What is EN 61558-2-15:2020?

EN 61558-2-15:2020 is a professional technical standard that specifies the safety requirements for power supplies associated with electronic equipment for household and similar general use. This standard provides guidelines to ensure the safety of both operators and end-users of these devices.

Scope and Application

The scope of EN 61558-2-15:2020 covers power supply units used in stationary or portable electronic equipment, including audio, video, IT, and communication technology devices. It applies to products intended for use in residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments.

This standard is particularly important for manufacturers and designers of power supply units, as it defines specific safety requirements for characteristics such as insulation, protection against electric shock, temperature rise, and mechanical strength.

Main Requirements of EN 61558-2-15:2020

EN 61558-2-15:2020 sets out various requirements to ensure compliance with safety regulations. These include:

- Insulation requirements: The standard specifies minimum insulation distances and clearances between live parts and accessible conductive parts or external connections. Insulating materials used must meet specific requirements for durability and mechanical strength.

- Protection against electric shock: Power supply units must be designed to prevent electric shock hazards. This includes utilizing protective earthing measures, double insulation, or equivalent means of protection.

- Temperature rise limits: The standard establishes maximum allowed temperature rises in different parts of the power supply unit. This is determined through testing conducted under specified conditions, ensuring the device remains within safe temperature limits during operation.

Testing and Certification

To ensure compliance with EN 61558-2-15:2020, power supply units must undergo rigorous testing procedures. The standard covers various electrical, mechanical, and thermal tests to assess safety performance. These include dielectric strength, temperature rise, leakage currents, and more.

Once a power supply unit meets all the requirements of the standard, manufacturers can obtain certification demonstrating compliance. This certification is crucial to assure end-users and regulatory authorities that the device is safe and reliable.

In conclusion, EN 61558-2-15:2020 provides a comprehensive set of safety requirements for power supply units used in electronic equipment for general household purposes. Adhering to this standard ensures the safety of both operators and end-users, giving consumers confidence in the reliability of these devices.