IEC 62368-1:2018

Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements

IEC 62368-1:2018 is applicable to the safety of electrical and electronic equipment within the field of audio, video, information and communication technology, and business and office machines with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V. This document does not include requirements for performance or functional characteristics of equipment.
This 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.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
– addition of requirements for outdoor equipment;
– new requirements for optical radiation;
– addition of requirements for insulating liquids;
– addition of requirements for work cells;
– addition of requirements for wireless power transmitters;
– addition of requirements for fully insulated winding wire (FIW);
– alternative method for determination of top, bottom and side openings for fire enclosures;
– alternative requirements for sound pressure.
This group safety publication is primarily intended to be used as a product safety standard for the products mentioned in the scope, but shall also be used by technical committees in the preparation of standards for products similar to those mentioned in the scope of this standard, in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 104 and lSO/lEC Guide 51.
The contents of the corrigendum of April 2020 have been included in this copy.
Key words: Audio, Video, Communication, Safety

Équipements des technologies de l'audio/vidéo, de l'information et de la communication - Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité

L'IEC 62368-1:2018 s'applique à la sécurité de l'équipement électrique et électronique dans le domaine des technologies audio, vidéo, d'information et de communication, et des machines commerciales ou de bureau dont la tension assignée est inférieure ou égale à 600 V. La présente norme ne contient ni les exigences de performances ni les caractéristiques fonctionnelles de l'équipement. Elle est une norme relative à la sécurité des produits qui classifie les sources d’énergie, spécifie des protections contre ces sources d’énergie, et fournit des recommandations concernant leur application et leurs exigences. Les protections spécifiées sont prévues pour réduire la probabilité de douleur, blessure et, en cas d'incendie, de dommage matériel. Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2014. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
– ajout des exigences relatives au matériel pour installation extérieure;
– nouvelles exigences relatives au rayonnement optique;
– ajout des exigences relatives à l'isolant liquide;
– ajout des exigences relatives aux cellules de travail;
– ajout d'exigences relatives aux émetteurs de puissance sans fil;
– ajout d'exigences relatives aux fils de bobinage totalement isolés (FIW, fully insulated winding wire);
– méthode alternative de détermination des ouvertures supérieures, inférieures et latérales des enveloppes ignifuges;
– autres exigences relatives à la pression acoustique.
La présente publication groupée de sécurité est avant tout destinée à être utilisée en tant que norme en matière de sécurité des produits pour les produits cités dans le domaine d’application, mais elle doit également être utilisée par les comités d’études dans le cadre de l’élaboration de normes pour des produits similaires à ceux cités dans le domaine d’application de la présente norme, conformément aux principes établis dans le Guide IEC 104 et le Guide ISO/IEC 51.
Le contenu du corrigendum d'avril 2020 a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.
Mots-clés: Audio, Vidéo, Communication, Sécurité

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 03-Oct-2018
• ICS: 31.180 - Printed circuits and boards
• ICS: 33.160.01 - Audio, video and audiovisual systems in general
• ICS: 35.020 - Information technology (IT) in general
• 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: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 26-May-2023
• Completion Date: 02-Jul-2021

Relations

• Corrected By: IEC 62368-1:2018/COR1:2020 - Corrigendum 1 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 62368-1:2014/COR1:2015 - Corrigendum 1 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revised: IEC 62368-1:2023 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 62368-1:2014 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 62368-1:2014/COR2:2015 - Corrigendum 2 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62368-1:2018 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment – Part 1: Safety requirements - is a product safety standard published by the IEC. It applies to electrical and electronic equipment in the audio, video, information and communication technology (ICT) fields and business/office machines with rated voltage up to 600 V. The third edition (2018) replaces the 2014 edition and incorporates the April 2020 corrigendum. This standard is a hazard-based safety publication that classifies energy sources and prescribes safeguards to reduce the likelihood of pain, injury or fire and related property damage.

