Difference Between IEC 60950-1 and IEC 62368-1: The Evolution of Safety Standards

Executive Summary

IEC 60950-1 (Information Technology Equipment Safety) and IEC 62368-1 (Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment) represent two generations of safety standards with fundamentally different approaches. While IEC 60950-1 was the long-standing standard for IT equipment, IEC 62368-1 is now the mandatory replacement that takes a more comprehensive, hazard-based approach to product safety.

Key Timeline and Transition

• IEC 60950-1: Published in 1999, with multiple amendments through 2014
• IEC 62368-1: First published in 2010, with current 3rd edition (2018) being mandatory
• Transition Deadline: Most regions completed transition by December 2020
• Current Status: IEC 60950-1 is officially withdrawn and replaced globally

Fundamental Philosophical Differences

IEC 60950-1: Prescriptive “Rules-Based” Approach

• Methodology: Traditional, prescriptive requirements
• Focus: Specific safeguards against known hazards
• Structure: Detailed “how-to” instructions for compliance
• Limitation: Reactive to existing technologies rather than anticipating new ones

IEC 62368-1: Modern “Hazard-Based” Approach

• Methodology: Hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE)
• Focus: Identifying energy sources and preventing injury
• Structure: Principles-based framework adaptable to new technologies
• Advantage: Proactive, technology-agnostic, and future-proof

Three Energy Source Classes (IEC 62368-1)

The new standard categorizes potential hazards into three classes:

1. Class 1 Energy Sources
   • Not likely to cause pain or injury
   • Example: Low-voltage circuits (< 30V RMS, < 42.4V peak)
2. Class 2 Energy Sources
   • May cause discomfort but not injury
   • Example: Higher voltage but limited energy circuits
3. Class 3 Energy Sources
   • Likely to cause injury
   • Example: Mains power, high-voltage batteries

Key Technical Differences

1. Fire Prevention Requirements

• IEC 60950: Uses detailed construction requirements for fire enclosures
• IEC 62368: Implements “Power Source” classification with defined limits
• Impact: More flexibility in material selection while maintaining safety

2. Electrical Safety Requirements

• IEC 60950: Specific spacing requirements (creepage/clearance)
• IEC 62368: Maintains similar spacing but ties them to overvoltage categories
• Improvement: Better correlation between insulation and actual working conditions

3. Battery Safety

• IEC 60950: Limited battery safety requirements
• IEC 62368: Comprehensive battery safety, including cell, battery pack, and system levels
• Significance: Critical for modern portable and wireless devices

4. Audio/Video Equipment Inclusion

• IEC 60950: Primarily IT equipment
• IEC 62368: Combines scope of IEC 60950 and IEC 60065 (AV equipment)
• Benefit: Single standard for converged technologies

Testing and Certification Differences

Documentation Requirements

IEC 60950-1:           IEC 62368-1:
• Technical File       • Hazard Analysis Report
• Test Reports         • Energy Source Classification
• Manuals              • Protective Measure Documentation
                       • Risk Assessment Records

Safety Protections

• IEC 60950: Safeguards classified as “Basic,” “Supplementary,” or “Reinforced”
• IEC 62368: Protective measures classified as “Equipment,” “User,” or “Skilled Person” protections

Transition Impact on Product Design

Design Changes Required

1. Hazard Analysis: Must be formally documented for all new designs
2. Energy Source Classification: Each potential hazard must be classified
3. Protective Measures: Must be appropriate for energy class and user type
4. Instructions: Must be clearer about potential hazards

Legacy Products

• Products certified to IEC 60950 before transition deadlines can continue in production
• New designs or significant modifications require IEC 62368-1 certification
• Many manufacturers chose to transition existing products for consistency

Global Regulatory Status

Key Regions and Deadlines

Region	Regulatory Body	Final Transition Deadline
European Union	CENELEC	June 20, 2019
United States	UL/ANSI	December 20, 2020
Canada	SCC	June 20, 2019
International	IEC	Officially withdrawn

Practical Implications for Manufacturers

Advantages of IEC 62368-1

1. Future-Proofing: Adaptable to new technologies (IoT, AI devices, etc.)
2. Global Harmonization: Single standard for IT and AV equipment worldwide
3. Risk Management: Systematic approach to safety engineering
4. Innovation Support: Less prescriptive, more performance-based

Challenges During Transition

1. Retraining: Engineering teams needed education on hazard-based approach
2. Documentation: More extensive safety analysis required
3. Testing: Some new test requirements and interpretations
4. Component Selection: Some components needed re-evaluation

Industry Best Practices

For New Product Development

1. Start with Hazard Analysis: Identify all energy sources early in design
2. Document Thoroughly: Maintain complete hazard-based safety engineering records
3. Consider All User Types: Ordinary persons, instructed persons, and skilled persons
4. Design for Serviceability: Consider maintenance and repair scenarios

For Existing Product Lines

1. Conduct Gap Analysis: Compare current designs against new requirements
2. Prioritize Transition: Focus on high-volume or newly modified products first
3. Update Technical Files: Ensure all documentation meets new standard
4. Communicate with Suppliers: Verify component compliance

Conclusion: Why the Change Matters

The transition from IEC 60950-1 to IEC 62368-1 represents more than just regulatory compliance—it reflects the evolution of safety engineering philosophy:

1. From Reactive to Proactive: Anticipating hazards rather than reacting to incidents
2. From Specific to General: Covering known and emerging technologies
3. From Prescriptive to Performance-Based: Focusing on safety outcomes rather than specific methods
4. From Separate to Unified: Combining IT and AV equipment standards

For businesses: This means designing safer products that can adapt to technological changes without requiring complete standard overhauls.

For consumers: This results in safer products that have been evaluated using modern risk assessment methodologies.

The complete industry adoption of IEC 62368-1 marks a significant step forward in product safety, creating a flexible framework that will serve the electronics industry for decades to come, regardless of what new technologies emerge.

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Note: This information is for educational purposes. Always consult with qualified safety professionals and certification bodies for specific product compliance requirements.