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• Current Status: IEC 60950-1 is officially withdrawn and replaced globally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

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.

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