Key Topics

IEC 62368-1 organizes requirements around energy-source risk models and practical safeguards. Major technical topics include:

• Energy source classification (Class 1, 2, 3) and electrical energy source limits (ES1, ES2).
• Hierarchy of safeguards: equipment, installation, personal and behavioral safeguards.
• Protection against electrically-caused injury and fire, including insulation, clearances, creepage distances and electric strength tests.
• Component and construction requirements: transformers, capacitors, switches, interlocks and insulating liquids.
• Special topics added in Edition 3:
  • Requirements for outdoor equipment
  • Optical radiation safeguards
  • Requirements for insulating liquids
  • Rules for work cells
  • Provisions for wireless power transmitters
  • Requirements for fully insulated winding wire (FIW)
  • Alternative methods for fire enclosure openings and sound pressure
• Other clauses: lithium coin/button cell safety, explosion protection, and criteria for testing and marking.

Applications

IEC 62368-1 is used for:

• Product design and risk assessment of audio, video and ICT equipment.
• Component selection and safety architecture (insulation, interlocks, enclosures).
• Preparing technical specifications and compliance evidence for certification and conformity assessment.
• Guidance for test laboratories and manufacturers on electrical, thermal, mechanical and radiation hazards.
• Development of product-specific standards by technical committees (per IEC Guide 104 / ISO/IEC Guide 51).

Who uses it:

• Product designers, safety and compliance engineers
• Test labs and certification bodies
• Manufacturers of AV, ICT and office/business machines
• Regulatory and procurement teams assessing product safety

Related standards

IEC 62368-1 is a product safety standard intended to be used alongside other relevant IEC/ISO standards and national regulations covering electromagnetic compatibility, performance, and environmental requirements. It does not set performance or functional characteristics; rather, it defines safety safeguards and testing approaches.

Keywords: IEC 62368-1, audio, video, ICT, product safety standard, energy source classification, electrical safety, fire safety, wireless power transmitters, insulating liquids, optical radiation.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62368-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2018-10
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

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IEC Central Office Tel.: [phone]
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About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
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IEC 62368-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2018-10
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 978-2-8322-6111-8

– 2 – IEC 62368-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018

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 . 26
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. 38
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 45
3.1 Energy source abbreviations . 45
3.2 Other abbreviations . 46
3.3 Terms and definitions . 47
3.3.1 Circuit terms . 50
3.3.2 Enclosure terms . 50
3.3.3 Equipment terms . 51
3.3.4 Flammability terms . 52
3.3.5 Electrical insulation . 54
3.3.6 Miscellaneous . 54
3.3.7 Operating and fault conditions . 56
3.3.8 Persons . 58

3.3.9 Potential ignition sources . 58

3.3.10 Ratings . 58

3.3.11 Safeguards . 59

3.3.12 Spacings . 61

3.3.13 Temperature controls . 61

3.3.14 Voltages and currents . 61

3.3.15 Classes of equipment with respect to protection from electric shock . 62

3.3.16 Chemical terms . 63

3.3.17 Batteries . 64

3.3.18 FIW terms . 65
3.3.19 Sound exposure . 65
4 General requirements . 66
4.1 General . 66
4.1.1 Application of requirements and acceptance of materials, components
and subassemblies . 66
4.1.2 Use of components . 66
4.1.3 Equipment design and construction . 67
4.1.4 Equipment installation . 67
4.1.5 Constructions and components not specifically covered . 67
4.1.6 Orientation during transport and use . 67
4.1.7 Choice of criteria . 68
4.1.8 Conductive liquids Liquids and liquid filled components (LFC) . 68
4.1.9 Electrical measuring instruments . 68
4.1.10 Temperature measurements . 68
4.1.11 Steady state conditions . 69
4.1.12 Hierarchy of safeguards . 69
4.1.13 Examples mentioned in this document . 69
4.1.14 Tests on parts or samples separate from the end-product . 69
4.1.15 Markings and instructions . 69
4.2 Energy source classifications . 69
4.2.1 Class 1 energy source . 69
4.2.2 Class 2 energy source . 70
4.2.3 Class 3 energy source . 70
4.2.4 Energy source classification by declaration . 70
4.3 Protection against energy sources . 70

4.3.1 General . 70
4.3.2 Safeguards for protection of an ordinary person . 70
4.3.3 Safeguards for protection of an instructed person . 72
4.3.4 Safeguards for protection of a skilled person . 73
4.3.5 Safeguards in a restricted access area . 74
4.4 Safeguards . 74
4.4.1 Equivalent materials or components . 74
4.4.2 Composition of a safeguard . 74
Accessible parts of a safeguard .
4.4.3 Safeguard robustness . 74
4.4.4 Displacement of a safeguard by an insulating liquid . 77
4.4.5 Safety interlocks . 77
4.5 Explosion . 77
4.5.1 General . 77

