Difference Between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 Safety Standards
The difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards has become a major topic in the electrical and electronics safety domain. With the increasing complexity of modern electronic devices, safety standards have evolved. IEC 62368-1 is not just an update but a completely new approach that replaces the older standards like IEC 60950 and IEC 60065. If you are working with information and communication technology (ICT) or audio/video (AV) equipment, understanding this transition is crucial.
Both standards aim to ensure user safety. However, the way they approach hazards and risks is very different. Let’s take a deeper look at their definitions, structure, application, and implications to better understand the difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards.
What is IEC 60950?
IEC 60950 is a legacy safety standard. It was developed for information technology equipment. This includes computers, printers, and networking devices. The standard focuses on electrical hazards, fire, energy, and heat issues that may occur during operation or failure.
IEC 60950 relies on a prescriptive safety approach. That means it provides fixed design rules. Manufacturers had to follow those rules whether or not there was a real risk. This made it simple to use but not always flexible for new technologies.
What is IEC 62368?
IEC 62368-1 is the newer standard. It was designed to replace both IEC 60950 and IEC 60065 (which was for AV equipment). It uses a hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) approach. This method focuses on identifying hazards and controlling them. Instead of rigid rules, it allows design flexibility based on risk analysis.
IEC 62368-1 also supports modern digital convergence. Since many devices now combine audio, video, and data communication, this unified standard is more practical. It covers a broader range of equipment with a forward-looking design strategy.
Key Difference Between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 Safety Standards
To understand the difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards, we need to compare several technical factors. Here is a summary table:
| Feature | IEC 60950 | IEC 62368 |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Prescriptive | Hazard-Based |
| Equipment Covered | ICT Equipment | ICT + AV Equipment |
| Design Flexibility | Low | High |
| Risk Analysis | Not Required | Required |
| Innovation Support | Limited | Strong |
| Future-Proofing | No | Yes |
| Thermal Hazards | Defined by Limits | Defined by Energy Source |
| Fire Prevention | Design-Based | Energy-Limit Based |
| Transition Deadline | Phased Out by 2020 | Mandatory Since 2020 |
This table clearly outlines the difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards in terms of safety philosophy and practical application.
Safety Approach: Prescriptive vs. Hazard-Based
IEC 60950 uses detailed rules. For example, it specifies insulation thickness or clearance distances. These values must be met even if the product poses no real risk.
On the other hand, IEC 62368 evaluates energy sources. If the source is not hazardous, certain safeguards may not be required. This allows safer but more cost-effective product design.
Energy Classifications in IEC 62368
One of the most distinct elements of IEC 62368-1 is energy classification. The standard divides energy into three classes:
- Class 1: Not painful or injurious
- Class 2: Can cause pain or startle, but not injury
- Class 3: Can cause injury
Based on these classes, designers must add safeguards. The goal is not just protection, but prevention of energy transfer to the user.
IEC 60950 doesn’t use this classification. It provides only static design parameters.
Who Needs to Understand the Difference?
Anyone involved in product design, compliance testing, or manufacturing should understand the difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards. This includes:
- Electrical engineers
- Product designers
- Compliance managers
- Safety assessors
Manufacturers must redesign products to meet IEC 62368. Using old designs built for IEC 60950 is no longer acceptable in most regions.
Implications for Compliance and Certification
Under IEC 60950, testing was mainly checklist-based. Products either passed or failed against fixed criteria.
With IEC 62368-1, testing involves risk analysis. Manufacturers must document their hazard identification and control methods. Certification bodies will assess the logic and effectiveness of those controls.
The new process is more in-depth but also allows greater innovation. You can use new materials or configurations if they provide equivalent protection.
Market Impact of the Transition
The move to IEC 62368 has affected global product approval timelines. Manufacturers had to reevaluate product lines. Some even discontinued older products rather than redesign them.
Still, in the long term, the new standard supports more flexibility and scalability. This makes it a better fit for connected devices and smart technologies.
For example, smart home hubs that handle video streaming and internet access now fall under a single safety umbrella. That’s one of the major benefits of transitioning from IEC 60950 to IEC 62368-1.
Software and Firmware Considerations
Modern electronics often include software or firmware control. Under IEC 60950, these were not always fully evaluated. IEC 62368 places more attention on control systems.
For instance, if a cooling fan is software-controlled, its failure must be considered in the risk analysis. Backup systems or thermal limits might be needed. This was not explicitly required under IEC 60950.
Transition Timeline and Global Adoption
The official phase-out date for IEC 60950 was December 20, 2020. After that, only IEC 62368-1 compliant products are allowed for certification.
Countries like the U.S., Canada, and European Union have adopted the new standard. Even though enforcement dates vary, it’s clear that IEC 62368-1 is now the global safety benchmark for ICT and AV products.
How the Change Affects You
If you are importing or designing products for international markets, you must follow IEC 62368-1. Understanding the difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards helps you stay compliant and avoid delays.
Also, the new standard may require new test procedures. You might need to train staff or update equipment to meet new criteria. Failing to comply can lead to recalls or bans in some regions.
IEC 62368 and Other Standards
IEC 62368 harmonizes better with modern risk-based standards. For example, it shares similarities with functional safety approaches found in IEC 61508 or ISO 26262. It also fits within systems like Energy Management System in Smart Grid where safety and control are linked.
Understanding IEC 62368-1 can help with broader safety planning, especially when combined with systems like Smart Grid Technology and Renewable Energy.
Why the Shift Was Necessary
Technology has changed dramatically. Devices now blend communication, entertainment, and computing. The prescriptive approach of IEC 60950 couldn’t keep up.
The difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards lies in philosophy. IEC 60950 tried to limit risk with detailed instructions. IEC 62368 teaches engineers to understand risks and respond to them creatively.
This is better suited to rapid innovation and product diversity.
Conclusion
The difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards marks a shift from rule-following to risk-thinking. IEC 60950 is out. IEC 62368 is in. And it’s not just a revision—it’s a new way of thinking about safety.
Manufacturers, engineers, and testers must adapt. But in doing so, they gain flexibility, safety, and compliance in a world of increasingly smart, integrated devices.
Don’t forget: meeting IEC 62368-1 is no longer optional. It is the key to accessing global markets. Understanding the transition helps you reduce risk, lower cost, and design smarter.
You’ll also be in a better position to align your products with the future of Smart Grid Technology in IoT, where safety and digital intelligence go hand-in-hand.
Follow Us on Social:
Subscribe our Newsletter on Electrical Insights to get the latest updates in Electrical Engineering.
#IEC60950, #IEC62368, #SafetyStandards, #ElectricalSafety, #TechCompliance, #IECStandards, #ProductCertification, #ElectronicDeviceSafety, #RiskBasedSafety, #RegulatoryCompliance, #StandardsComparison, #SafetyRegulations, #IECCompliance, #ElectronicsDesign, #ProductSafety