In Europe, all audio/video, IT and communication products must meet the requirements of EN 62368-1 by December 20, 2020. The transition period will expire at that point, inform product testing experts at DEKRA. The standard adopts a new approach to product safety.
The presumption of conformity of the standards still currently harmonized under the Low Voltage Directive (IEC/EN/UL/CSA 60950-1 and IEC/EN/UL/CSA 60065) will expire, when EN 62368-1 comes into force on December 20, 2020. This is also the case for the United States, where UL 62368-1 will be applied. The regulatory bodies for the EU and the USA have synchronized the expiration date of the old standards in order to guarantee consumers, distributors and manufacturers the maximum degree of reliability and uniformity with regard to safety.
In terms of its substance, EN 62368-1 adopts a completely new approach known as hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE). According to HBSE, it is no longer a matter of proving that certain specifications prescribed in the standard have been met. It is more a case of ensuring that known hazards are taken into account and designing the product in such a way that it can be used safely in the expected context.
DEKRA is supporting manufacturers with the changeover to the new EN 62368-1 standard by providing training sessions and courses, helping with the implementation of hazard-based safety engineering, testing audio/video and IT products for compliance with the requirements and carrying out accompanying tests for electrical safety and EMC testing. Furthermore, DEKRA is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for the US market and can support with the transition to UL 62368-1. The services are offered through DEKRA’s international network of laboratories in the following countries or areas: Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and the US.
Technical information and queries:
products.global@dekra.com
Tel.: +49-711-7861-3454.
