IEC 62368-1 is a safety standard that ensures IT equipment is designed to protect users from electrical, thermal, and mechanical hazards. Its hazard-based approach identifies potential risks and implements safeguards, making it essential for compliance, user safety, and market acceptance.

Energy sources are classified into three levels:
Energy Level 1: Safe under normal use (i.e. low energy).
Energy Level 2: May cause pain but not hazardous (i.e. medium energy).
Energy Level 3: Potentially dangerous (i.e. high energy, extreme heat).

The standard specifies:
Basic safeguards for Energy Level 1 (low-risk) sources.
Supplementary safeguards for Energy Level 2 (moderate-risk) sources.
Reinforced safeguards for Energy Level 3 (high-risk) sources.

IEC 62368-1 applies to AV and IT equipment like TVs, audio devices, computers, and servers used in both residential and commercial settings.

The standard ensures electrical safety by setting strict guidelines for insulation, clearance, creepage, and leakage current testing to minimize the risk of electrical hazards.

The standard limits surface temperatures, requires proper ventilation, and mandates thermal protection systems to prevent burns or overheating.

The standard requires flame-retardant materials, circuit protection, and testing to reduce fire risks and slow flame spread in AV and IT equipment, or enclosure design to prevent spread of fire.

Products must have safeguards against sharp edges, moving parts, and impact, ensuring they safely withstand normal use and external forces.