IEC 62368-1:2023
(Main)Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
IEC 62368-1:2023 is a product safety standard that classifies energy sources, prescribes safeguards against those energy sources, and provides guidance on the application of, and requirements for, those safeguards. The prescribed safeguards are intended to reduce the likelihood of pain, injury and, in the case of fire, property damage. The objective of the introduction is to help designers to understand the underlying principles of safety in order to design safe equipment. These principles are informative and not an alternative to the detailed requirements of this document.
Equipements des technologies de l'audio/vidéo, de l'information et de la communication - Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité
L'IEC 62368-1:2023 est une norme de sécurité des produits qui classe les sources d’énergie, prescrit des mesures de protection contre ces sources d’énergie et fournit des lignes directrices sur l’application et les exigences de ces garanties. Les mesures de protection prescrites visent à réduire la probabilité de douleur, de blessure et, en cas d’incendie, de dommages matériels. L’objectif de l’introduction est d’aider les concepteurs à comprendre les principes sous-jacents de la sécurité afin de concevoir des équipements sûrs. Ces principes sont instructifs et ne constituent pas une alternative aux exigences détaillées du présent document.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 25-May-2023
- Technical Committee
- TC 108 - Safety of electronic equipment within the field of audio/video, information technology and communication technology
- Drafting Committee
- WG HBSDT - TC 108/WG HBSDT
- Current Stage
- PPUB - Publication issued
- Start Date
- 26-May-2023
- Completion Date
- 16-Jun-2023
Relations
- Effective Date
- 05-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 05-Sep-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.
IEC 62368-1:2023 RLV - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements Released:5/26/2023 Isbn:9782832270868
IEC 62368-1:2023 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements Released:5/26/2023
Frequently Asked Questions
IEC 62368-1:2023 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements". This standard covers: IEC 62368-1:2023 is a product safety standard that classifies energy sources, prescribes safeguards against those energy sources, and provides guidance on the application of, and requirements for, those safeguards. The prescribed safeguards are intended to reduce the likelihood of pain, injury and, in the case of fire, property damage. The objective of the introduction is to help designers to understand the underlying principles of safety in order to design safe equipment. These principles are informative and not an alternative to the detailed requirements of this document.
IEC 62368-1:2023 is a product safety standard that classifies energy sources, prescribes safeguards against those energy sources, and provides guidance on the application of, and requirements for, those safeguards. The prescribed safeguards are intended to reduce the likelihood of pain, injury and, in the case of fire, property damage. The objective of the introduction is to help designers to understand the underlying principles of safety in order to design safe equipment. These principles are informative and not an alternative to the detailed requirements of this document.
IEC 62368-1:2023 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.160.01 - Audio, video and audiovisual systems in general; 35.020 - Information technology (IT) in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
IEC 62368-1:2023 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 62368-1:2018, IEC 62368-1:2018/COR1:2020. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
IEC 62368-1:2023 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
IEC 62368-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-05
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment –
Part 1: Safety requirements
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Secretariat Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
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If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need
further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
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IEC 62368-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-05
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment –
Part 1: Safety requirements
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.160.01; 35.020 ISBN 978-2-8322-7086-8
