 and IEC/UL/CSA 60065 will be withdrawn on December 20, 2020 and superseded by IEC/UL/CSA 62368 
  • CENELEC has adopted the standard which has been formally issued as an EN Harmonized standard, to be used in compliance against the LVD (Low Voltage Directive) for CE Marking purposes (Europe) 
  • IEC/UL 62368‐1 is not a simple joining of previous standards: IEC/UL 60950‐1 and IEC/UL 60065 
  • It is okay to supply non 62368 products for spares after the EU cut-off date 20th December 
  • Like the ERP VI process, this will last for 5 years (Dec 2025) 

Criteria 

IEC/UL 62368‐1

Conclusion 

The phase-out of IEC/UL/CSA 60950‐1, IEC/UL/CSA 60065 60950 and replacement with IEC/UL/CSA 62368 is broadly welcomed by the CPE industry and seen as a positive step by aligning standards which ensure product safety and modernise the approach to demonstration of compliance. However with the December 20th deadline rapidly approaching (in the same year that  COVID-19 has slowed down product developments, approvals and recertifications,) many companies find themselves under mounting pressure to rapidly migrate to the new standard and confused by the implications, especially as they relate to the US market.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch If you have any questions related to the UL/CSA 62368 safety compliance of NetBit products, especially potential obsolescence of older product families and the proposed migration to current and suitable alternatives.

Natasha Probert