– 4 – IEC 62368-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018

4.5.2 Requirements . 78

4.6 Fixing of conductors . 78

4.6.1 Requirements . 78

4.6.2 Compliance criteria . 78

4.7 Equipment for direct insertion into mains socket-outlets . 78

4.7.1 General . 78

4.7.2 Requirements . 78

4.7.3 Compliance criteria . 79

4.8 Products Equipment containing lithium coin / button cell batteries . 79

4.8.1 General . 79
4.8.2 Instructional safeguard . 79
4.8.3 Construction . 80
4.8.4 Tests . 80
4.8.5 Compliance criteria . 81
4.9 Likelihood of fire or shock due to entry of conductive objects . 81
4.10 Components requirements . 82
4.10.1 Disconnect device . 82
4.10.2 Switches and relays . 82
5 Electrically-caused injury . 82
5.1 General . 82
5.2 Classification and limits of electrical energy sources . 82
5.2.1 Electrical energy source classifications . 82
5.2.2 Electrical energy source ES1 and ES2 limits . 83
5.3 Protection against electrical energy sources . 88
5.3.1 General . 88
5.3.2 Accessibility to electrical energy sources and safeguards . 88
5.4 Insulation materials and requirements. 91
5.4.1 General . 91
5.4.2 Clearances . 96
5.4.3 Creepage distances . 106
5.4.4 Solid insulation . 110
5.4.5 Antenna terminal insulation . 120
5.4.6 Insulation of internal wire as a part of a supplementary safeguard . 121
5.4.7 Tests for semiconductor components and for cemented joints . 121
5.4.8 Humidity conditioning . 122

5.4.9 Electric strength test . 122
5.4.10 Safeguards against transient voltages from external circuits . 126
5.4.11 Separation between external circuits and earth . 128
5.4.12 Insulating liquid . 129
5.5 Components as safeguards . 130
5.5.1 General . 130
5.5.2 Capacitors and RC units. 130
5.5.3 Transformers . 131
5.5.4 Optocouplers . 131
5.5.5 Relays . 132
5.5.6 Resistors . 132
5.5.7 SPDs . 133
5.5.8 Insulation between the mains and an external circuit consisting of a
coaxial cable . 134

5.5.9 Safeguards for socket-outlets in outdoor equipment . 134

5.6 Protective conductor . 134

5.6.1 General . 134

5.6.2 Requirements for protective conductors . 134

5.6.3 Requirements for protective earthing conductors . 135

5.6.4 Requirements for protective bonding conductors . 136

5.6.5 Terminals for protective conductors . 138

5.6.6 Resistance of the protective bonding system . 139

5.6.7 Reliable connection of a protective earthing conductor . 141

5.6.8 Functional earthing . 141
5.7 Prospective touch voltage, touch current and protective conductor current . 142
5.7.1 General . 142
5.7.2 Measuring devices and networks . 142
5.7.3 Equipment set-up, supply connections and earth connections . 142
5.7.4 Unearthed accessible parts . 142
5.7.5 Earthed accessible conductive parts . 143
Protective conductor current .
5.7.6 Requirements when touch current exceeds ES2 limits . 143
5.7.7 Prospective touch voltage and touch current due to associated with
external circuits. 144
5.7.8 Summation of touch currents from external circuits . 146
5.8 Backfeed safeguard in battery backed up supplies . 147
6 Electrically-caused fire . 148
6.1 General . 148
6.2 Classification of power sources (PS) and potential ignition sources (PIS) . 148
6.2.1 General . 148
6.2.2 Power source circuit classifications . 148
6.2.3 Classification of potential ignition sources . 151
6.3 Safeguards against fire under normal operating conditions and abnormal
operating conditions . 152
6.3.1 Requirements . 152
6.3.2 Compliance criteria . 153
6.4 Safeguards against fire under single fault conditions . 153
6.4.1 General . 153
6.4.2 Reduction of the likelihood of ignition under single fault conditions in
PS1 circuits . 154
6.4.3 Reduction of the likelihood of ignition under single fault conditions in
PS2 circuits and PS3 circuits . 154
6.4.4 Control of fire spread in PS1 circuits . 156
6.4.5 Control of fire spread in PS2 circuits . 156
6.4.6 Control of fire spread in a PS3 circuit . 157
6.4.7 Separation of combustible materials from a PIS . 158
6.4.8 Fire enclosures and fire barriers . 161
6.4.9 Flammability of an insulating liquid . 168
6.5 Internal and external wiring . 168
6.5.1 General requirements . 168
Compliance criteria .
6.5.2 Requirements for interconnection to building wiring. . 169
Compliance criteria .
6.5.3 Internal wiring for socket-outlets . 169