– 2 – IEC 62368-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 20
INTRODUCTION . 23
0 Principles of this product safety standard . 23
0.1 Objective . 23
0.2 Persons . 23
0.2.1 General . 23
0.2.2 Ordinary person . 23
0.2.3 Instructed person . 23
0.2.4 Skilled person . 23
0.3 Model for pain and injury . 24
0.4 Energy sources . 24
0.5 Safeguards . 25
0.5.1 General . 25
0.5.2 Equipment safeguard . 26
0.5.3 Installation safeguard . 26
0.5.4 Personal safeguard. 27
0.5.5 Behavioural safeguards . 27
0.5.6 Safeguards during ordinary or instructed person service conditions . 28
0.5.7 Equipment safeguards during skilled person service conditions . 28
0.5.8 Examples of safeguard characteristics . 28
0.6 Electrically-caused pain or injury (electric shock) . 29
0.6.1 Models for electrically-caused pain or injury . 29
0.6.2 Models for protection against electrically-caused pain or injury . 30
0.7 Electrically-caused fire . 31
0.7.1 Models for electrically-caused fire . 31
0.7.2 Models for protection against electrically-caused fire . 31
0.8 Injury caused by hazardous substances . 32
0.9 Mechanically-caused injury . 32
0.10 Thermally-caused injury (skin burn) . 33
0.10.1 Models for thermally-caused injury . 33
0.10.2 Models for protection against thermally-caused pain or injury . 34
0.11 Radiation-caused injury . 35
1 Scope . 36
2 Normative references . 37
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 45
3.1 Energy source abbreviated terms . 45
3.2 Other abbreviated terms . 46
3.3 Terms and definitions . 47
3.3.1 Circuit terms . 50
3.3.2 Enclosure terms . 51
3.3.3 Equipment terms . 51
3.3.4 Flammability terms . 53
3.3.5 Electrical insulation. 54
3.3.6 Miscellaneous . 55
3.3.7 Operating and fault conditions . 58
3.3.8 Persons . 59
3.3.9 Potential ignition sources . 60
3.3.10 Ratings . 60
3.3.11 Safeguards . 61
3.3.12 Spacings . 63
3.3.13 Temperature controls . 63
3.3.14 Voltages and currents . 63
3.3.15 Classes of equipment with respect to protection from electric shock . 64
3.3.16 Chemical terms . 65
3.3.17 Batteries . 65
3.3.18 FIW terms . 66
3.3.19 Sound exposure . 66
4 General requirements . 67
4.1 General . 67
4.1.1 Application of requirements and acceptance of materials, components
and subassemblies . 67
4.1.2 Use of components . 68
4.1.3 Equipment design and construction . 68
4.1.4 Equipment installation . 69
4.1.5 Constructions and components not specifically covered . 69
4.1.6 Orientation during transport and use . 69
4.1.7 Choice of criteria . 69
4.1.8 Liquids, refrigerants and liquid filled components (LFCs) . 70
4.1.9 Electrical measuring instruments . 70
4.1.10 Temperature measurements . 70
4.1.11 Steady state conditions . 70
4.1.12 Hierarchy of safeguards . 70
4.1.13 Examples mentioned in this document . 71
4.1.14 Tests on parts or samples separate from the end-product . 71
4.1.15 Markings and instructions . 71
4.2 Energy source classifications . 71
4.2.1 Class 1 energy source . 71
4.2.2 Class 2 energy source . 71
4.2.3 Class 3 energy source . 71
4.2.4 Energy source classification by declaration . 72
4.3 Protection against energy sources . 72
4.3.1 General . 72
4.3.2 Safeguards for protection of an ordinary person . 72
4.3.3 Safeguards for protection of an instructed person . 73
4.3.4 Safeguards for protection of a skilled person . 74
4.3.5 Safeguards in a restricted access area . 75
4.4 Safeguards . 75
4.4.1 Equivalent materials or components . 75
4.4.2 Composition of a safeguard . 75
4.4.3 Safeguard robustness . 75
4.4.4 Displacement of a safeguard by an insulating liquid . 78
4.4.5 Safety interlocks . 78
4.5 Explosion . 78
4.5.1 General . 78
4.5.2 Requirements . 79
4.6 Fixing of conductors and conductive parts. 79
– 4 – IEC 62368-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
4.6.1 Requirements . 79
4.6.2 Compliance criteria . 79
4.7 Equipment for direct insertion into mains socket-outlets . 80
4.7.1 General . 80
4.7.2 Requirements . 80
4.7.3 Compliance criteria . 80
4.8 Equipment containing coin or button cell batteries . 80
4.8.1 General . 80
4.8.2 Instructional safeguard . 80
4.8.3 Construction . 81
4.8.4 Tests . 81
4.8.5 Compliance criteria . 82
4.9 Likelihood of fire or shock due to entry of conductive objects . 83
4.10 Components requirements . 83
4.10.1 Disconnect device . 83
