Amendment A11 to EN 62368-1:2014 introduces several changes to the standard. The most significant change is the extension of the compliance deadline from July 6th, 2024 to January 7th, 2026. This gives manufacturers and suppliers more time to ensure that their products meet the requirements of the standard. Other changes include updates to technical specifications and clarifications on testing procedures.
Why was the compliance deadline extended?
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and manufacturing processes, making it more difficult for companies to meet the original deadline. The extension gives manufacturers and suppliers more time to ensure that their products meet the requirements of the standard. This can help to reduce the pressure on companies to rush products to market without proper testing or assessment.
Standard overview
EN 62368-1:2014/A11:2017 is a harmonized European standard that sets out the safety requirements for audio-visual, information, and communication technology equipment. It is part of the IEC 62368 series and is aligned with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU and the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU.
Key areas covered
The standard covers a wide range of safety aspects, including:
- Electrical safety: This includes requirements for insulation, leakage currents, and protection against electric shock.
- Mechanical safety: This involves protection against mechanical hazards, such as sharp edges, moving parts, and structural integrity.
- Thermal safety: This covers protection against overheating, fire hazards, and other thermal risks.
- Radiation safety: This includes requirements for protection against electromagnetic radiation and other forms of non-ionizing radiation.
- Chemical safety: This involves protection against hazardous substances and materials.
Amendments in A11:2017
The amendment A11:2017 introduced several updates and clarifications to the original standard:
- Clarifications on hazardous substances: additional guidance and requirements were added regarding the use and handling of hazardous substances, such as lead and mercury.
- Updates on protection against electric shock: enhanced requirements for protection against electric shock, particularly for Class I and Class II equipment.
- Revisions on thermal protection: updates to the requirements for thermal protection, including better definitions and test methods for assessing thermal hazards.
- Enhanced EMC requirements: while not directly part of the safety standard, the amendment references updated EMC requirements to ensure compatibility with the EMC Directive.
Compliance and certification
Manufacturers of audio-visual, information, and communication technology equipment must ensure their products comply with EN 62368-1:2014/A11:2017 to be sold in the European market. Compliance is typically verified through third-party testing and certification by organizations like TÜV, UL, or other notified bodies.
About us
GTG Group have extensive experience in testing products for compliance with EN 62368-1:2014/A11:2017 standard. We offer a wide range of testing services to our clients, including product safety testing, EMC testing, mechanical testing, and environmental testing. Our team of experienced engineers and technicians is committed to providing accurate and reliable testing results, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that their products are safe and compliant with all relevant standards.