Bringing a New Safety Design Concept to Chinese Manufacturers

In January 2010, a new international standard IEC62368-1 was published, with a combined product scope of IEC 60950 -1 and IEC 60065, encompassing Audio/Video, Information Technology and Information Communications Technology Equipment (ITE).  By allowing for safety consideration at the initial product design phase, the new standard incorporates the Hazard Based Safety Engineering (HBSE) concept.

To help Chinese manufacturers understand and prepare for the transition to this new hazard-based safety standard, Flore Chiang, senior project engineer of UL Taiwan, introduced the new international standard IEC62368-1 at a seminar in Shanghai in March 2011 to ITE and A/V product suppliers.  The seminar was hosted by the U.S. Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), the premier voice, advocate, and thought leader for information and communications technology.

At the seminar a number of key topics related to IEC 62368-1 transition were discussed.  These topics covered industry recommendations, the new standard certification process, key technical changes in the new standard and Hazard Based Safety Engineering concept.  Participating manufacturers such as HP, Dell, Intel, Flextronics and Foxconn were actively engaged in the discussions. UL customers can revisit the presentations (in Mandarin) here.

The Shanghai seminar was one of the many seminars organized by UL worldwide to help manufacturers gain practical experience and understanding of the new standard.  It also provides product safety managers and engineers the necessary training, with an aim to promote a smooth transition from existing standards to the new hazard based standard. For manufacturers, the earlier to understand the HBSE concept, the faster they can adapt to the new standard and UL is committed to helping manufacturers prepare to take advantage of the new standard.

For more information, contact Kevin Ravo, General Manager for Technology and Standards.