4.10.2 Switches and relays . 83
4.10.3 Mains power supply cords. 83
4.10.4 Batteries and their protection circuits . 84
5 Electrically-caused injury . 84
5.1 General . 84
5.2 Classification and limits of electrical energy sources . 84
5.2.1 Electrical energy source classifications . 84
5.2.2 Electrical energy source ES1 and ES2 limits . 84
5.3 Protection against electrical energy sources . 91
5.3.1 General . 91
5.3.2 Accessibility to electrical energy sources and safeguards . 91
5.4 Insulation materials and requirements . 94
5.4.1 General . 94
5.4.2 Clearances . 99
5.4.3 Creepage distances . 110
5.4.4 Solid insulation . 114
5.4.5 Antenna terminal insulation. 123
5.4.6 Insulation of internal wire as a part of a supplementary safeguard . 124
5.4.7 Tests for semiconductor components and for cemented joints . 124
5.4.8 Humidity conditioning . 125
5.4.9 Electric strength test . 125
5.4.10 Safeguards against transient voltages from external circuits . 128
5.4.11 Separation between external circuits and earth . 130
5.4.12 Insulating liquid . 132
5.5 Components as safeguards . 133
5.5.1 General . 133
5.5.2 Capacitors and RC units . 133
5.5.3 Transformers . 134
5.5.4 Optocouplers . 134
5.5.5 Relays . 134
5.5.6 Resistors . 134
5.5.7 SPDs Surge suppressors . 135
5.5.8 Insulation between the mains and an external circuit consisting of a
coaxial cable . 136
5.5.9 Safeguards for socket-outlets in outdoor equipment . 136
5.6 Protective conductor . 137
5.6.1 General . 137
5.6.2 Requirements for protective conductors . 137
5.6.3 Requirements for protective earthing conductors . 138
5.6.4 Requirements for protective bonding conductors . 139
5.6.5 Terminals for protective conductors . 141
5.6.6 Resistance of the protective bonding system . 143
5.6.7 Reliable connection of a protective earthing conductor . 144
5.6.8 Functional earthing . 144
5.7 Prospective touch voltage, touch current and protective conductor current. 145
5.7.1 General . 145
5.7.2 Measuring devices and networks . 145
5.7.3 Equipment set-up, supply connections and earth connections . 145
5.7.4 Unearthed accessible parts . 146
5.7.5 Earthed accessible conductive parts . 146
5.7.6 Requirements when touch current exceeds ES2 limits . 146
5.7.7 Prospective touch voltage and touch current associated with external
circuits . 147
5.7.8 Summation of touch currents from external circuits . 148
5.8 Backfeed safeguard in battery backed up supplies . 150
6 Electrically-caused fire . 150
6.1 General . 150
6.2 Classification of power sources (PS) and potential ignition sources (PIS) . 150
6.2.1 General . 150
6.2.2 Power source circuit classifications . 151
6.2.3 Classification of potential ignition sources . 154
6.3 Safeguards against fire under normal operating conditions and abnormal
operating conditions . 155
6.3.1 Requirements . 155
6.3.2 Compliance criteria . 156
6.4 Safeguards against fire under single fault conditions. 156
6.4.1 General . 156
6.4.2 Reduction of the likelihood of ignition under single fault conditions in
PS1 circuits . 156
6.4.3 Reduction of the likelihood of ignition under single fault conditions in
PS2 circuits and PS3 circuits . 157
6.4.4 Control of fire spread in PS1 circuits . 158
6.4.5 Control of fire spread in PS2 circuits . 158
6.4.6 Control of fire spread in a PS3 circuit . 159
6.4.7 Separation of combustible materials from a PIS . 160
6.4.8 Fire enclosures and fire barriers . 163
6.4.9 Flammability of an insulating liquid . 171
6.5 Internal and external wiring . 171
6.5.1 General requirements . 171
6.5.2 Requirements for interconnection to building wiring . 172
6.5.3 Internal wiring for socket-outlets . 172
6.6 Safeguards against fire due to the connection of additional equipment. 172
7 Injury caused by hazardous substances. 172
7.1 General . 172
– 6 – IEC 62368-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
7.2 Reduction of exposure to hazardous substances. 173
7.3 Ozone exposure . 173
7.4 Use of personal safeguards or personal protective equipment (PPE) . 173
7.5 Use of instructional safeguards and instructions . 173
7.6 Batteries and their protection circuits .
8 Mechanically-caused injury . 173
8.1 General . 173
8.2 Mechanical energy source classifications . 174
8.2.1 General classification . 174
8.2.2 MS1 . 176
8.2.3 MS2 . 176
8.2.4 MS3 . 176
