Product Safety · Hazloc Labs
IEC 62368-1 for Hardware Teams: Hazard-Based Safety Without the Fog
IEC 62368-1 (and UL/CSA counterparts) replaced the older 60950/60065 mindset for many IT and AV products. It is hazard-based: identify energy sources, classify them, and apply safeguards.
Core ideas you must socialize with design
- Energy sources — electrical, thermal, chemical, kinetic, radiation — classified by severity
- Safeguards — equipment, installation, and instructional measures that keep people away from harm
- Ordinary person / instructed / skilled — who may access what during use and service
What NRTLs look at first
- Insulation diagram and creepage/clearance tables for mains and SELV/ES1–ES3 boundaries
- Critical components list (PSU, magnetics, plastics, batteries) with ratings and certifications
- Enclosure openings, fire enclosure, and abnormal tests (blocked vents, faults)
- Labels, markings, and instructions that match the safeguard strategy
Preparation that saves weeks
| Deliverable | Tip |
|---|
| BOM with manufacturer PNs | Alternates need equal or better ratings |
| PCB stack-up & spacing drawings | Call out reinforced insulation paths |
| Thermal photos / models | Supports temperature under load |
| User & service manuals | Instructional safeguards are real requirements |
Pitfalls
- Assuming a certified open-frame PSU makes the system “done.”
- Plastics with no flame rating in fire enclosure roles.
- Battery packs evaluated alone while host charging circuitry is ignored.
FAQ
Is CB Scheme enough for the US?
CB can accelerate NRTL work, but US listing still needs an NRTL acceptance path and often national differences. Plan both.
Does 62368 cover EMC?
No. EMC is a parallel program (FCC/CE). Coordinate sample builds so safety mods do not invalidate EMC.
Need a scoped path? Hazloc Labs helps hardware teams with CE, EMC, RF, UL/CSA, materials, and related market-access programs — plus ATEX/IECEx and inspection studies when explosive atmospheres apply. Book a consultation.
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