What is the difference between 60950 and 62368?

In the field of electrical safety, two significant standards stand out - IEC 60950 and IEC 62368. These standards provide guidelines for the safety requirements of information technology equipment and audio/video equipment, respectively. While they may appear quite similar due to their shared purpose, there are distinct differences between the two. In this article, we will explore and compare IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 to gain a better understanding of their variances.

IEC 60950: Safety Requirements for Information Technology Equipment

IEC 60950, also known as the standard for safety requirements of information technology equipment, focuses on devices that are typically used in office environments or households. It includes specifications for personal computers, servers, routers, and other IT equipment. The objective of this standard is to ensure the electrical and fire safety of these devices by outlining specific requirements and test procedures.

One key aspect of IEC 60950 is that it relies on the principle of separation of energy sources. This means that different voltages and power sources within a device should be isolated to prevent potential hazards. Additionally, the standard also covers aspects like protection against electrical shock, resistance to heat and fire, and safety markings on equipment.

IEC 62368: Safety of Audio/Video and Information Technology Equipment

Unlike IEC 60950, which has a more specific focus on information technology equipment, IEC 62368 expands its scope to include both audio/video and information technology equipment. This broader standard encompasses a wide range of devices, such as televisions, monitors, amplifiers, and interactive gaming consoles.

The underlying philosophy behind IEC 62368 is the concept of hazard-based safety engineering. Instead of prescribing specific requirements, the standard encourages manufacturers to identify potential hazards associated with their products and mitigate them accordingly. This shift from prescriptive to performance-based requirements offers more flexibility and allows for advancements in technology.

Key Differences between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368

While IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 share the common goal of ensuring safety in electrical equipment, there are several key differences between the two:

1. Scope: IEC 60950 predominantly focuses on information technology devices, whereas IEC 62368 encompasses both audio/video and information technology equipment.

2. Philosophy: IEC 60950 relies on specific requirements and test procedures, whereas IEC 62368 follows a hazard-based safety engineering approach.

3. Flexibility: IEC 62368 provides more flexibility as it allows manufacturers to address hazards based on their product's characteristics, while IEC 60950 has more rigid requirements.

In conclusion, although IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 overlap in their objective of providing safety guidelines for electrical equipment, the differences in their scope, philosophy, and flexibility make them distinct standards. Manufacturers must ensure compliance with the relevant standard depending on the type of equipment they produce, ultimately prioritizing the safety of end-users.