8.3 Safeguards against mechanical energy sources . 176
8.4 Safeguards against parts with sharp edges and corners . 176
8.4.1 Requirements . 176
8.4.2 Compliance criteria . 177
8.5 Safeguards against moving parts . 177
8.5.1 Requirements . 177
8.5.2 Instructional safeguard requirements . 178
8.5.3 Compliance criteria . 178
8.5.4 Special categories of equipment containing moving parts . 178
8.5.5 High pressure lamps . 183
8.6 Stability of equipment . 184
8.6.1 Requirements . 184
8.6.2 Static stability . 186
8.6.3 Relocation stability . 187
8.6.4 Glass slide test . 188
8.6.5 Horizontal force test and compliance criteria. 188
8.7 Equipment mounted to a wall, ceiling or other structure . 188
8.7.1 Requirements . 188
8.7.2 Test methods . 188
8.7.3 Compliance criteria . 190
8.8 Handle strength . 190
8.8.1 General . 190
8.8.2 Test method . 190
8.9 Wheels or casters attachment requirements . 191
8.9.1 General . 191
8.9.2 Test method . 191
8.10 Carts, stands, and similar carriers . 191
8.10.1 General . 191
8.10.2 Marking and instructions . 191
8.10.3 Cart, stand or carrier loading test and compliance criteria . 192
8.10.4 Cart, stand or carrier impact test. 193
8.10.5 Mechanical stability . 193
8.10.6 Thermoplastic temperature stability . 193
8.11 Mounting means for slide-rail mounted equipment (SRME) . 193
8.11.1 General . 193
8.11.2 Requirements . 194
8.11.3 Mechanical strength test . 194
8.11.4 Compliance criteria . 195
8.12 Telescoping or rod antennas . 195
9 Thermal burn injury. 196
9.1 General . 196
9.2 Thermal energy source classifications . 196
9.2.1 TS1 . 196
9.2.2 TS2 . 196
9.2.3 TS3 . 196
9.3 Touch temperature limits . 196
9.3.1 Requirements . 196
9.3.2 Test method and compliance criteria . 197
9.4 Safeguards against thermal energy sources . 199
9.5 Requirements for safeguards . 199
9.5.1 Equipment safeguard . 199
9.5.2 Instructional safeguard . 199
9.6 Requirements for wireless power transmitters . 200
9.6.1 General . 200
9.6.2 Specification of the foreign objects . 200
9.6.3 Test method and compliance criteria . 202
10 Radiation . 203
10.1 General . 203
10.2 Radiation energy source classifications . 204
10.2.1 General classification . 204
10.2.2 RS1 . 205
10.2.3 RS2 . 205
10.2.4 RS3 . 206
10.3 Safeguards against laser radiation . 206
10.4 Safeguards against optical radiation from lamps and lamp systems
(including LED types) . 206
10.4.1 General requirements . 206
10.4.2 Requirements for enclosures equipment safeguards . 207
10.4.3 Instructional safeguard . 207
10.4.4 Compliance criteria . 209
10.5 Safeguards against X-radiation . 210
10.5.1 Requirements . 210
10.5.2 Compliance criteria . 210
10.5.3 Test method . 210
10.6 Safeguards against acoustic energy sources . 210
10.6.1 General . 210
10.6.2 Classification . 211
10.6.3 Requirements for dose-based systems . 212
10.6.4 Measurement methods . 213
10.6.5 Protection of persons . 213
10.6.6 Requirements for listening devices (headphones, earphones, etc.) . 214
Annex A (informative) Examples of equipment within the scope of this document . 215
Annex B (normative) Normal operating condition tests, abnormal operating condition
tests and single fault condition tests . 216
B.1 General . 216
B.1.1 Test applicability . 216
– 8 – IEC 62368-1:2023 RLV © IEC 2023
B.1.2 Type of test . 216
B.1.3 Test samples . 216
B.1.4 Compliance by inspection of relevant data . 216
B.1.5 Temperature measurement conditions . 216
B.1.6 Specific output conditions . 217
B.2 Normal operating conditions . 217
B.2.1 General . 217
B.2.2 Supply frequency . 217
B.2.3 Supply voltage . 218
B.2.4 Normal operating voltages . 218
B.2.5 Input test . 218
B.2.6 Operating temperature measurement conditions . 219
B.2.7 Battery charging and discharging under normal operating conditions . 220
B.3 Simulated abnormal operating conditions . 220
B.3.1 General . 220
B.3.2 Covering of ventilation openings . 220
B.3.3 DC mains polarity test . 221
B.3.4 Setting of voltage selector . 221
B.3.5 Maximum load at output terminals . 221
B.3.6 Reverse battery polarity . 221
B.3.7 Audio amplifier abnormal operating conditions . 221
B.3.8 Compliance criteria during and after abnormal operating conditions . 221
B.4 Simulated single fault conditions . 222
B.4.1 General . 222
B.4.2 Temperature controlling device . 222
B.4.3 Motor tests . 222
