According to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) issued IEC 62477-1:2022 Edition 2.0, the European Union has published the equivalent new standard EN IEC 62477-1:2023, which replaces the previous standards EN 62477-1:2012, EN 62477-1:2012/A11:2014, EN 62477-1:2012/A1:2017, and EN 62477-1:2012/A12:2021. The new version restructured many sections, integrated updated measurement methods from other documents, and coordinated with other product category standards to change measurement conditions for various devices. It has adjusted the scope of applicable products and updated several technical testing requirements.
1. Expanded Scope of Application
The scope of the previous version was as follows:
- Power electronic converter systems (PECS), any designated accessories, and components used for electronic power conversion and switching, including their control, protection, monitoring, and measurement means, such as those designed to convert power as the main purpose, with rated system voltages not exceeding AC 1000V or DC 1500V.
It also served as the reference standard for the following products:
- 1. Speed-controlled power drive systems (PDS)
- 2. Uninterruptible power supply systems (UPS)
- 3. Low-voltage regulated DC power supplies
- 4. Bidirectional converters
In the new standard, the following product categories have been added:
- Bidirectional transducers and power electronic converter systems (PECS) designed to intentionally emit or receive radio waves.
Therefore, the following products or components can now be considered applicable under this standard:
- 1. Charging stations, module power supplies in uninterruptible power supplies, chargers
- 2. Power conversion systems (PCS) in energy storage systems
- 3. High-voltage energy storage battery modules, packs, clusters, systems
- 4. Safety components of home energy storage systems
- 5. Certain portable energy storage power supplies
- 6. High-power inverters
- 7. DC-DC converters
- 8. Bidirectional inverters for industrial power supplies
Additionally, other industrial energy, power electronic products, and their accessories or components, where no specific standards are available, may consider this standard as the minimum safety requirement.
2. Main Technical Changes in the New Standard Compared to the Old Version:
- Simplified the concept of DVC As, including its voltage-time curve
- Improved the consistency of "protection" and "insulation" concepts according to IEC 61140
- Updated contact current limits and added PE conductor current limits
- Rewritten thin-layer tape material requirements, including additional testing
- Added multilayer PCB internal insulation requirements
- Updated mechanical hazard requirements
- Updated enclosure requirements
- Revised wiring and connection requirements
- Updated plastic enclosure requirements
- Added component requirements
- Added several new tests (e.g., UV, operating voltage, SPD, pre-treatment)
- Updated information and labeling requirements
- Added icon contrast requirements
- Updated several annexes
The following table provides information on the current IEC 62477-1 standard version and its validity in different regions:
- Old version: IEC 62477-1:2012 +A1:2016, valid and coordinated standard
- New version: IEC 62477-1:2022 (+COR1:2024), effective but not yet a coordinated standard, can replace the old standard.
CE-LVD Certification:
- Old version: EN 62477-1:2012 + A11:2014 + A1:2017 + A12:2021, valid and coordinated standard
- New version: EN 62477-1:2022, released in October 2023, will replace the old version in August-September 2024.
SAA/rcm certification:
- Old version: AS IEC 62477-1:2012, expired
- New version: AS IEC 62477-1:2024, effective after June 2024.
Australia has already made the 2.0 version of the standard mandatory, and the EU's 2.0 version standard DOW (August 9, 2026) is approaching. Due to the significant technical changes in the new standard, manufacturers are advised to study the new standard early and plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition.
Special note: When using this as a reference standard, select the version based on the requirements of the final product standard. For example, the current EU standard for uninterruptible power supplies EN IEC 62040-1:2019+A11:2021 refers to IEC 62477-1:2012.
Related Standards and Directives:
- IEC 62477-1:2022
- EN IEC 62477-1:2023
- BS EN IEC 62477-1:2023
- IEC 62311:2019
- ICNIRP 1998
- ICNIRP 2010
- Directive 2013/35/EU
24-hour online customer service at any time to respond, so that you worry!