What is the difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards?

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) has developed various safety standards for electrical equipment. Two commonly referenced standards are the IEC 60950 and IEC 62368. While these standards share similarities, they also have significant differences in their scope, approach, and requirements.

Scope and Application

IEC 60950, known as the "Information Technology Equipment Safety Standard," was primarily designed for IT equipment such as computers, servers, and peripherals. It provides guidelines to ensure safety during normal operation, single fault conditions, and specific abnormal situations.

In contrast, IEC 62368, titled the "AV (Audio/Video) and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Equipment Safety Standard," is a broader and more modern standard. It covers a wider range of multimedia devices, including audio equipment, video equipment, telecommunications equipment, and network infrastructure components.

Risk Assessment and Hazard-Based Safety Engineering

While both standards focus on safety, IEC 62368 adopts a different approach called Hazard-Based Safety Engineering (HBSE). Instead of relying solely on prescriptive requirements, this approach analyzes potential hazards systematically. It assesses risks associated with energy sources, input/output ports, moving parts, and other critical factors to determine necessary safety measures.

On the other hand, IEC 60950 follows a more traditional approach, emphasizing compliance with defined safety criteria. It specifies requirements regarding electric shock, fire hazards, mechanical hazards, and radiation hazards. Compliance is determined by meeting predefined technical limits and test methods.

Transition from IEC 60950 to IEC 62368

Due to advancements in technology and changing safety requirements, a transition from IEC 60950 to IEC 62368 has been initiated. The transition is driven by the need for a more comprehensive safety standard capable of addressing emerging products and their associated risks.

Manufacturers are encouraged to align their products with IEC 62368 as it represents the future direction of product safety evaluation. However, it is important to note that timeframes for the complete transition may vary depending on geographic regions and specific sectors.

In conclusion, while both IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 focus on electrical equipment safety, they differ in terms of scope, approach, and requirements. IEC 60950 primarily targets IT equipment, while IEC 62368 covers a broader range of multimedia devices. Additionally, IEC 62368 adopts a hazard-based approach, whereas IEC 60950 relies on predefined safety criteria. With the ongoing transition to IEC 62368, manufacturers need to carefully assess the requirements applicable to their products in order to ensure compliance with the latest safety standards.