B.4.4 Functional insulation . 223
B.4.5 Short-circuit and interruption of electrodes in tubes and semiconductors . 223
B.4.6 Short-circuit or disconnection of passive components . 223
B.4.7 Continuous operation of components . 224
B.4.8 Compliance criteria during and after single fault conditions . 224
B.4.9 Battery charging and discharging under single fault conditions . 224
Annex C (normative) UV radiation . 225
C.1 Protection of materials in equipment from UV radiation . 225
C.1.1 General . 225
C.1.2 Requirements . 225
C.1.3 Test method and compliance criteria . 225
C.2 UV light conditioning test . 226
C.2.1 Test apparatus . 226
C.2.2 Mounting of test samples . 226
C.2.3 Carbon-arc light-exposure test . 226
C.2.4 Xenon-arc light-exposure test . 226
Annex D (normative) Test generators . 227
D.1 Impulse test generators . 227
D.2 Antenna interface test generator . 227
D.3 Electronic pulse generator . 228
Annex E (normative) Test conditions for equipment containing audio amplifiers
intended to amplify audio signals . 229
E.1 Electrical energy source classification for audio signals . 229
E.2 Audio amplifier normal operating conditions signals used during test . 229
E.2.1 Pink noise test signal . 230
E.2.2 Sine-wave signal . 231
E.3 Operating conditions of equipment containing an audio amplifier . 232
E.3.1 Normal operating conditions . 232
E.3.2 Audio amplifier Abnormal operating conditions . 232
E.3.3 Audio equipment temperature measurement conditions . 233
Annex F (normative) Equipment markings, instructions, and instructional safeguards . 234
F.1 General . 234
F.2 Letter symbols and graphical symbols . 234
F.2.1 Letter symbols . 234
F.2.2 Graphical symbols . 234
F.2.3 Compliance criteria . 234
F.3 Equipment markings . 234
F.3.1 Equipment marking locations . 234
F.3.2 Equipment identification markings . 235
F.3.3 Equipment rating markings . 235
F.3.4 Voltage setting device . 238
F.3.5 Markings on terminals and operating
...
IEC 62368-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment –
Part 1: Safety requirements
Équipements des technologies de l'audio/vidéo, de l'information et de la
communication –
Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
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utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et
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les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de l'IEC de votre pays de résidence.
IEC Secretariat Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.
IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews. With a subscription you will always have
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced access to up to date content tailored to your needs.
and withdrawn publications.
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
containing more than 22 300 terminological entries in English
details all new publications released. Available online and once
and French, with equivalent terms in 19 additional languages.
a month by email.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
(IEV) online.
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need
further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
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IEC 62368-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment –
Part 1: Safety requirements
Équipements des technologies de l'audio/vidéo, de l'information et de la
communication –
Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.160.01; 35.020 ISBN 978-2-8322-7019-6
– 2 – IEC 62368-1:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 20
INTRODUCTION . 23
0 Principles of this product safety standard . 23
0.1 Objective . 23
0.2 Persons . 23
0.2.1 General . 23
0.2.2 Ordinary person . 23
0.2.3 Instructed person . 23
0.2.4 Skilled person . 23
0.3 Model for pain and injury . 24
0.4 Energy sources . 24
0.5 Safeguards . 25
0.5.1 General . 25
0.5.2 Equipment safeguard . 26
0.5.3 Installation safeguard . 26
0.5.4 Personal safeguard. 27
0.5.5 Behavioural safeguards . 27
0.5.6 Safeguards during ordinary or instructed person service conditions . 28
0.5.7 Equipment safeguards during skilled person service conditions . 28
0.5.8 Examples of safeguard characteristics . 28
0.6 Electrically-caused pain or injury (electric shock) . 29
