IEC 60950-1 vs IEC 62368-1: Key Differences for Industrial Power Supply Buyers

What the two standards cover

IEC 60950-1 and IEC 62368-1 set safety requirements for low-voltage equipment that uses power supplies. They look similar on the surface, but they serve different product categories. IEC 60950-1 applies to information technology equipment and audio-video equipment. IEC 62368-1 applies to audio, video, information, and communication equipment.

The distinction matters for industrial power supply buyers. A power supply feeding a network switch, a medical monitor, or a factory controller may fall under different rules. The standard determines how the product is tested, what documentation is required, and which certification bodies can issue the mark.

Both standards address electrical safety, but they use different approaches. IEC 60950-1 relies on prescriptive rules for insulation, creepage, and clearance. IEC 62368-1 uses a hazard-based assessment that evaluates specific hazards and requires controls. This difference shapes the entire design and verification process.

How the testing methods differ

The testing methods are the most practical difference between the two standards. IEC 60950-1 prescribes specific measurements and test procedures. A tester checks insulation resistance, dielectric strength, and leakage current against fixed thresholds. The test setup is defined, and the pass or fail criteria are clear.

IEC 62368-1 changes this approach. It requires the designer to identify hazards, such as electric shock, fire, and mechanical injury. Each hazard is assessed based on exposure, energy, and duration. The tester then verifies that the controls prevent the hazard from reaching a harmful level.

For a power supply, this means the focus shifts from a simple measurement to a system-level review. A power supply under IEC 62368-1 may need additional checks for abnormal operating conditions, such as a shorted output or an open neutral. The documentation must show how each hazard was evaluated and controlled.

This approach gives designers more flexibility but requires more engineering input. A buyer must ask the supplier to explain how the hazard assessment was performed, not just what the test results were.

Where the standards apply in practice

The product category determines which standard applies. IEC 60950-1 covers items like desktop computers, servers, and some audio-video processors. IEC 62368-1 covers items like speakers, microphones, data processing equipment, and communication devices.

Industrial power supplies often sit in a gray zone. A supply that powers a control cabinet may be considered part of an industrial machine, which follows IEC 61508 or IEC 62443 instead. A supply that powers a network switch falls under IEC 62368-1. A supply that powers a legacy server may still follow IEC 60950-1.

The buyer must confirm the intended use. If the power supply is sold as a standalone unit for a specific device, the standard for that device applies. If it is a general-purpose supply, the supplier must define the intended application. This definition is documented in the product specification and the test report.

Misclassifying the product is a common mistake. It leads to the wrong test report, the wrong certification body, and delays in market access. The buyer should review the data sheet and the compliance certificate before placing an order.

Certification and documentation differences

The documentation required by each standard also differs. IEC 60950-1 requires a test report and a declaration of conformity. The report lists the tests performed and the results. The declaration states that the product meets the standard.

IEC 62368-1 requires a similar set of documents, but the test report must reference the hazard assessment. The report shows which hazards were identified and how they were controlled. The declaration of conformity includes the same statement but ties it to the specific hazard evaluation.

For CE marking, both standards can be used. The difference is in the technical file. The technical file must include the hazard assessment, test reports, and the user manual. The buyer should ask the supplier for the full technical file before importing.

For UL certification, the equivalent standards are UL 60950-1 and UL 62368-1. The UL process mirrors the IEC process but adds North American requirements. The buyer must check which mark is required in the target market.

A practical comparison table

Option	Best for	Limitations
IEC 60950-1	Legacy IT equipment and audio-video devices	Does not cover communication equipment or modern audio/video products
IEC 62368-1	Audio, video, information, and communication equipment	Requires more detailed hazard assessment and documentation
Mixed standard	Products that span multiple categories	Creates compliance risk and certification delays
Industrial machine standard	Power supplies integrated into factory equipment	Does not apply to standalone power supplies for IT or communication
Regional standard	Markets that require local certification	May require additional testing beyond IEC

The table shows why the standard must match the product. A power supply for a network switch should follow IEC 62368-1. A power supply for a legacy server may follow IEC 60950-1. A power supply for a factory controller should follow the industrial machine standard.

How to choose the right standard

Choosing the right standard starts with the product definition. The buyer must confirm the intended use of the power supply. If the supply powers a communication device, IEC 62368-1 is the correct choice. If it powers a legacy IT device, IEC 60950-1 may still apply.

The second step is to check the supplier’s compliance documents. The data sheet should state the applicable standard. The test report should match the standard. The declaration of conformity should reference the correct standard.

The third step is to verify the certification body. Not all certification bodies are accredited for all standards. The buyer should check the body’s accreditation for the specific standard and the target market.

The fourth step is to review the technical file. The buyer should ask for the hazard assessment, the test report, and the user manual. The technical file should be complete and consistent.

The fifth step is to confirm the market requirements. Some markets require additional certifications or local variations. The buyer should check the regulatory requirements in the target country before finalizing the order.

Common mistakes buyers make

The most common mistake is assuming that any IEC standard will work. A power supply certified to IEC 60950-1 may not be accepted in a market that requires IEC 62368-1. The buyer must confirm the standard before purchase.

Another mistake is ignoring the product category. A power supply that looks identical to another may be classified differently based on the device it powers. The classification is not based on the supply itself but on the system it serves.

A third mistake is relying only on the CE mark. The CE mark indicates conformity with EU requirements, but it does not specify which standard was used. The buyer must check the technical file to confirm the standard.

A fourth mistake is not reviewing the test report. The report shows the exact tests performed and the results. The buyer should verify that the report matches the product model and the revision.

A fifth mistake is not checking the certification body. The body must be accredited for the standard and the market. The buyer should verify the body’s accreditation before accepting the certificate.

Final checklist for buyers

Before placing an order, the buyer should complete a short checklist.

1. Confirm the product category and intended use.
2. Identify the applicable IEC standard for that category.
3. Request the data sheet, test report, and declaration of conformity.
4. Verify that the test report matches the product model and revision.
5. Check the certification body’s accreditation for the standard and market.
6. Review the technical file for completeness and consistency.
7. Confirm any market-specific requirements or local variations.
8. Store the compliance documents with the product records.

This checklist reduces the risk of compliance issues and market access delays. The buyer should treat the standard selection as a design decision, not an afterthought. The choice of standard affects the design, the testing, the documentation, and the certification process.

The difference between IEC 60950-1 and IEC 62368-1 is not just academic. It changes how the power supply is built, tested, and sold. The buyer who understands this difference can make a better decision and avoid costly mistakes.