Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements

Note: The ICS code and scope for this NOI (originally published on November 28, 2023) was updated by the responsible SDO on November 19, 2024.

This part of IEC 62368 is applicable to the safety of electrical and electronic equipment within the field of audio, video, information and communication technology, and business and office machines with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V. This document does not include requirements for performance or functional characteristics of equipment.

NOTE 1 Examples of equipment within the scope of this document are given in Annex A. 

NOTE 2 A rated voltage of 600 V is considered to include equipment rated 400/690 V. 

Explanatory information related to this document is contained in IEC TR 62368-2. It provides rationale together with explanatory information that can be helpful to apply to this document.

This document is also applicable to: 

– components and subassemblies intended f or incorporation in this equipment. Such components and subassemblies need not comply with every requirement of this document, provided that the complete equipment, incorporating such components and subassemblies, does comply; 

– external power supply units intended to primarily supply equipment within the scope of this document; 

– accessories intended to be used with equipment within the scope of this document; 

– large equipment installed in restricted access areas. For equipment having large machinery aspects, additional requirements can apply; and

– equipment to be used in tropical regions.

This document also includes requirements for audio/video, information and communication technology equipment intended to be installed in an outdoor location. The requirements for outdoor equipment also apply, where relevant, to outdoor enclosures suitable f or direct installation in the field and supplied for housing audio/video, information and communication technology equipment to be installed in an outdoor location. See Annex Y for specific construction requirements not covered elsewhere in this document. 

This document harmonizes with IEC 61140 and gives consideration to the electrical installation by properly interfacing with the common safety aspects of the installation.

Each installation can have particular requirements. In addition, requirements for protection of the outdoor equipment against the effects of direct lightning strikes are not covered by this document. 

NOTE 3 For information on this subject, see IEC 6 2305 -1 .

This document assumes a maximum altitude of 2 000 m unless otherwise specified by the 

Manufacturer

Additional requirements for equipment having the capability to supply or receive DC power over commonly used communication cables, such as USB or Ethernet (PoE), are given in 

IEC 62368-3. IEC 62368-3 does not apply to:

– equipment supplying or receiving power using proprietary connectors; or 

– equipment using a proprietary protocol to enable the power transfer. 

This document specifies safeguards for ordinary persons, instructed persons, and skilled persons. Additional requirements can apply for equipment that is clearly designed or intended for use by children or specifically attractive to children.

NOTE 4 In Au stralia, the work conducted by an instructed person or a skilled person can require formal licensing from regulatory authorities.

NOTE 5 In Ge rmany, in man y cases a person can only be regarded as an instructed person or a s killed person if certain legal requirements are fulfilled.

This document does not apply to: 

– equipment with non-self-contained hazardous moving parts, such as robotic equipment; 

NOTE 6 For requirements re la ted to robotic equipment in a n industrial environment, see IEC 60204-1, 

IEC 6 0204 -1 1, ISO 10218 -1 and ISO 10218 -2.

– personal care robots, including mobile servant robots, physical assistant robots, and person carrier robots;

NOTE 7 For requirements related to personal care robots, see ISO 13482.

– power supply systems that are not an integral part of the equipment, such as motor-generator sets, battery backup systems and distribution transformers; 

– equipment to be used in wet areas indoors.

This document does not address:

– manufacturing processes except for routine tests; 

– injurious effects of gases released by thermal decomposition or combustion;

– disposal processes;

– effects of transport (other than as specified in this document);

– effects of storage of materials, components, or the equipment itself;

– the likelihood of injury from particulate radiation such as alpha particles and beta particles;

– the use of the equipment in oxygen-enriched or explosive atmospheres;

– exposure to chemicals other than as specified in Clause 7;

– electrostatic discharge events; 

– exposure to electromagnetic fields;

– environmental aspects; or

– requirements for functional safety, except for those related to work cells. 

NOTE 8 For specific functional and software safe ty requirements of electron ic safety-related systems (for example, 

protective electronic circuits), see IEC 6 1508 -1 .

1DV.1 DR Add Clauses 1DV.1.1 to 1DV.1.3: 

1DV.1.1 This standard is applicable to equipment designed to be installed in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), Part I, CSA C22.1:21; the National Electrical Code(NEC), NFPA 70-2023; and the National Electrical Safety Code, IEEE C2 2017.

