UL62368 is a safety standard established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for power supplies used in audio/video equipment, information technology equipment (ITE), and communication devices. Its full title is UL Standard for Safety for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment. Centered on "hazard-based safety engineering," this standard replaces the traditional UL60950 (for ITE) and UL60065 (for audio/video equipment), offering broader coverage and better alignment with the safety demands of emerging technologies such as wireless charging and fast-charging power supplies.

1. Scope

This standard applies to power supplies that power the following equipment:

  • Information technology equipment: laptops, routers, servers, printers, etc.
  • Audio/video equipment: televisions, speakers, projectors, gaming consoles, etc.
  • Communication equipment: mobile phones, two-way radios, network switches, etc.
  • Emerging devices: wireless chargers, smart wearable device power supplies, EV chargers, etc.

2. Core Testing Philosophy: Hazard-Based Safeguarding

UL62368 evaluates the effectiveness of protective measures by identifying "energy sources" (e.g., electrical energy, thermal energy, mechanical energy) and "potential hazardous scenarios" (e.g., electric shock, fire, mechanical injury). Testing focuses on:

  • Safety during normal use
  • Safety under single fault conditions (e.g., component failure)
  • Safety under reasonably foreseeable misuse (e.g., child contact, liquid spills)

3. Core Test Items

3.1 Electrical Safety Tests

  • Touch current test (≤3.5 mA AC or ≤5 mA DC)
  • Insulation protection test (basic insulation: 1,500 V; reinforced insulation: 3,000 V)
  • Ground continuity test (≤0.1 Ω)
  • Input test
  • Short-circuit protection test
  • Overload protection test
  • Over-voltage / under-voltage protection test

3.2 Thermal Hazard Protection Tests

  • Temperature rise test (enclosure temperature rise ≤60 K)
  • Thermal abuse test

3.3 Mechanical and Structural Safety Tests

  • Protection against contact test
  • Structural strength test (enclosure impact, plug/connector strength)
  • Small parts test (components with diameter < 31.75 mm must resist choking)

3.4 Environmental Endurance Tests

  • High/low temperature cycling test (-40°C to 70°C)
  • Humidity test (95% RH, 40°C, 48 hours)
  • Vibration and shock test
  • Liquid protection test (IPX4 water resistance)

3.5 Fire and Flame Retardancy Tests

  • Enclosure: at least V-1 rated (self-extinguishing within 30 seconds)
  • Internal critical components: V-0 rated (self-extinguishing within 10 seconds)
  • Glow-wire test (960°C)

3.6 Special Scenario and Fault Condition Tests

  • Single fault test
  • Battery reverse connection / overcharge test
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) related safety

4. Marking and Documentation Requirements

Product markings must include:

  • UL certification mark
  • Rated input/output
  • Safety class (e.g., Class II)
  • Warning statements
  • Manufacturer information

The instruction manual must include installation guidelines, usage limitations, and fault handling procedures.

5. Certification Process and Factory Requirements

  1. Product testing
  2. Factory audit
  3. Post-certification surveillance (quarterly or semi-annual follow-up inspections)

Summary

UL62368 power supply testing is centered on "hazard-based safeguarding," covering the full spectrum of requirements from electrical safety and thermal control to mechanical structure. It is particularly well-suited to addressing the safety challenges posed by emerging technologies such as fast charging and wireless charging.

GreenArk (Shenzhen) Certification Co., Ltd.