– 6 – IEC 62368-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018

6.6 Safeguards against fire due to the connection of additional equipment . 170

7 Injury caused by hazardous substances . 170

7.1 General . 170

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

7.6 Batteries and their protection circuits . 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 . 173
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 . 174
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 comprising containing moving parts . 176
8.5.5 High pressure lamps . 182
8.6 Stability of equipment . 182
8.6.1 Requirements . 182
8.6.2 Static stability . 184
8.6.3 Relocation stability test . 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 and compliance criteria . 187
8.7.3 Compliance criteria . 188

8.8 Handle strength . 188
8.8.1 General . 188
8.8.2 Test method . 189
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 . 190
8.10.1 General . 190
8.10.2 Marking and instructions . 190
8.10.3 Cart, stand or carrier loading test and compliance criteria . 191
8.10.4 Cart, stand or carrier impact test . 191
8.10.5 Mechanical stability . 191
8.10.6 Thermoplastic temperature stability . 192

8.11 Mounting means for rack mounted equipment slide-rail mounted equipment

(SRME) . 192

8.11.1 General . 192

8.11.2 Requirements . 192

8.11.3 Mechanical strength test . 193

8.11.4 Compliance criteria . 194

8.12 Telescoping or rod antennas . 194

9 Thermal burn injury . 194

9.1 General . 194

9.2 Thermal energy source classifications . 194

General .
9.2.1 TS1 . 195
9.2.2 TS2 . 195
9.2.3 TS3 . 195
9.3 Touch temperature limits . 195
9.3.1 Requirements . 195
9.3.2 Test method and compliance criteria . 195
Touch temperature levels .
9.4 Safeguards against thermal energy sources . 197
9.5 Requirements for safeguards . 198
9.5.1 Equipment safeguard . 198
9.5.2 Instructional safeguard . 198
9.6 Requirements for wireless power transmitters . 199
9.6.1 General . 199
9.6.2 Specification of the foreign objects . 199
9.6.3 Test method and compliance criteria . 201
10 Radiation . 202
10.1 General . 202
10.2 Radiation energy source classifications . 202
10.2.1 General classification . 202
10.2.2 RS1 . 205
10.2.3 RS2 . 206
10.2.4 RS3 . 206
10.3 Safeguards against laser radiation . 206
Requirements .

Compliance criteria .
10.4 Safeguards against visible, infra-red, and ultra-violet radiation optical
radiation from lamps and lamp systems (including LED types) . 207
10.4.1 General requirements . 207
10.4.2 Requirements for enclosures . 209
10.4.3 Instructional safeguard . 209
10.4.4 Compliance criteria . 211
10.5 Safeguards against X-radiation . 211
10.5.1 Requirements . 211
10.5.2 Compliance criteria . 211
10.5.3 Test method . 212
10.6 Safeguards against acoustic energy sources . 212
10.6.1 General . 212
10.6.2 Classification . 213

– 8 – IEC 62368-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018

10.6.3 Requirements for dose-based systems . 215

10.6.4 Measurement methods . 215

10.6.5 Protection of persons . 215

10.6.6 Requirements for listening devices (headphones, earphones, etc.) . 216

Annex A (informative) Examples of equipment within the scope of this document . 218

