What is the difference between IEC 60950 and 62368 safety standards ?

IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 are two widely recognized safety standards for electrical equipment. While they share some similarities, they have distinct differences in their scope, approach, and requirements.

Scope and Application

IEC 60950 is an international standard that outlines the safety requirements for electrical equipment, including electrical installations, to ensure the safety of consumers and workers. It applies to equipment that operates in potentially explosive atmospheres, as well as equipment that is not capable of exploding.

On the other hand, IEC 62368 is an international standard that specifies the safety requirements for electrical equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. It applies to equipment that is intended to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as oil and gas facilities, chemical plants, and nuclear power plants.

Key Differences

The primary difference between IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 is their scope. IEC 60950 covers a broader range of equipment, including equipment for low-voltage applications, while IEC 62368 focuses on equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Another significant difference is their approach. IEC 60950 takes a more general approach to safety, while IEC 62368 takes a more specific approach. IEC 60950 provides a general outline of the safety requirements for electrical equipment, while IEC 62368 provides detailed information about the safety requirements for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Requirements

While IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 share some similarities in their requirements, they also have significant differences. For example, both standards require that equipment be designed to minimize the risk of electrical shock and fire.

IEC 60950 requires that equipment be designed to operate in a potentially explosive atmosphere, while IEC 62368 requires that equipment be designed to operate in a potentially explosive atmosphere that is not capable of igniting flammable vapors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IEC 60950 and IEC 62368 are two important safety standards for electrical equipment. While they share some similarities, they have significant differences in their scope, approach, and requirements. The choice of which standard to follow depends on the specific application and the requirements of the equipment. It is important to carefully consider the differences between these two important safety standards to ensure the safety of consumers and workers.