What is the difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 safety standards ?

IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 are two widely recognized safety standards for electrical equipment. While they share some similarities, they have distinct differences in their scope, approach, and requirements.

Scope and Application

IEC 60950 is an international standard that outlines the general principles and requirements for electrical equipment. It is applicable to a wide range of electrical equipment, including electrical installations, lighting systems, and industrial machinery. The standard covers various aspects, such as electrical safety, fire protection, and environmental considerations.

On the other hand, IEC 62368 is an international standard that specifies the safety requirements for electrical equipment in contact with drinking water. It is primarily designed to ensure the safety of consumers and workers who may come into contact with electrical equipment that is in contact with drinking water.

Key Differences

Scope and Application

IEC 60950 is a broader standard that covers a wide range of electrical equipment. It is applicable to equipment that is intended for use in potentially hazardous environments, such as electrical installations, lighting systems, and industrial machinery.

In contrast, IEC 62368 is a safety standard specifically designed for electrical equipment that is in contact with drinking water. It is intended to ensure the safety of consumers and workers who may come into contact with electrical equipment that is in contact with drinking water.

Approach and Requirements

IEC 60950 takes a more general approach to safety requirements, covering various aspects of electrical equipment design and installation. It does not specifically address the requirements for electrical equipment that is in contact with drinking water.

In contrast, IEC 62368 takes a more specific approach to safety requirements, focusing specifically on the requirements for electrical equipment that is in contact with drinking water. The standard specifies detailed requirements for electrical equipment design, installation, and testing to ensure the safety of consumers and workers.

Testing and Certification

Both IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 require testing and certification to ensure compliance with the respective standards. However, the requirements for testing and certification differ between the two standards.

IEC 60950 requires manufacturers to conduct a variety of tests, including electrical safety tests, fire protection tests, and environmental tests, to ensure compliance with the standard. In addition, manufacturers must also conduct testing to ensure that their products meet the requirements of IEC 60950.

On the other hand, IEC 62368 requires manufacturers to conduct testing to ensure that their products meet the requirements of the standard. The standard specifies various tests, such as electrical continuity tests, insulation resistance tests, and leakage tests, to ensure the safety of consumers and workers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 are two important safety standards for electrical equipment. While they share some similarities, they have distinct differences in their scope, approach, and requirements. IEC 62368 is specifically designed to ensure the safety of consumers and workers who may come into contact with electrical equipment that is in contact with drinking water, while IEC 60950 is a broader standard that covers a wide range of electrical equipment.

By understanding the key differences between these two standards, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the requirements of both standards and provide a safe and reliable product to their customers.