Annex B (normative) Normal operating condition tests, abnormal operating condition

tests and single fault condition tests . 219

B.1 General . 219

B.1.1 Introduction Test applicability . 219

B.1.2 Type of test . 219
B.1.3 Test samples . 219
B.1.4 Compliance by inspection of relevant data . 219
B.1.5 Temperature measurement conditions . 219
B.2 Normal operating conditions . 220
B.2.1 General . 220
B.2.2 Supply frequency . 220
B.2.3 Supply voltage . 220
B.2.4 Normal operating voltages . 221
B.2.5 Input test . 221
B.2.6 Operating temperature measurement conditions . 222
B.2.7 Battery charging and discharging under normal operating conditions . 222
B.3 Simulated abnormal operating conditions . 222
B.3.1 General . 222
B.3.2 Covering of ventilation openings . 223
B.3.3 DC mains polarity test . 224
B.3.4 Setting of voltage selector . 224
B.3.5 Maximum load at output terminals . 224
B.3.6 Reverse battery polarity . 224
B.3.7 Audio amplifier abnormal operating conditions . 224
B.3.8 Compliance criteria during and after abnormal operating conditions . 224
B.4 Simulated single fault conditions . 224
B.4.1 General . 224
B.4.2 Temperature controlling device . 225
B.4.3 Motor tests . 225
B.4.4 Functional insulation . 225

B.4.5 Short-circuit and interruption of electrodes in tubes and semiconductors . 226
B.4.6 Short-circuit or disconnection of passive components . 226
B.4.7 Continuous operation of components . 226
B.4.8 Compliance criteria during and after single fault conditions . 227
B.4.9 Battery charging and discharging under single fault conditions . 227
Annex C (normative) UV radiation . 228
C.1 Protection of materials in equipment from UV radiation . 228
C.1.1 General . 228
C.1.2 Requirements . 228
C.1.3 Test method and compliance criteria . 228
C.2 UV light conditioning test . 229
C.2.1 Test apparatus . 229
C.2.2 Mounting of test samples . 229
C.2.3 Carbon-arc light-exposure test . 229

C.2.4 Xenon-arc light-exposure test . 229

Annex D (normative) Test generators . 230

D.1 Impulse test generators . 230

D.2 Antenna interface test generator . 230

D.3 Electronic pulse generator . 231

Annex E (normative) Test conditions for equipment containing audio amplifiers . 232

E.1 Electrical energy source classification for audio signals . 232

E.2 Audio amplifier normal operating conditions . 232

E.3 Audio amplifier abnormal operating conditions . 234

Annex F (normative) Equipment markings, instructions, and instructional safeguards . 235
F.1 General . 235
F.2 Letter symbols and graphical symbols . 235
F.2.1 Letter symbols . 235
F.2.2 Graphical symbols . 235
F.2.3 Compliance criteria . 235
F.3 Equipment markings . 235
F.3.1 Equipment marking locations . 235
F.3.2 Equipment identification markings .
...

IEC 62368-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2018-10
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
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copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
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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 corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.

IEC Catalogue - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The stand-alone application for consulting the entire The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
bibliographical information on IEC International Standards, electrical terms containing 21 000 terms and definitions in
Technical Specifications, Technical Reports and other English and French, with equivalent terms in 16 additional
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IEC 62368-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2018-10
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 978-2-8322-5977-1

– 2 – IEC 62368-1:2018 © IEC 2018
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 . 26
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 abbreviations . 44
3.2 Other abbreviations . 45
3.3 Terms and definitions . 46
3.3.1 Circuit terms . 49
3.3.2 Enclosure terms . 49
3.3.3 Equipment terms . 50
3.3.4 Flammability terms . 51
3.3.5 Electrical insulation . 53
3.3.6 Miscellaneous . 53
3.3.7 Operating and fault conditions . 55
3.3.8 Persons . 56