1DV.1.2 The standard is applicable to equipment, when identified by a marking or instruction [see Annex DVK (Annex DVA, Clause 1 entry)], designed to be installed in accordance with Article 645 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-2023, and the Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, NFPA 75-2020. 

1DV.1.3 See Annex DVA for requirements and references to regulatory requirements that apply to this equipment, as applicable.

1DV.2 D2 Add Clauses 1DV.2.1 to 1DV.2.5: 

1DV.2.1 This standard includes additional requirements for equipment used for entertainment purposes intended for installation in general patient care areas of health care facilities. See Annex DVB.

1DV.2.2 This standard includes additional requirements for equipment intended for mounting under cabinets. See Annex DVC.

1DV.2.3 Additional requirements for equipment with DC power transfer through communication cables and ports are given in IEC 62368-3. IEC 62368-3 Clause 5 for DC power transfer at ES1 or ES2 voltage levels is considered informative. IEC 62368-3 Clause 6 for remote power feeding telecommunication (RFT) circuits is considered normative (see ITU K.50). Alternatively, equipment with RFT circuits are given in either UL 2391 or CSA/UL 60950-21. RFT-C circuits are not permitted unless the RFT-C circuit complies with RFT-V limits (≤ 200V per conductor to earth).

1DV.2.4 This standard does not cover Modular Data Centers (MDCs), only the information and communication technology equipment contained within.

NOTE In the U.S., Modular Data Centers are covered by UL 2755, Modular Data Centers.

1DV.2.5 This standard does not apply to industrial additive manufacturing equipment 

(industrial 3D printers). See UL 2011, Outline of Investigation for Machinery.

NOTE 1: For more information, see Annex DVA (1), including information on non-industrial additive manufacturing equipment covered by this standard.

NOTE 2: In Canada, refer to CSA C22.2 No. 301 – Industrial Electrical Machinery. 

1DV.3 DR Modify Clause 1 by replacing Note 3 with the following:

NOTE 3 For information on this subject, see IEC 62305-1, NFPA 780 or CSA B72.

1DV.4 DC Modify Clause 1 by adding the following paragraph and Notes: 

Battery backup systems that are not an integral part of stationary AV and ICT equipment, such as provided in separate cabinets, are subject to additional requirements in an appropriate standard for battery backup systems, such as ANSI/CAN/UL 1973, Batteries for Use in Stationary and Motive Auxiliary Power Applications.

NOTE 9DV: See Figures 1.1 and 1.2 of UL 1973 for more information on battery systems and modules covered by UL 1973, which can consist of both low voltage (class ES or ES2) and high voltage (class ES3) subsystems, battery management, thermal management, and related features and safeguards. When interconnected with AV, IT, and CT 

Equipment such battery backup systems typically serve as a short-term substitution of the mains supply during power outages and similar disturbances.

Stationary standby batteries having a capacity greater than 3.6 MJ (1 kWh) and installed per 

Article 480, Stationary Standby Batteries, of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-2023, are subjected to additional requirements in an appropriate standard for stationary standby batteries, such as UL 1989:2023. 

Energy storage systems (ESS) having a capacity greater than 3.6 MJ (1 kWh) that are stand-alone or interactive with other electric power production sources, and that are installed per Article 706,Energy Storage Systems, of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-2023, are subjected to additional requirements in an appropriate standard for energy storage systems, such as ANSI/CAN/UL 9540:2023. 

Note 10DV: See Article 100 of NFPA 70-2023 for definitions of Stationary Standby Battery and Energy Storage System (ESS).

Note 11DV: The design, construction, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of stationary energy storage systems (ESS), including mobile and portable ESS installed in a stationary situation, and the storage of lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, are covered by NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems.

1DV.5 DC Add Clause 1DV.5.1: 

1DV.5.1 Power Distribution Equipment and Subassemblies

1DV.5.1.1 This standard also is applicable to power distribution subassemblies connected to a mains used to distribute power entirely within a system of equipment also covered by this standard, such as power distribution units (PDUs) in the form of cord-connected power strips and shelves with multiple power outlets (receptacles) and intended to be installed in system racks, cabinets, home entertainment centers, etc.

