The “deactivation” of the EN 60950-1 and EN 60065 has moved further along with the release of the new 2014 Edition of the EN 62368-1, “Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment, Safety requirements.” This new publication is the adoption of the IEC 62368-1 Edition 2.0, which will replace the IEC 60950-1 and the IEC 60065. The move is anticipated to be complete in 3 to 5 years.
What is the status of the EN 60950-1 and the EN 60065? Both documents are considered “current, superseded.” This reflects the transitional situation both are in. While the IEC 62368-1 Edition 1.0 was not acceptable in Europe (although it has been adopted in the U.S. and elsewhere), the new Edition 2.0 has had the issues rectified. So the move is on to phase out both the 60950-1 and the 60065. You’ll have a period when all three standards are current so that you can make the transition from one to the other.
What’s new about the EN 62368-1? This 2014 Edition is the European adoption of the second edition of the IEC 62368-1. It contains all the same salient points as the source document. Most notable? Here’s our list:
- The document addresses the issues of safety for both Audio/Visual and ITE (Information Technology Equipment) without being a merging of the 2 older publications. As a completely new document, it is different than the two publications it is in the process of replacing.
- It is a hazard-based. This means that it does not use risk assessment as part of the tool set.
- It is performance oriented, but does allow for prescribed constructions if they have a track record for safety.
- It is as technology independent as possible to allow for more design freedom.
- It is applicable to a broad range of electronic products for easier introduction of new technologies.
- It has requirements and compliance criteria, including both performance-based and construction-based (prescriptive).
- The document is compatible with the IECEE CB (Certification Bodies) scheme. This means there are specific requirements and compliance criteria you’ll need to meet to demonstrate compliance.
So for now, you can continue to use your EN 60950-1 or your EN 60065. But you’ll want to get the new EN 62368-1 as soon as possible so that you can start to develop your migration strategy. Where should you go to get your copy? Document Center Inc. of course! Currently, the document is available in the BS EN 62368-1 edition. You’ll have options for the DIN EN 62368-1 and the SS EN 62368-1 soon. And you can always choose the source document, IEC 62368-1, as well.
Order online at our webstore, www.document-center.com. Or contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). Who else can help you understand the transitional situation? And who else provides you with notification of these types of changes? Customers have been relying on Document Center since 1982 for superior service and a wide range of supporting products. Make us your Standards Experts!