3.3.9 Potential ignition sources . 57
3.3.10 Ratings . 57
3.3.11 Safeguards . 58
3.3.12 Spacings . 60
3.3.13 Temperature controls . 60
3.3.14 Voltages and currents . 60
3.3.15 Classes of equipment with respect to protection from electric shock . 61
3.3.16 Chemical terms . 62
3.3.17 Batteries . 62
3.3.18 FIW terms . 63
3.3.19 Sound exposure . 63
4 General requirements . 64
4.1 General . 64
4.1.1 Application of requirements and acceptance of materials, components
and subassemblies . 64
4.1.2 Use of components . 65
4.1.3 Equipment design and construction . 65
4.1.4 Equipment installation . 65
4.1.5 Constructions and components not specifically covered . 66
4.1.6 Orientation during transport and use . 66
4.1.7 Choice of criteria . 66
4.1.8 Liquids and liquid filled components (LFC) . 66
4.1.9 Electrical measuring instruments . 67
4.1.10 Temperature measurements . 67
4.1.11 Steady state conditions . 67
4.1.12 Hierarchy of safeguards . 67
4.1.13 Examples mentioned in this document . 67
4.1.14 Tests on parts or samples separate from the end-product . 67
4.1.15 Markings and instructions . 67
4.2 Energy source classifications . 68
4.2.1 Class 1 energy source . 68
4.2.2 Class 2 energy source . 68
4.2.3 Class 3 energy source . 68
4.2.4 Energy source classification by declaration . 68
4.3 Protection against energy sources . 68
4.3.1 General . 68
4.3.2 Safeguards for protection of an ordinary person . 68
4.3.3 Safeguards for protection of an instructed person . 70
4.3.4 Safeguards for protection of a skilled person . 71
4.3.5 Safeguards in a restricted access area . 72
4.4 Safeguards . 72
4.4.1 Equivalent materials or components . 72
4.4.2 Composition of a safeguard . 72
4.4.3 Safeguard robustness . 72
4.4.4 Displacement of a safeguard by an insulating liquid . 74
4.4.5 Safety interlocks . 75
4.5 Explosion . 75
4.5.1 General . 75
4.5.2 Requirements . 75

– 4 – IEC 62368-1:2018 © IEC 2018
4.6 Fixing of conductors . 76
4.6.1 Requirements . 76
4.6.2 Compliance criteria . 76
4.7 Equipment for direct insertion into mains socket-outlets . 76
4.7.1 General . 76
4.7.2 Requirements . 76
4.7.3 Compliance criteria . 76
4.8 Equipment containing coin / button cell batteries . 77
4.8.1 General . 77
4.8.2 Instructional safeguard . 77
4.8.3 Construction . 77
4.8.4 Tests . 77
4.8.5 Compliance criteria . 78
4.9 Likelihood of fire or shock due to entry of conductive objects . 79
4.10 Components requirements . 79
4.10.1 Disconnect device . 79
4.10.2 Switches and relays . 79
5 Electrically-caused injury . 79
5.1 General . 79
5.2 Classification and limits of electrical energy sources . 80
5.2.1 Electrical energy source classifications . 80
5.2.2 Electrical energy source ES1 and ES2 limits . 80
5.3 Protection against electrical energy sources . 86
5.3.1 General . 86
5.3.2 Accessibility to electrical energy sources and safeguards . 86
5.4 Insulation materials and requirements. 89
5.4.1 General . 89
5.4.2 Clearances . 94
5.4.3 Creepage distances . 104
5.4.4 Solid insulation . 108
5.4.5 Antenna terminal insulation . 117
5.4.6 Insulation of internal wire as a part of a supplementary safeguard . 117
5.4.7 Tests for semiconductor components and for cemented joints . 118
5.4.8 Humidity conditioning . 118
5.4.9 Electric strength test . 119
5.4.10 Safeguards against transient voltages from external circuits . 122
5.4.11 Separation between external circuits and earth . 124
5.4.12 Insulating liquid . 125
5.5 Components as safeguards . 126
5.5.1 General . 126
5.5.2 Capacitors and RC units. 126
5.5.3 Transformers . 127
5.5.4 Optocouplers . 127
5.5.5 Relays . 127
5.5.6 Resistors . 128
5.5.7 SPDs . 128
5.5.8 Insulation between the mains and an external circuit consisting of a
coaxial cable . 129
5.5.9 Safeguards for socket-outlets in outdoor equipment . 129

