IEC 62368 Electrically-Caused Fire
IEC 62368-1 part 6 evaluates electrically-caused fires pertaining to the product safety of video, information, and communication technology. As a certified product safety testing lab, we realize the importance of IEC 62368 regulatory compliance testing. Meeting the product safety IEC compliance requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.
Keystone takes a consultative approach throughout the entire test program. We create an accurate product safety test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing. Our expert engineers take pride in partnering with customers to achieve product safety compliance. When products do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions.
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Summary of IEC Product Safety Regulatory Compliance Testing
To lower the likelihood of injury or damage due to an electrically caused fire, equipment must be provided with IEC compliant safeguards. A safeguard is described as a device or scheme that is interposed between an energy source capable of causing injury. A safeguard can also be a system that reduces the likelihood of transfer of energy capable of causing pain or injury.
Safeguards can be applied to equipment, installation, or a person. Safeguards can also be a learned or directed behavior intended to reduce the likelihood of the transfer of energy. For this IEC product safety standard, compliance is usually checked by testing, inspection, and the review of IEC 62368 requirements.
Scope of IEC 62368 Electrically-Caused Product Safety Standards
Electrical sources of heating are classified into 3 available power levels.
ES1: A class 1 electrical energy source with specified current or voltage levels. These levels can not exceed ES1 limits under normal operating conditions. Additionally, energy can not pass abnormal or single fault conditions of a component not serving as a safeguard.
ES2: A class 2 electrical energy source. The prospective touch voltage and the touch current must exceed ES1 limits. This is true under normal, abnormal, and single fault operating conditions. Where it is unknown that the connected equipment is likely to comply with this standard the delivered power is limited to PS2.
ES3: A class 3 electrical energy source where both prospective touch voltage and touch current exceed the limit for ES2.
The electrical power source classification is determined by measuring the maximum power under IEC 62368 test conditions. This includes conditions for load circuits and power source circuits.
Under normal and abnormal operating conditions, basic safeguards are required. Furthermore:
- No ignition can occur.
- No part of the equipment will be at a temperature value greater than 90% of the spontaneous ignition temperature limit.
- Combustible materials for other components outside fire enclosures must be of a specified flammability class.
There are two IEC 62368 product safety compliance methods of protection against electrically caused fires. Either method is applied to different circuits of the same equipment under the following conditions:
Reduce the likelihood of ignition: This IEC standard requires equipment to be designed under single fault conditions so no part will have sustained flaming. This IEC 62368 product safety is used for any circuit. However, the available steady-state power to the circuit can not exceed 4,000 W.
Control fire spread: The standard IEC 62368 test selection and application of supplementary safeguards are for components, wiring, materials, and constructional measures that reduce the spread of fire.
Expert IEC 62368 Regulatory Testing Laboratory
Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which allows us to provide short lead times on scheduling. In addition to IEC 62368 compliance testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including EMC/EMI, wireless, and ingress protection lab testing. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing.
Contact us to receive more information on standard test method 62368 product safety testing. Request a quote to see why so many companies partner with Keystone Compliance.
For more information on specific IEC 62368 product safety standards, please visit the links below.