March 17, 2020
In the ever-changing world of digital technology, safety standards for audio/visual (AV) and information communications technology (ICT) products are regularly updated and developed to reflect the changes. With the introduction of ANSI/UL 62368-1, product safety for these products has moved from a prescriptive approach to a hazard-based safety approach, offering greater flexibility in product design and making it easier for the introduction of new technology.
ANSI/UL 62368-1 is the hazard-based safety standard that will eventually replace the existing Standards ANSI/UL 60065, Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus and ANSI/UL 60950–1, Information Technology Equipment.
The effective date for changing from UL 60950-1 and UL 60065 to UL 62368-1 is coming, and the new Standard includes applicable ordinary locations (OrdLoc) requirements in addition to hazardous locations (HazLoc) AV/ICT product certifications. Start preparing today. After the transition date of 1 December 2020, only UL 62368-1 supports new HazLoc AV/ICT certifications. The specific UL HazLoc certification categories that reference these AV/ICT Standards as the applicable OrdLoc requirements include:
UL 62368-1 as the applicable OrdLoc requirements
- Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment for Use in Hazardous Locations (AZOW/2)
- Power Supplies for Use with Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment for Use in Hazardous Locations (QQQG/2)
UL 60950-1 as the applicable OrdLoc requirements
- Information Technology Equipment for Use in Hazardous Locations (NWHP/2, NWHC/2)
- Power Supplies for Use in Hazardous Locations (QQPX2, QQQD2)
UL 60065 as the applicable OrdLoc requirements
- Camera Equipment for Use in Hazardous Locations (CYPH, CYPB)
UL Product iQ® provides certification category information. (https://www.ul.com/apps/product-iq)
Start preparing for your transition today: UL can help streamline your move from UL 60950-1 and UL 60065 to UL 62368-1. You can rely on our expertise to simplify the process, minimize compliance and regulatory delays, and reduce turnaround time, thus accelerating your global market access.
In addition, if you are interested in expanding the market opportunities for products that only have UL OrdLoc certification at this time, we are here to help you obtain UL HazLoc certification to these products. We have a “5 Easy Steps” approach to expanding OrdLoc-only UL certified products to add HazLoc UL certification. These “5 Easy Steps” focus on the following risk of ignition issues:
- Utilize NEC wiring restrictions on external interconnecting means (e.g. threaded entries & knockouts, cable glands and I/O ports)
- Protect potentially arcing parts requiring additional protection (e.g. relays, switches, fuses, connectors, motors and batteries)
- Address the effects of ambient on surrounding air temperature and critical material specifications
- Establish a temperature classification (T-Code) issued based on the maximum temperature for all parts of the equipment
- Rely on certain UL/NEMA Types or IP Codes can expand Division 2 certification options
Let us know if you would like assistance. We are here to help!
View related on-demand webinar: 62368-1 Recent Updates