5.6 Protective conductor . 130
5.6.1 General . 130
5.6.2 Requirements for protective conductors . 130
5.6.3 Requirements for protective earthing conductors . 131
5.6.4 Requirements for protective bonding conductors . 131
5.6.5 Terminals for protective conductors . 134
5.6.6 Resistance of the protective bonding system . 135
5.6.7 Reliable connection of a protective earthing conductor . 137
5.6.8 Functional earthing . 137
5.7 Prospective touch voltage, touch current and protective conductor current . 137
5.7.1 General . 137
5.7.2 Measuring devices and networks . 138
5.7.3 Equipment set-up, supply connections and earth connections . 138
5.7.4 Unearthed accessible parts . 138
5.7.5 Earthed accessible conductive parts . 139
5.7.6 Requirements when touch current exceeds ES2 limits . 139
5.7.7 Prospective touch voltage and touch current associated with external
circuits . 139
5.7.8 Summation of touch currents from external circuits . 141
5.8 Backfeed safeguard in battery backed up supplies . 143
6 Electrically-caused fire . 143
6.1 General . 143
6.2 Classification of power sources (PS) and potential ignition sources (PIS) . 143
6.2.1 General . 143
6.2.2 Power source circuit classifications . 144
6.2.3 Classification of potential ignition sources . 147
6.3 Safeguards against fire under normal operating conditions and abnormal

operating conditions . 148
6.3.1 Requirements . 148
6.3.2 Compliance criteria . 149
6.4 Safeguards against fire under single fault conditions . 149
6.4.1 General . 149
6.4.2 Reduction of the likelihood of ignition under single fault conditions in

PS1 circuits . 149
6.4.3 Reduction of the likelihood of ignition under single fault conditions in
PS2 circuits and PS3 circuits . 149
6.4.4 Control of fire spread in PS1 circuits . 151
6.4.5 Control of fire spread in PS2 circuits . 151
6.4.6 Control of fire spread in a PS3 circuit . 152
6.4.7 Separation of combustible materials from a PIS . 152
6.4.8 Fire enclosures and fire barriers . 155
6.4.9 Flammability of an insulating liquid . 160
6.5 Internal and external wiring . 161
6.5.1 General requirements . 161
6.5.2 Requirements for interconnection to building wiring. . 161
6.5.3 Internal wiring for socket-outlets . 161
6.6 Safeguards against fire due to the connection of additional equipment . 162
7 Injury caused by hazardous substances . 162
7.1 General . 162
7.2 Reduction of exposure to hazardous substances . 162

– 6 – IEC 62368-1:2018 © IEC 2018
7.3 Ozone exposure . 162
7.4 Use of personal safeguards or personal protective equipment (PPE) . 162
7.5 Use of instructional safeguards and instructions . 163
7.6 Batteries and their protection circuits . 163
8 Mechanically-caused injury . 163
8.1 General . 163
8.2 Mechanical energy source classifications . 163
8.2.1 General classification . 163
8.2.2 MS1 . 165
8.2.3 MS2 . 166
8.2.4 MS3 . 166
8.3 Safeguards against mechanical energy sources . 166
8.4 Safeguards against parts with sharp edges and corners . 166
8.4.1 Requirements . 166
8.4.2 Compliance criteria . 166
8.5 Safeguards against moving parts . 167
8.5.1 Requirements . 167
8.5.2 Instructional safeguard requirements . 168
8.5.3 Compliance criteria . 168
8.5.4 Special categories of equipment containing moving parts . 168
8.5.5 High pressure lamps . 173
8.6 Stability of equipment . 174
8.6.1 Requirements . 174
8.6.2 Static stability . 176
8.6.3 Relocation stability . 177
8.6.4 Glass slide test . 178
8.6.5 Horizontal force test and compliance criteria . 178
8.7 Equipment mounted to a wall, ceiling or other structure . 178
8.7.1 Requirements . 178
8.7.2 Test methods . 178
8.7.3 Compliance criteria . 180
8.8 Handle strength . 180
8.8.1 General . 180
8.8.2 Test method . 180
8.9 Wheels or casters attachment requirements . 181
8.9.1 General . 181
8.9.2 Test method . 181
8.10 Carts, stands, and similar carriers . 181
8.10.1 General . 181
8.10.2 Marking and instructions . 181
8.10.3 Cart, stand or carrier loading test and compliance criteria . 182
8.10.4 Cart, stand or carrier impact test . 183
8.10.5 Mechanical stability . 183
8.10.6 Thermoplastic temperature stability . 183
8.11 Mounting means for slide-rail mounted equipment (SRME) . 183
8.11.1 General . 183
8.11.2 Requirements . 184
8.11.3 Mechanical strength test . 184
8.11.4 Compliance criteria . 185

