China has introduced a new safety directive that directly impacts the design and certification of power supplies and AC plugs used in Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). Under the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) scheme, all products entering the Chinese market must comply with updated requirements defined in GB 4943.1-2022.
This change has important implications for set-top boxes, routers, gateways, and other CPE devices, which depend on safe, reliable power supply units (PSUs) and connectors.
GB 4943.1-2022: A New Safety Benchmark
The new standard, GB 4943.1-2022, replaces the older GB 4943.1-2011 and applies to audio/video, information technology, and communication technology equipment — categories that cover virtually all CPE.
- Publication date: November 2022
- Mandatory enforcement date: 1 August 2023
- Transition period: Products certified under the old GB 4943.1-2011 can be sold until 31 July 2024, after which all CPE entering China must comply with GB 4943.1-2022.
The standard is largely harmonized with IEC 62368-1, aligning Chinese certification more closely with global safety frameworks.
Key Changes: Glow Wire Flammability Index (GWFI)
One of the most significant updates is the new emphasis on flammability performance of plastic components used in AC plugs, sockets, and PSU housings.
- GWFI requirement: Plastic materials must pass the Glow Wire Flammability Index (GWFI) test, which evaluates resistance to ignition and sustained burning at high temperatures (up to 850°C).
- Impact on CPE: PSU plugs and plastic enclosures for set-top boxes, gateways, and ONTs must now use higher-grade, flame-resistant polymers to reduce fire risk from overheating or arcing.
This update means that many existing plug designs will require material substitution or redesign to remain compliant.
Hazard-Based Safety: A Shift in Philosophy
GB 4943.1-2022 also adopts the hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) principles from IEC 62368-1. For CPE manufacturers, this means:
- Risk-based compliance: Products must be assessed for potential energy sources (electrical, thermal, mechanical) and protective measures implemented.
- Stricter insulation and spacing rules: Updated creepage and clearance distances improve fault tolerance in compact PSU and CPE designs.
- Thermal and stress testing: CPE PSUs and housings must withstand harsher operating conditions, especially as devices move toward higher power densities and GaN/SiC-based supplies.
Why This Matters for CPE Manufacturers and Operators
The directive has far-reaching consequences across the CPE supply chain:
- Manufacturers/OEMs: Must re-engineer PSU plugs, housings, and enclosures to meet GWFI and hazard-based standards.
- Component suppliers: Need to provide plastics and materials with proven GWFI ratings and documented compliance.
- Operators/ISPs: Should anticipate potential shifts in CPE certification timelines and factor compliance into procurement and deployment cycles.
- Global design alignment: Harmonization with IEC 62368-1 allows for streamlined product designs that can serve multiple regional markets with fewer modifications.
Outlook
The implementation of GB 4943.1-2022 marks a major evolution in CPE safety compliance. By requiring higher flammability resistance (GWFI) and adopting hazard-based design principles, China is setting a new bar for PSU plugs and housings used in customer broadband devices.
For manufacturers and operators, early adoption is critical. Those who proactively update designs and certifications will not only secure access to the Chinese market but also strengthen their position globally by demonstrating leadership in safety, compliance, and reliability.
At NetBit, we’re ahead of the curve—proactively aligning our products with the latest standards.
To find out more about NetBit’s products, contact us sales@netbit.com
Follow us at:
