IEC 62368-1 is a product safety standard that applies to audio/video, information and communication technology equipment. It was developed to address the technological convergence of these two fields, where equipment is now often capable of both AV functions such as playing music or video and personal computing.

IEC 62368-1 uses a hazard-based approach to safety analysis. This means that the standard identifies the hazards that could arise from the use of the equipment, and then prescribes safeguards to mitigate those hazards. The safeguards are intended to reduce the likelihood of pain, injury and, in the case of fire, property damage.

• Classification of energy sources: The standard classifies energy sources into different categories, such as electrical, mechanical, and thermal. This classification helps to identify the hazards that are associated with each type of energy source.
• Safeguards: The standard prescribes safeguards to mitigate the hazards associated with each type of energy source. These safeguards can include insulation, shielding, and warning labels.
• Testing: The standard specifies tests that must be performed to verify that the equipment complies with the requirements of the standard. These tests help to ensure that the equipment is safe to use.

Some of the hazards that IEC 62368-1 addresses include:

• Electric shock
• Energy related hazards
• Fire
• Heat related hazards
• Mechanical Hazards
• Radiation
• Chemical hazards