IEC 62368-1:2018

Overview

IEC 62368-1:2018 is the globally recognized safety standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for audio/video, information and communication technology equipment, as well as business and office machines. This third edition consolidates and advances prior requirements, focusing exclusively on the protection of users and property from various electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and radiation hazards. IEC 62368-1:2018 applies to equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V, and guides manufacturers and technical committees in incorporating up-to-date safety principles during product design and standardization.

Unlike legacy standards, IEC 62368-1 uses a hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) approach, classifying energy sources, defining safeguards, and providing a risk-based structure for preventing pain, injury, and serious incidents, including fire-related property damage.

Key Topics

IEC 62368-1:2018 introduces several important updates and expansions, improving safety coverage and technological relevance:

• Energy Source Classification: Systematically classifies energy sources (electrical, thermal, mechanical, radiation) by risk to persons.
• Safeguard Requirements: Prescribes equipment, installation, and personal safeguards tailored to different user qualifications (ordinary, instructed, skilled persons).
• Fire and Shock Protection: Details models and criteria for defense against electrically-caused fire, shock, burns, and hazardous substance exposure.
• Outdoor Equipment: Adds requirements for devices intended for outdoor environments.
• Optical Radiation: Introduces new safety provisions for LED and other optical sources.
• Insulating Liquids: Provides mandates for safe use of insulating liquids.
• Wireless Power Transmitters: Establishes safety requirements for wireless charging equipment.
• Fully Insulated Winding Wire (FIW): Covers requirements for equipment incorporating FIW.
• Alternative Compliance Methods: Provides alternative methods for assessing fire enclosure quality and sound pressure safety.
• Mechanical Aspects: Expands criteria for mechanical strength, moving parts, stability, handles, and carriers.

Applications

IEC 62368-1:2018 is widely implemented by:

• Manufacturers of audio/video, IT, and communications equipment to ensure product safety and market access.
• Test laboratories for certifying devices' safety against prevailing risks.
• Technical committees developing new equipment standards in alignment with IEC Guide 104 and ISO/IEC Guide 51.
• Regulatory agencies as a benchmark for product approval and compliance requirements.
• Buyers and specifiers in procurement, guaranteeing that selected products meet internationally recognized safety standards.

Typical products within its scope include, but are not limited to:

• Televisions, projectors, and home audio systems
• Computers, servers, and peripheral hardware
• Telecommunication devices and networking equipment
• Office machines, such as printers and digital copiers

By employing the HBSE methodology, IEC 62368-1 supports a future-ready regulatory framework that responds to technological innovation, emerging hazards, and evolving usage environments.

Related Standards

Products covered by IEC 62368-1:2018 may also need to comply with related international standards, such as:

• IEC 60950-1 (Legacy IT equipment safety standard - now largely replaced by IEC 62368-1)
• IEC 60065 (Audio, video equipment safety - replaced by IEC 62368-1)
• IEC 62368-2 (Supplementary requirements and testing methods)
• ISO/IEC Guide 51 (General safety aspects for standards writers)
• IEC Guide 104 (Directives for safety publications)
• IEC 61010-1 (Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use)

Adoption of IEC 62368-1 facilitates product interoperability, global market acceptance, and streamlined compliance for electrical and electronic hardware, supporting safer use for consumers and professionals worldwide.