8.12 Telescoping or rod antennas . 185
9 Thermal burn injury . 185
9.1 General . 185
9.2 Thermal energy source classifications . 186
9.2.1 TS1 . 186
9.2.2 TS2 . 186
9.2.3 TS3 . 186
9.3 Touch temperature limits . 186
9.3.1 Requirements . 186
9.3.2 Test method and compliance criteria . 186
9.4 Safeguards against thermal energy sources . 187
9.5 Requirements for safeguards . 188
9.5.1 Equipment safeguard . 188
9.5.2 Instructional safeguard . 188
9.6 Requirements for wireless power transmitters . 188
9.6.1 General . 188
9.6.2 Specification of the foreign objects . 189
9.6.3 Test method and compliance criteria . 191
10 Radiation . 192
10.1 General . 192
10.2 Radiation energy source classifications . 192
10.2.1 General classification . 192
10.2.2 RS1 . 193
10.2.3 RS2 . 194
10.2.4 RS3 . 194
10.3 Safeguards against laser radiation . 194
10.4 Safeguards against optical radiation from lamps and lamp systems
(including LED types) . 194
10.4.1 General requirements . 194
10.4.2 Requirements for enclosures . 196
10.4.3 Instructional safeguard . 196
10.4.4 Compliance criteria . 198
10.5 Safeguards against X-radiation . 198
10.5.1 Requirements . 198
10.5.2 Compliance criteria . 198
10.5.3 Test method . 198
10.6 Safeguards against acoustic energy sources . 199
10.6.1 General . 199
10.6.2 Classification . 200
10.6.3 Requirements for dose-based systems . 201
10.6.4 Measurement methods . 201
10.6.5 Protection of persons . 202
10.6.6 Requirements for listening devices (headphones, earphones, etc.) . 202
Annex A (informative) Examples of equipment within the scope of this document . 204
Annex B (normative) Normal operating condition tests, abnormal operating condition
tests and single fault condition tests . 205
B.1 General . 205
B.1.1 Test applicability . 205
B.1.2 Type of test . 205

– 8 – IEC 62368-1:2018 © IEC 2018
B.1.3 Test samples . 205
B.1.4 Compliance by inspection of relevant data . 205
B.1.5 Temperature measurement conditions . 205
B.2 Normal operating conditions . 206
B.2.1 General . 206
B.2.2 Supply frequency . 206
B.2.3 Supply voltage . 206
B.2.4 Normal operating voltages . 206
B.2.5 Input test . 207
B.2.6 Operating temperature measurement conditions . 208
B.2.7 Battery charging and discharging under normal operating conditions . 208
B.3 Simulated abnormal operating conditions . 208
B.3.1 General . 208
B.3.2 Covering of ventilation openings . 209
B.3.3 DC mains polarity test . 210
B.3.4 Setting of voltage selector . 210
B.3.5 Maximum load at output terminals . 210
B.3.6 Reverse battery polarity . 210
B.3.7 Audio amplifier abnormal operating conditions . 210
B.3.8 Compliance criteria during and after abnormal operating conditions . 210
B.4 Simulated single fault conditions . 210
B.4.1 General . 210
B.4.2 Temperature controlling device . 211
B.4.3 Motor tests . 211
B.4.4 Functional insulation . 211
B.4.5 Short-circuit and interruption of electrodes in tubes and semiconductors . 212
B.4.6 Short-circuit or disconnection of passive components . 212
B.4.7 Continuous operation of components . 212
B.4.8 Compliance criteria during and after single fault conditions . 213
B.4.9 Battery charging and discharging under single fault conditions . 213
Annex C (normative) UV radiation . 214
C.1 Protection of materials in equipment from UV radiation . 214
C.1.1 General . 214
C.1.2 Requirements . 214
C.1.3 Test method and compliance criteria . 214
C.2 UV light conditioning test . 215
C.2.1 Test apparatus . 215
C.2.2 Mounting of test samples . 215
C.2.3 Carbon-arc light-exposure test . 215
C.2.4 Xenon-arc light-exposure test . 215
Annex D (normative) Test generators .
...