0.6.1 Models for electrically-caused pain or injury . 29
0.6.2 Models for protection against electrically-caused pain or injury . 30
0.7 Electrically-caused fire . 31
0.7.1 Models for electrically-caused fire . 31
0.7.2 Models for protection against electrically-caused fire . 31
0.8 Injury caused by hazardous substances . 32
0.9 Mechanically-caused injury . 32
0.10 Thermally-caused injury (skin burn) . 33
0.10.1 Models for thermally-caused injury . 33
0.10.2 Models for protection against thermally-caused pain or injury . 34
0.11 Radiation-caused injury . 35
1 Scope . 36
2 Normative references . 37
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 44
3.1 Energy source abbreviated terms . 44
3.2 Other abbreviated terms . 46
3.3 Terms and definitions . 47
3.3.1 Circuit terms . 50
3.3.2 Enclosure terms . 51
3.3.3 Equipment terms . 51
3.3.4 Flammability terms . 53
3.3.5 Electrical insulation. 54
3.3.6 Miscellaneous . 55
3.3.7 Operating and fault conditions . 58
3.3.8 Persons . 59
3.3.9 Potential ignition sources . 60
3.3.10 Ratings . 60
3.3.11 Safeguards . 61
3.3.12 Spacings . 63
3.3.13 Temperature controls . 63
3.3.14 Voltages and currents . 63
3.3.15 Classes of equipment with respect to protection from electric shock . 64
3.3.16 Chemical terms . 65
3.3.17 Batteries . 65
3.3.18 FIW terms . 66
3.3.19 Sound exposure . 66
4 General requirements . 67
4.1 General . 67
4.1.1 Application of requirements and acceptance of materials, components
and subassemblies . 67
4.1.2 Use of components . 68
4.1.3 Equipment design and construction . 68
4.1.4 Equipment installation . 69
4.1.5 Constructions and components not specifically covered . 69
4.1.6 Orientation during transport and use . 69
4.1.7 Choice of criteria . 69
4.1.8 Liquids, refrigerants and liquid filled components (LFCs) . 69
4.1.9 Electrical measuring instruments . 70
4.1.10 Temperature measurements . 70
4.1.11 Steady state conditions . 70
4.1.12 Hierarchy of safeguards . 70
4.1.13 Examples mentioned in this document . 70
4.1.14 Tests on parts or samples separate from the end-product . 71
4.1.15 Markings and instructions . 71
4.2 Energy source classifications . 71
4.2.1 Class 1 energy source . 71
4.2.2 Class 2 energy source . 71
4.2.3 Class 3 energy source . 71
4.2.4 Energy source classification by declaration . 71
4.3 Protection against energy sources . 71
4.3.1 General . 71
4.3.2 Safeguards for protection of an ordinary person . 72
4.3.3 Safeguards for protection of an instructed person . 73
4.3.4 Safeguards for protection of a skilled person . 74
4.3.5 Safeguards in a restricted access area . 75
4.4 Safeguards . 75
4.4.1 Equivalent materials or components . 75
4.4.2 Composition of a safeguard . 75
4.4.3 Safeguard robustness . 75
4.4.4 Displacement of a safeguard by an insulating liquid . 78
4.4.5 Safety interlocks . 78
4.5 Explosion . 78
4.5.1 General . 78
4.5.2 Requirements . 79
4.6 Fixing of conductors and conductive parts. 79
– 4 – IEC 62368-1:2023 © IEC 2023
4.6.1 Requirements . 79
4.6.2 Compliance criteria . 79
4.7 Equipment for direct insertion into mains socket-outlets . 79
4.7.1 General . 79
4.7.2 Requirements . 80
4.7.3 Compliance criteria . 80
4.8 Equipment containing coin or button cell batteries . 80
4.8.1 General . 80
4.8.2 Instructional safeguard . 80
4.8.3 Construction . 81
4.8.4 Tests . 81
4.8.5 Compliance criteria . 82
4.9 Likelihood of fire or shock due to entry of conductive objects . 83
4.10 Components requirements . 83
4.10.1 Disconnect device . 83
4.10.2 Switches and relays . 83
4.10.3 Mains power supply cords. 83
4.10.4 Batteries and their protection circuits . 84
5 Electrically-caused injury . 84
5.1 General . 84
5.2 Classification and limits of electrical energy sources . 84
5.2.1 Electrical energy source classifications . 84
5.2.2 Electrical energy source ES1 and ES2 limits . 84
5.3 Protection against electrical energy sources . 90
5.3.1 General . 90
5.3.2 Accessibility to electrical energy sources and safeguards . 90
5.4 Insulation materials and requirements . 93
5.4.1 General . 93
5.4.2 Clearances . 98
5.4.3 Creepage distances . 109
5.4.4 Solid insulation . 113
5.4.5 Antenna terminal insulation. 123
5.4.6 Insulation of internal wire as a part of a supplementary safeguard . 123
