Difference Between IEC 62368 and EN 62368 Standards

The IEC and EN standards are widely used international standard systems that play a crucial role in guiding the design, manufacturing, and testing of products. This article compares the IEC 62368 standard and the EN 62368 standard to better understand their respective characteristics and application scopes.

Issuing Organizations and Scope of IEC and EN Standards

IEC 62368-1:

• Issuing Organization: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

• Scope: This is an international standard created by experts and organizations from various countries. The IEC member countries include the vast majority of industrialized and developing countries, considering the needs and actual conditions of different regions. It aims to provide unified safety requirements for electronic equipment manufacturers worldwide. It covers electrical safety, thermal safety, energy safety, and mechanical safety aspects of audio/video, information technology, and communication technology (AV/IT) equipment.

EN 62368-1:

• Issuing Organizations: European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)

• Scope: As the European version of IEC 62368-1, EN 62368-1 has legal effect in the European market and is part of the CE marking certification, applicable to electronic equipment sold in Europe.

Legal Status

IEC 62368-1:

• This is a voluntary international standard and does not have legal binding force on its own. The CB Scheme tests and certifies products according to the IEC 62368-1 standard, and its reports and certificates are recognized by many IEC member countries, including those in the European Union. For products tested under the CB Scheme, the CB reports and certificates can be converted to EN standard certification by addressing only the differing parts specific to the EN requirements.

EN 62368-1:

• This is a mandatory standard in Europe. Compliance with this standard is a prerequisite for products to enter the European market and obtain the CE mark. This means that electronic equipment must meet the requirements of EN 62368-1 to be legally sold in Europe, ensuring that it adheres to the necessary safety standards set by the European regulatory framework.

Regulatory Context

IEC 62368-1:

• Not directly tied to specific regulatory requirements but serves as a widely accepted international standard.

EN 62368-1:

• Directly linked to EU regulations, such as the EU's Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive and the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), ensuring that products meet both the standard and legal requirements in the EU. In certain cases, the EN standard may introduce stricter requirements than the IEC standard to better protect the interests of European consumers.

Certification

IEC 62368-1:

• Products that meet the IEC 62368-1 standard can achieve international recognition through the CB (Conformity Certification Bodies) Scheme, which streamlines their entry into various global markets.

EN 62368-1:

• Products that meet the EN 62368-1 standard must undergo testing and certification by designated European certification bodies to obtain the CE mark, indicating compliance with European safety requirements.

Conclusion

By understanding the differences between IEC 62368-1 and EN 62368-1, you can determine which certification is required to ensure your products meet the necessary safety standards for your target markets. Xelite power products have obtained both CE and CB certifications, demonstrating compliance with rigorous safety and performance standards. They fully meet the legal and regulatory requirements of the European market. Additionally, CB certification enables faster approval when applying for safety certifications in other countries.