What is the UL 62368 Standard?

UL 62368 is an international safety standard developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), designed to replace two older standards: UL 60950 (for information technology equipment) and UL 60065 (for audio/video equipment).

Created to adapt to the rapid development of modern technology—especially the technological innovation of audio/video (AV) and information and communication technology (ICT) equipment—UL 62368 is a next-generation safety assessment standard. It adopts a Hazard-Based Safety Engineering (HBSE) approach, focusing more on potential risks during actual product use rather than merely targeting specific product types.

Core Test Items of the UL 62368 Standard

UL 62368 conducts a comprehensive evaluation of product safety performance, covering the following key test items:

1. Electric Shock Hazard Test: Assesses whether the product poses an electric shock risk under normal use and single-fault conditions.
2. Fire Hazard Test: Examines if the product’s materials and structural design can effectively prevent fire outbreaks.
3. Mechanical Hazard Test: Ensures the product’s mechanical structure does not cause harm to users (e.g., sharp edges, unstable components).
4. Radiation Hazard Test: Evaluates whether various radiations emitted by the product (such as optical radiation, laser radiation) remain within safe limits.
5. Chemical Hazard Test: Detects if materials used in the product contain harmful chemical substances.
6. Thermal Hazard Test: Assesses whether the product’s surface temperature and internal component temperatures are within safe ranges.
7. Energy Source Hazard Test: Conducts safety evaluations on various energy sources (e.g., batteries) that may be present in the product.

Scope of Application of the UL 62368 Standard

UL 62368 applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic products, mainly including the following categories:

• Computers and network products: Servers, personal computers (PCs), routers, laptops/desktops, and their supporting power adapters.
• Consumer electronics: Amplifiers, home theater systems, digital cameras, and personal music players.
• Display devices: Monitors, televisions, digital projectors, and other display units.
• Communication equipment: Network infrastructure devices, wireless and mobile phones, and similar communication devices (including battery-powered devices).
• Office equipment: Office automation devices such as copiers and paper shredders.
• Electronic musical instruments: Various electronic music equipment and related accessories.

Significance of Obtaining UL 62368 Certification

1. Enhanced Consumer Trust: For manufacturers looking to expand international business, UL 62368 certification proves that products meet the safety standards of the U.S. market—one of the world’s most stringent and influential markets.
2. Improved Brand Image and Competitiveness: Certification demonstrates that products have passed safety assessments by an internationally authoritative organization, helping manufacturers build a strong market reputation, boost consumer confidence, and gain a competitive edge.
3. Comprehensive Protection of Consumer Rights: UL’s rigorous testing and evaluation process ensures products do not pose potential hazards (e.g., electric shock, fire) during use, effectively safeguarding end-users’ safety.
4. Reduced Product Liability Risks: Identifying and resolving potential safety hazards during certification significantly lowers business risks such as product recalls and lawsuits caused by safety issues.

Detailed Process for Obtaining UL 62368 Certification

Step 1: Preliminary Consultation and Preparation

Contact a professional testing institution accredited by UL, provide detailed product information and technical specifications, and obtain initial evaluation opinions.

Step 2: Professional Quotation and Service Confirmation

Certification engineers develop a detailed quotation plan based on product type, functional complexity, and required test items. After the client confirms, a formal service contract is signed.

Step 3: Formal Application and Sample Submission

Fill out a complete certification application form, prepare test samples that meet requirements and send them to the designated laboratory, and complete the payment of relevant fees.

Step 4: Laboratory Testing and Evaluation

Upon receiving the samples, the laboratory conducts comprehensive testing in accordance with UL 62368 standards. Technical communication with the client regarding test results may be required during this period.

Step 5: Report Review and Certification Issuance

After passing the tests, the laboratory issues an official test report and submits it to UL for final review. Once approved, the UL 62368 certification certificate is issued.

Advantages of Choosing ESTL (Energy Storage Testing Laboratory)

1. Professional Technical Support: A team of senior engineers provides full-process technical guidance starting from the product design phase, helping optimize product design to meet standard requirements.
2. Efficient Certification Process: Familiarity with UL certification procedures and specific requirements significantly shortens the certification cycle and accelerates product market launch.
3. Global Market Access: In addition to UL certification, one-stop services for multi-country certifications are available to help products enter global markets.
4. Continuous Compliance Services: Long-term services such as certificate maintenance and standard update tracking are provided to ensure products remain compliant with the latest regulatory requirements.

As a next-generation product safety standard, UL 62368 is gradually replacing traditional standards worldwide. Understanding and implementing this standard early not only helps enterprises smoothly enter international markets but also reflects their commitment to product safety and quality. It is recommended that manufacturers of relevant electrical and electronic products plan certification work in advance to gain an advantage in market competition.