5.4.7 Tests for semiconductor components and for cemented joints . 124
5.4.8 Humidity conditioning . 124
5.4.9 Electric strength test . 125
5.4.10 Safeguards against transient voltages from external circuits . 128
5.4.11 Separation between external circuits and earth . 130
5.4.12 Insulating liquid . 131
5.5 Components as safeguards . 132
5.5.1 General . 132
5.5.2 Capacitors and RC units . 132
5.5.3 Transformers . 133
5.5.4 Optocouplers . 134
5.5.5 Relays . 134
5.5.6 Resistors . 134
5.5.7 Surge suppressors . 134
5.5.8 Insulation between the mains and an external circuit consisting of a
coaxial cable . 135
5.5.9 Safeguards for socket-outlets in outdoor equipment . 136
5.6 Protective conductor . 136
5.6.1 General . 136
5.6.2 Requirements for protective conductors . 136
5.6.3 Requirements for protective earthing conductors . 137
5.6.4 Requirements for protective bonding conductors . 138
5.6.5 Terminals for protective conductors . 140
5.6.6 Resistance of the protective bonding system . 142
5.6.7 Reliable connection of a protective earthing conductor . 143
5.6.8 Functional earthing . 143
5.7 Prospective touch voltage, touch current and protective conductor current. 144
5.7.1 General . 144
5.7.2 Measuring devices and networks . 144
5.7.3 Equipment set-up, supply connections and earth connections . 144
5.7.4 Unearthed accessible parts . 145
5.7.5 Earthed accessible conductive parts . 145
5.7.6 Requirements when touch current exceeds ES2 limits . 145
5.7.7 Prospective touch voltage and touch current associated with external
circuits . 146
5.7.8 Summation of touch currents from external circuits . 147
5.8 Backfeed safeguard in battery backed up supplies . 149
6 Electrically-caused fire . 149
6.1 General . 149
6.2 Classification of power sources and potential ignition sources . 149
6.2.1 General . 149
6.2.2 Power source circuit classifications . 150
6.2.3 Classification of potential ignition sources . 153
6.3 Safeguards against fire under normal operating conditions and abnormal
operating conditions . 154
6.3.1 Requirements . 154
6.3.2 Compliance criteria . 155
6.4 Safeguards against fire under single fault conditions. 155
6.4.1 General . 155
6.4.2 Reduction of the likelihood of ignition under single fault conditions in
PS1 circuits . 155
6.4.3 Reduction of the likelihood of ignition under single fault conditions in
PS2 circuits and PS3 circuits . 156
6.4.4 Control of fire spread in PS1 circuits . 157
6.4.5 Control of fire spread in PS2 circuits . 157
6.4.6 Control of fire spread in a PS3 circuit . 158
6.4.7 Separation of combustible materials from a PIS . 159
6.4.8 Fire enclosures and fire barriers . 161
6.4.9 Flammability of an insulating liquid . 169
6.5 Internal and external wiring . 169
6.5.1 General requirements . 169
6.5.2 Requirements for interconnection to building wiring . 169
6.5.3 Internal wiring for socket-outlets . 170
6.6 Safeguards against fire due to the connection of additional equipment. 170
7 Injury caused by hazardous substances. 170
7.1 General . 170
– 6 – IEC 62368-1:2023 © IEC 2023
7.2 Reduction of exposure to hazardous substances. 170
7.3 Ozone exposure . 170
7.4 Use of personal safeguards or personal protective equipment (PPE) . 171
7.5 Use of instructional safeguards and instructions . 171
8 Mechanically-caused injury . 171
8.1 General . 171
8.2 Mechanical energy source classifications . 171
8.2.1 General classification . 171
8.2.2 MS1 . 174
8.2.3 MS2 . 174
8.2.4 MS3 . 174
8.3 Safeguards against mechanical energy sources . 174
8.4 Safeguards against parts with sharp edges and corners . 174
8.4.1 Requirements . 174
8.4.2 Compliance criteria . 175
8.5 Safeguards against moving parts . 175
8.5.1 Requirements . 175
8.5.2 Instructional safeguard requirements . 176
8.5.3 Compliance criteria . 176
8.5.4 Special categories of equipment containing moving parts . 176
8.5.5 High pressure lamps . 181
8.6 Stability of equipment . 182
8.6.1 Requirements . 182
8.6.2 Static stability . 184
8.6.3 Relocation stability . 185
8.6.4 Glass slide test . 186
8.6.5 Horizontal force test and compliance criteria. 186
8.7 Equipment mounted to a wall, ceiling or other structure . 186
8.7.1 Requirements . 186
8.7.2 Test methods . 186
8.7.3 Compliance criteria . 188
8.8 Handle strength . 188
8.8.1 General . 188
8.8.2 Test method . 188
8.9 Wheels or casters attachment requirements . 189