1DV.5.1.2 For equipment covered by this standard that incorporates components and subassemblies that perform a power distribution and control function covered by other standards, such as panelboards, load transfer equipment, or uninterruptible power systems utilized in power conditioners and computer power centers, this standard only may be used for investigation of safety for those aspects not covered by the other standards.

1DV.5.1.3 This standard also does not apply to stand-alone equipment used for distribution of mains power that is covered by individual power distribution equipment standards.

1DV.5.1.4 Based on the specific function, the following requirements are applicable to the stand-alone distribution equipment or apply additionally to power distribution subassemblies and components of equipment covered by this standard, as described in 

Clauses 1DV.5.1.1 to 1DV.5.1.3: 

• For Industrial Control Equipment, see CSA C22.2 No. 14 and UL 508;

• For Panelboards, see CSA C22.2 No. 29 and UL 67;

• For Switchboards, see CSA C22.2 No. 244 and UL 891;

• For Transfer Switch Equipment, see CSA C22.2 No.178.1 and UL 1008;

• For Uninterruptible Power Systems, see CSA C22.2 No. 107.3 and UL 1778;

• For Power Distribution Centers for Communications Equipment, see UL 1801; and

• For other forms of power distribution units for general applications, such as: 

– Relocatable Power Taps, see CSA C22.2 No. 308 and UL 1363;

– Cord-connected Surge Protective Devices, see CSA C22.2 No. 269.3 and UL 1449; and

– Furniture Power Distribution Units, see CSA C22.2 No. 308 and UL 962A.

NOTE 1 It is assumed that power distribution equipment covered by the scope of this standard is interconnected to the "outlet" of a "branch circuit" as defined in Section 0 of the CE Code, Part I, and Article 100 of the NEC. In the case of cord-connected equipment, the outlet is the receptacle associated with the building wiring. In the case of permanently connected equipment, the outlet is the interface between the branch circuit conductors associated with the building wiring and the input terminals, pressure connectors, or leads associated with the power distribution equipment covered in whole or part by this standard.

NOTE 2 The following are common definitions of the hardware with related functions that require additional investigation to the appropriate Canadian and U.S. standards:

– Industrial Control Panel: An assembly of two or more components consisting of one of the following:

• power circuit components only, such as motor controllers, overload relays, fused disconnect switches, and circuit breakers;

• control circuit components only, such as pushbuttons, pilot lights, selector switches, timers, switches, control relays; or

• a combination of power and control circuit components.

These components, with associated wiring and terminals, are mounted on or contained within an enclosure or mounted on a subpanel. The industrial control panel does not include the controlled equipment.

– Panelboard: a single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly in the form of a single panel, including buses and automatic overcurrent devices, and equipped with or without switches for the control of light, heat, or power circuits; designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout box placed in or against a wall, partition, or other support; and accessible only from the front.

– Switchboard: a large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels on which are mounted, on the face, back, or both, switches, overcurrent and other protective devices, buses, and usually instruments. Switchboards are generally accessible from the rear as well as from the front and are not intended to be installed in cabinets.

– Transfer switch: an automatic or nonautomatic device for transferring one or more load conductor connections from one power source to another.

– Uninterruptible Power Supply: a power supply used to provide alternating current power to a load for some period of time in the event of a power failure.

1DV.6 DC Add Clause 1DV.6.1: 

1DV.6.1 Fault-Managed (Class 4) Power Systems

This standard does not apply to active components of a fault-managed (Class 4) power system as defined in Article 726, Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems, of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-2023.

NOTE In the U.S., components that actively manage power within a Class 4 system are covered by UL 140 0 -1 , Outline for Fault-Managed Power Systems — Part I: General Requirements. In accordance with the Informational Note No. 1 of NEC Section 726 .1 (Scope), “Class 4 fault-managed power systems consist of a Class 4 power transmitter and a Class 4 power receiver connected by a Class 4 c a bling system. These systems are characterized by monitoring the circuit for faults and controlling the source current to ensure the energy de livered into any fault is limited. Class 4 systems differ from Class 1 , Class 2 , and Class 3 systems in that they are not limited for power de livered to an appropriate load. They are current limited for faults between the Class 4 transmitter and Class 4 receiver.”