EN 62368-1

As of December 20, 2020, the safety standards EN 60950-1 (Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General requirements) and EN 60065 (Audio, video and similar electronic equipment - Safety requirements) have been finally withdrawn. From this date at the latest, only EN 62368-1 (Equipment for audio/video, information and communication technology - Part 1: Safety requirements) is to be applied for the applicable product groups. Especially in the area of RED (Radio Equipment Directive), EN 62368-1 is applied as a safety standard, and here also at low voltages, specifically without the voltage limits known from the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) having to be applied. This makes it clear that manufacturers and suppliers of information and communication technology must take action. If the declaration of conformity refers to EN 60950-1 or EN 60065, it must be reissued. However, a mere exchange of the standards is not sufficient at this point and could have fatal consequences. If EN 62368-1 is used for conformity assessment, your product must also meet the corresponding requirements. It is essential to perform a check in this regard.

A detailed safety assessment of your equipment is necessary because EN 62368-1 does not simply combine the requirements of the previous standards, but follows a different safety philosophy. What is new is that energy sources are classified, protective devices against such energy sources are specified and instructions on the applications and requirements of these protective devices are provided.

The EN 62368-1 standard now defines different persons who come into contact with the device and, according to the classification, there are different requirements for the protective equipment according to layperson, instructed person and specialist. For example, it is assumed that a skilled person is better able to recognize dangerous energy sources due to his knowledge and will therefore take suitable measures for protection. Basically, the greater the danger posed by an energy source and the less experience the user has, the higher the requirements for the protective equipment.

TÜV NORD offers you tests to determine whether your products comply with the new standard. For customers who have already tested their products according to the previous standards (EN 60950-1 and EN 60065), we offer delta analyses. In order to be able to offer you the highest level of safety and quality of testing, we hold DAkkS accreditations for various standards listed under the aforementioned directives. Take advantage of the comprehensive expertise of our test engineers and make your product safe and EU compliant. With a test report from our accredited test laboratory, you will demonstrate to your customers, the market surveillance authorities and the public that you ensure the safety of your products.