8.9.1 General . 189
8.9.2 Test method . 189
8.10 Carts, stands, and similar carriers . 189
8.10.1 General . 189
8.10.2 Marking and instructions . 189
8.10.3 Cart, stand or carrier loading test and compliance criteria . 190
8.10.4 Cart, stand or carrier impact test. 191
8.10.5 Mechanical stability . 191
8.10.6 Thermoplastic temperature stability . 191
8.11 Mounting means for slide-rail mounted equipment (SRME) . 191
8.11.1 General . 191
8.11.2 Requirements . 192
8.11.3 Mechanical strength test . 192
8.11.4 Compliance criteria . 193
8.12 Telescoping or rod antennas . 193
9 Thermal burn injury. 194
9.1 General . 194
9.2 Thermal energy source classifications . 194
9.2.1 TS1 . 194
9.2.2 TS2 . 194
9.2.3 TS3 . 194
9.3 Touch temperature limits . 194
9.3.1 Requirements . 194
9.3.2 Test method and compliance criteria . 194
9.4 Safeguards against thermal energy sources . 197
9.5 Requirements for safeguards . 197
9.5.1 Equipment safeguard . 197
9.5.2 Instructional safeguard . 197
9.6 Requirements for wireless power transmitters . 198
9.6.1 General . 198
9.6.2 Specification of the foreign objects . 198
9.6.3 Test method and compliance criteria . 200
10 Radiation . 201
10.1 General . 201
10.2 Radiation energy source classifications . 201
10.2.1 General classification . 201
10.2.2 RS1 . 203
10.2.3 RS2 . 203
10.2.4 RS3 . 204
10.3 Safeguards against laser radiation . 204
10.4 Safeguards against optical radiation from lamps and lamp systems
(including LED types) . 204
10.4.1 General requirements . 204
10.4.2 Requirements for equipment safeguards . 205
10.4.3 Instructional safeguard . 205
10.4.4 Compliance criteria . 207
10.5 Safeguards against X-radiation . 208
10.5.1 Requirements . 208
10.5.2 Compliance criteria . 208
10.5.3 Test method . 208
10.6 Safeguards against acoustic energy sources . 208
10.6.1 General . 208
10.6.2 Classification . 209
10.6.3 Requirements for dose-based systems . 210
10.6.4 Measurement methods . 211
10.6.5 Protection of persons . 211
10.6.6 Requirements for listening devices (headphones, earphones, etc.) . 212
Annex A (informative) Examples of equipment within the scope of this document . 213
Annex B (normative) Normal operating condition tests, abnormal operating condition
tests and single fault condition tests . 214
B.1 General . 214
B.1.1 Test applicability . 214
B.1.2 Type of test . 214
– 8 – IEC 62368-1:2023 © IEC 2023
B.1.3 Test samples . 214
B.1.4 Compliance by inspection of relevant data . 214
B.1.5 Temperature measurement conditions . 214
B.1.6 Specific output conditions . 215
B.2 Normal operating conditions . 215
B.2.1 General . 215
B.2.2 Supply frequency . 215
B.2.3 Supply voltage . 216
B.2.4 Normal operating voltages . 216
B.2.5 Input test . 216
B.2.6 Operating temperature measurement conditions . 217
B.2.7 Battery charging and discharging under normal operating conditions . 218
B.3 Simulated abnormal operating conditions . 218
B.3.1 General . 218
B.3.2 Covering of ventilation openings . 218
B.3.3 DC mains polarity test . 219
B.3.4 Setting of voltage selector . 219
B.3.5 Maximum load at output terminals . 219
B.3.6 Reverse battery polarity . 219
B.3.7 Audio amplifier abnormal operating conditions . 219
B.3.8 Compliance criteria during and after abnormal operating conditions . 219
B.4 Simulated single fault conditions . 220
B.4.1 General . 220
B.4.2 Temperature controlling device . 220
B.4.3 Motor tests . 220
B.4.4 Functional insulation . 221
B.4.5 Short-circuit and interruption of electrodes in tubes and semiconductors . 221
B.4.6 Short-circuit or disconnection of passive components . 221
B.4.7 Continuous operation of components . 222
B.4.8 Compliance criteria during and after single fault conditions . 222
B.4.9 Battery charging and discharging under single fault conditions . 222
Annex C (normative) UV radiation . 223
C.1 Protection of materials in equipment from UV radiation . 223
C.1.1 General . 223
C.1.2 Requirements . 223
C.1.3 Test method and compliance criteria . 223
C.2 UV light conditioning test . 224
C.2.1 Test apparatus . 224
C.2.2 Mounting of test samples . 224
C.2.3 Carbon-arc light-exposure test . 224
C.2.4 Xenon-arc light-exposure test . 224
Annex D (normative) Test generators . 225
D.1 Impulse test
...
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