Following the releases of the international standard IEC 62368-1:2023 (4th Edition) and the European standard EN IEC 62368-1:2024 (4th Edition), the US standard UL 62368-1:2025 (4th Edition) has now been officially published as of July 31, 2025. On the same day, it was adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a US national standard.
The release of UL 62368-1:2025 marks another milestone in the safety regulations and electrical safety testing for audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment (AV/ICT) in the United States.
Here are the key updates in the new UL 62368-1:2025 compared to the previous version, UL 62368-1:2019/R:2021:
Update 1: Components certified under the legacy standards IEC 60950-1 (IT equipment) or IEC 60065 (audio/video equipment) will no longer be accepted. Manufacturers relying on such components must urgently review their BOM lists, as many components may still require recertification or replacement.
Update 2: Revised structural requirements for button batteries, now including compliance with UL 4200A (Safety Standard for Products Containing Button Batteries).
Update 3: Updated tables for external circuit requirements, with revised definitions for external circuit classifications in accordance with IEC TR 62102. Overvoltage values for different types of external circuits have also been corrected.
Update 4: Revised requirements for openings in fire enclosures, primarily focusing on adjustments to the dimensions for side openings.
Update 5: Enhanced foreign object detection testing for wireless charging, specifying that the wireless charger and device coils must be center-aligned or assisted in alignment before testing. Two test conditions have been added: Part A (power on before placing a foreign object) and Part B (place a foreign object before powering on).
Update 6: Added a new requirement for fusible resistors used as safety protection devices, mandating compliance with IEC 60127-8.
Update 7: Updated requirements for liquid-cooled components, introducing new standards for leak detection, fluid compatibility, and pressure release for modular liquid cooling systems (LFC) with a capacity exceeding 1 liter. This applies to advanced cooling scenarios such as AI servers and high-performance computing equipment.
Update 8: Significantly expanded requirements for rechargeable lithium batteries. New mandatory requirements have been introduced for stationary lithium battery systems, covering non-portable applications like data center backup power and large-scale energy storage systems. For batteries with segmented parameters, segment testing is now explicitly required.
Update 9: Introduced a new fire spread test caused by external heat sources for devices with mesh/grid structures, breathable materials, or surfaces covered with foam/fabric.
Related companies are advised to closely review these updates and take necessary actions to ensure compliance with the latest safety standards.
For more details, see: https://www.shopulstandards.com/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=UL62368-1_4_S_20250731
