2024 Implementation Guide
Expert step-by-step workflow for audio/video, information and communication technology equipment safety requirements, incorporating corrigendum July 2024
BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 Implementation Guide: Safety Requirements for ICT Equipment
The latest edition of the BS EN IEC 62368-1 standard has been published, affecting manufacturers and suppliers of audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment. The new edition incorporates a corrigendum from July 2024, which brings significant changes to safety requirements. Compliance with this standard is crucial for ensuring the safety of users and avoiding costly rework or recalls.
Quick Summary
📋 Key Takeaways
- Revised hazard-based safety engineering process required for all equipment
- Updated optical radiation safety requirements with new emission limits
- Equipment classification now based on hazard-based safety engineering process
- Compliance crucial for ensuring user safety and avoiding costly rework or recalls
- Standard applies to equipment with rated voltage not exceeding 600 V
- The BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard introduces new safety requirements for ICT equipment, including revised hazard-based safety engineering process and updated requirements for optical radiation safety.
- The standard applies to equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V, and manufacturers must assess and mitigate potential hazards to ensure compliance.
- The new edition includes a corrigendum from July 2024, which provides clarification on specific aspects of the standard, such as the application of the hazard-based safety engineering process.
Why This Matters
The BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard has significant implications for manufacturers and suppliers of ICT equipment. Compliance with this standard is essential for ensuring the safety of users, avoiding costly rework or recalls, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market. The new edition introduces revised safety requirements, which must be carefully assessed and implemented to ensure compliance.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Topic | Previous Edition | Current Edition | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazard-based safety engineering process | Not explicitly required | Required for all equipment | Significant changes to safety assessment and mitigation processes |
| Optical radiation safety | Less stringent requirements | More stringent requirements, including new limits for optical radiation emissions | Manufacturers must reassess and redesign equipment to comply with new requirements |
| Equipment classification | Based on voltage and power ratings | Based on hazard-based safety engineering process | Manufacturers must reclassify equipment based on new hazard-based approach |
What Changed
- The new edition introduces a revised hazard-based safety engineering process, which requires manufacturers to assess and mitigate potential hazards throughout the equipment's lifecycle.
- The standard includes updated requirements for optical radiation safety, including new limits for optical radiation emissions.
- The equipment classification system has been revised to be based on the hazard-based safety engineering process, rather than voltage and power ratings.
What Stayed the Same
- The standard still applies to equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V.
- The general requirements for safety, including protection against electric shock, fire, and other hazards, remain largely unchanged.
- The standard still requires manufacturers to perform risk assessments and implement safety measures to mitigate potential hazards.
What This Means in Practice
- Manufacturers must reassess their equipment designs and safety processes to ensure compliance with the revised hazard-based safety engineering process.
- Equipment must be redesigned or modified to comply with the updated requirements for optical radiation safety.
- Manufacturers must reclassify their equipment based on the new hazard-based approach, which may require significant changes to documentation and testing procedures.
Do You Need the Latest Edition?
- You need the latest edition if you are a manufacturer or supplier of ICT equipment that must comply with the BS EN IEC 62368-1 standard.
- You may not need the latest edition if you are already compliant with the previous edition and do not intend to make significant changes to your equipment or safety processes.
- However, it is essential to note that the latest edition includes significant changes and updates, and compliance with the previous edition may not be sufficient to ensure safety and avoid regulatory issues.
Scope and Applicability
The BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard applies to audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V. The standard covers a wide range of equipment, including computers, telecommunication equipment, and audio/video equipment.
Key Changes
The new edition introduces significant changes to the hazard-based safety engineering process, including revised requirements for risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and safety validation. The standard also includes updated requirements for optical radiation safety, including new limits for optical radiation emissions.
Technical Requirements
The standard requires manufacturers to perform a hazard-based safety engineering process, which includes risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and safety validation. The process must be documented and verified through testing and inspection.
Design Implications
The revised hazard-based safety engineering process has significant implications for equipment design. Manufacturers must reassess their equipment designs to ensure compliance with the updated requirements and implement safety measures to mitigate potential hazards.
Compliance Considerations
Compliance with the BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard requires a thorough understanding of the revised hazard-based safety engineering process and the updated requirements for optical radiation safety. Manufacturers must also ensure that their equipment is properly classified and documented to comply with the standard.
Where to Get This Standard
The BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard is published by the British Standards Institution and is available from independent retailers like Publications Office.
- The BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard introduces significant changes to safety requirements for ICT equipment, including a revised hazard-based safety engineering process and updated requirements for optical radiation safety.
- Manufacturers must reassess and redesign their equipment to comply with the updated requirements and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
- The standard applies to equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V and requires a thorough understanding of the hazard-based safety engineering process and updated requirements for optical radiation safety.
- Compliance with the standard is crucial for ensuring the safety of users, avoiding costly rework or recalls, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
Q: What are the main changes in the BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard?
A: The main changes include a revised hazard-based safety engineering process, updated requirements for optical radiation safety, and a new equipment classification system based on the hazard-based safety engineering process.
Q: Who must comply with the BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard?
A: Manufacturers and suppliers of audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V must comply with the standard.
Q: What are the key requirements for compliance with the BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard?
A: The key requirements include performing a hazard-based safety engineering process, ensuring compliance with the updated requirements for optical radiation safety, and properly classifying and documenting equipment.
Q: Do I need the latest edition of the BS EN IEC 62368-1 standard?
A: You need the latest edition if you are a manufacturer or supplier of ICT equipment that must comply with the standard, and you intend to make significant changes to your equipment or safety processes.
Q: Where can I purchase the BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard?
A: The standard is available from independent retailers like Publications Office.
Q: What is the impact of non-compliance with the BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024 standard?
A: Non-compliance can result in significant regulatory issues, costly rework or recalls, and damage to your company's reputation and competitive edge in the market.
Please note that the information provided is based on the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure compliance with the applicable regulations and standards.
📄 BS EN IEC 62368-1:2024+A11:2024 Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Safety requirements - Incorporating corrigendum July 2024
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