UL 60950-1: Safety of Information Technology Equipment

The UL 60950-1 standard is an international safety regulation that applies to information technology equipment, including computers, servers, and peripherals. It ensures that these devices are designed and manufactured with the necessary safeguards to protect users from electrical, fire, mechanical, and other hazards.

UL 60950-1 covers a wide range of safety requirements, including electrical insulation, flammability of materials used in the product, protection against electric shock, and resistance to abnormal heat and fire. It also includes specific provisions for product markings, warnings, and instructions for safe use.

Manufacturers must undergo testing and certification processes to demonstrate compliance with the UL 60950-1 standard. This involves rigorous assessment of the product's design, construction, and performance, as well as periodic follow-up inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.

UL 62368-1: Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment

The UL 62368-1 standard is a newer safety regulation that replaces the previously mentioned UL 60950-1 standard. It applies to a broader range of products, including audio/video equipment, telecommunications equipment, and information and communication technology (ICT) equipment.

UL 62368-1 follows a risk-based approach, focusing on hazard-based safety engineering in product design and construction. It aims to address potential risks associated with energy sources, moving parts, excessive temperatures, and other factors that could pose harm to users or property.

This standard adopts a performance-based perspective, emphasizing safety objectives rather than prescribing specific methods or materials. It encourages manufacturers to consider safety aspects throughout the product's life cycle, including development, production, and use.

Key Differences between UL 60950-1 and UL 62368-1

The transition from UL 60950-1 to UL 62368-1 reflects changes in technology and safety practices. Here are some key differences between the two standards:

Approach: UL 60950-1 is prescriptive, specifying detailed requirements for product design and construction. UL 62368-1, on the other hand, adopts a more flexible approach, focusing on safety objectives rather than specific methods or materials.

Scope: UL 60950-1 primarily covers information technology equipment, while UL 62368-1 expands the scope to include audio/video equipment, telecommunications equipment, and ICT equipment.

Risk Assessment: UL 62368-1 incorporates a risk assessment process to identify potential hazards associated with a product's energy sources, components, and usage scenarios. This allows manufacturers to apply appropriate safeguards based on the identified risks.

Transition Period: There is a defined transition period for manufacturers to update their certifications from UL 60950-1 to UL 62368-1. This provides sufficient time for compliance with the new standard.

In summary, UL 60950-1 and UL 62368-1 are safety standards that ensure the safe design and manufacture of information technology and related equipment. While UL 60950-1 focuses on detailed requirements, UL 62368-1 takes a broader approach, emphasizing safety objectives and risk assessment. Manufacturers must stay updated with these standards to ensure products meet the latest safety requirements.