Hazard-based: 2nd, 3rd and 4th edition – what are the differences?

If you find the different editions somewhat confusing, you’re not alone. With the soon-to-be launch of the 4th edition of the Hazard-based standard, IEC 62368-1, let's make a quick comparison to get an overview of the main differences between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions.

And hopefully, this will provide some clarity - and help you in your quest to choose the most appropriate edition for your product. 

The intention for the standard IEC 62368-1 was to cover the scope of the previous standards, IEC 60950-1 (IT equipment) and IEC 60065 (AV equipment). 

However, already at the time of publication, it became evident that the standard had so many significant shortcomings that the IEC countries agreed not to use it for certification. Thus, the 1^st edition of the standard was withdrawn by IEC and was never adopted in Europe.

IEC 62368-1:2014 (2^nd edition)

The improved 2^nd edition was published in 2014, and several thousand CB certificates have been issued since then. There were still shortcomings, particularly concerning the interpretation of some requirements. Because of this, some manufacturers have chosen to wait for the 3^rd edition that was published in 2018. In Europe, EN 62368-1:2014 became mandatory on 20 December 2020, replacing the previous standards EN 60950-1 and EN 60065.

IEC 62368-1:2018 (3^rd edition)

The 3^rd edition is currently the latest version of IEC 62368-1. This edition has several improvements that clarify or replace existing requirements from the previous edition. In Europe, the standard is called EN IEC 62368-1:2020. It was initially going to replace EN 62368-1:2014 on 6 January 2023, but an 18-month extension has been granted. 

IEC 62368-1:2023 (4th edition) 

The 4th edition of the standard is expected to be published in June 2023. This edition also has several improvements that clarify or replace existing requirements. However, the main thing with the 4th edition is that components and parts used in a product can no longer be documented to IEC 60065 / IEC 60950-1 (ref. Clause 4.1.1 in 2nd and 3rd editions).  
In Europe, the standard will be called EN IEC 62368-1:2023 and is expected to be published later in 2023. Since EN IEC 62368-1:2020 never became cited in the Official Journal, there is an expectation that EN IEC 62368-1:2023 will be cited.

Comparing the different editions

Which version should you choose? 

The DOW (date of withdrawal) of the 3rd edition has been confirmed to July 2024, which means that using the 2nd version to show compliance will soon become history*. Manufacturers who intend to sell their product even after July 2024 will have only two choices; the 3rd or the 4th edition.
**When a DOW date is set for an edition of a standard in CENELEC, it means that the preceding edition of the standard will be withdrawn.  

Your choice of version should be based on several factors: 

• What are the main markets in which you intend to sell your product? This plays a role since the adaptation of the different editions varies from country to country.
• For how long do you intend to have the product on the market? 
• It is expected that the 4th edition will be cited in the Official Journal. Without a more “extensive” risk analysis for the 3rd edition, the 4th edition will be the most relevant version for CE marking, and hence Europe.

The best way to map this out will be to speak to an expert. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

We can help you with the following:

• Consultancy so you better understand the considerations you need to take based on how long and where you intend to sell your product
• GAP analysis
• Testing
• Certification
• Global market access

We strongly recommend that you start the process as soon as possible to identify and map out your strategy for your product.