IEC 62368-1:2023

Overview

IEC 62368-1:2023 is an international product safety standard for audio/video, information and communication technology equipment. The standard uses a hazard-based approach that classifies energy sources, prescribes appropriate safeguards, and provides guidance for applying those safeguards to reduce the likelihood of pain, injury or fire and property damage. Its introduction explains the safety principles designers need to follow; these principles are informative and supplement the detailed requirements in the document.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Energy source classification: Defines classes (e.g., Class 1/2/3) and electrical energy source categories (ES1, ES2) to assess risk and required protection levels.
• Safeguards hierarchy: Equipment, installation, personal and behavioural safeguards, plus requirements for restricted access and service conditions (ordinary, instructed, skilled persons).
• Models for injury and fire: Coverage of electrically-caused injury (shock), electrically-caused fire, thermally-caused burns, mechanical and radiation hazards, and hazardous substances.
• Insulation and clearances: Requirements for solid insulation, clearances, creepage distances, insulating liquids and electric strength testing.
• Component safeguards: Guidance on using capacitors, transformers, relays, surge suppressors, batteries (including coin/button cells) and power cords as part of the safety design.
• Construction and documentation: Design and construction rules, markings, instructions, interlocks, robustness of safeguards, and compliance testing.
• Specific risks: Explosive atmospheres, liquid-filled components, transient voltages, and prevention of conductive-object ingress.

Practical Applications

IEC 62368-1:2023 applies to a broad range of products including:

• Consumer and professional audio/video equipment
• Information and communication technology (ICT) devices and network equipment
• Power supplies, chargers and accessories
• Embedded systems and components used in AV/ICT products

Designers, electrical and safety engineers, manufacturers, test labs and compliance officers use this standard to:

• Evaluate and mitigate hazards early in product design
• Select appropriate materials, insulation and component safeguards
• Prepare test plans, technical files and user instructions for regulatory compliance
• Reduce risk of shock, burns, mechanical injury and fire in end-products

Who should use this standard

• Product designers and R&D teams
• Safety and compliance engineers
• Certification and testing laboratories
• Regulatory authorities and manufacturers preparing market access documentation

Related Standards (if applicable)

Contextually relevant standards include prior AV/ICT safety standards and national regulations. Manufacturers should also consult applicable regional regulations and harmonized standards when using IEC 62368-1:2023 to demonstrate compliance.

Keywords: IEC 62368-1:2023, audio/video safety, ICT equipment safety, product safety standard, energy source classification, electrical insulation, creepage and clearance, safeguards, compliance.