BS EN IEC 62368-3-2020 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN IEC 62368-3-2020 — Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment. Safety aspects for DC power transfer through communication cables and ports. This is the British adoption of the IEC/EN text addressing safety for DC power delivered over communication interfaces (PSE to PD arrangements).

Abstract

Specifies particular safety requirements for circuits and equipment intended to transfer DC operating power through communication cables and ports (power sourcing equipment — PSE — and powered devices — PD). It is intended to be read and applied together with the general requirements in IEC/EN 62368-1. The document clarifies hazard-based safeguards and application conditions for remote DC power feeding over data/communication links.

General information

• Status: Current / Active national adoption of the IEC/EN text.
• Publication date: 16 April 2020 (BS adoption/publication).
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — published as BS EN IEC 62368-3:2020.
• ICS / categories: 35.020 (Information technology), 33.160.01 (Audio/video and audiovisual systems) — electrical/electronic equipment safety.
• Edition / version: 2020 (national adoption of EN IEC 62368-3, identical to IEC 62368-3 text).
• Number of pages: 32 pages (BS published PDF/print edition).

Scope

The standard applies to equipment designed to supply and receive operating DC power via communication cables and ports. It covers particular requirements for circuits that transfer DC power from power sourcing equipment (PSE) to powered devices (PD), including protective measures, identification and assignment of energy sources, and application rules. It is intended to be used alongside IEC/EN 62368-1 for overall safety requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and classification of energy sources when power is transferred over communication links (PSE / PD concepts).
• Requirements for circuit design and protective measures for DC power transfer through communication ports and cables (overcurrent, short-circuit, isolation and fault conditions).
• Interaction with the hazard-based framework of IEC/EN 62368-1 — read-together requirements and referenced safeguards.
• Marking, identification and installation guidance for powered devices and power sourcing equipment using communication links.
• Transition and legacy-component considerations where older standards (e.g., EN 60950-21) have been superseded by this part and IEC/EN 62368-1.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of audio/video and ICT equipment that implement DC powering over communication interfaces (e.g., PoE-style systems over structured cabling), product safety engineers, test laboratories, compliance managers, and regulators responsible for market access and conformity assessment. It is also referenced by designers and installers who need to apply appropriate safeguards when delivering power via data links.

Related standards

Primary related documents are IEC 62368-1 (general hazard-based safety requirements for AV/ICT equipment) and EN IEC 62368-1 (regional adoption). This part replaces/supersedes earlier application-specific documents such as EN 60950-21 (remote power feeding) and aligns with adoption and transition activities described for IEC 62368 series. Other informative references include IEC TR 62368-2 and relevant telecommunications and network standards (e.g., IEEE 802.3 for power-over-Ethernet where applicable).

Keywords

DC power transfer, communication cables, powered device (PD), power sourcing equipment (PSE), audio/video equipment, information and communication technology, IEC 62368, EN 62368, equipment safety, power over data, marking, safeguards.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: BS EN IEC 62368-3:2020 is the British adoption of Part 3 of the IEC/EN 62368 series, covering safety aspects specifically for DC power transfer through communication cables and ports.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It sets particular requirements for circuits and equipment that supply or receive DC operating power over communication links (PSE to PD), including required protective measures, identification, and application rules; it is to be used with IEC/EN 62368-1.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, design and safety engineers, test laboratories, compliance teams, installers and regulators working with AV/ICT equipment that implement remote DC powering over data/communication interfaces.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is a current national adoption (2020) of the IEC/EN text and was published in 2020; it supersedes application-specific guidance such as EN 60950-21 where applicable and is part of the transition to the IEC 62368 series. Check the national standards body for any later amendments or corrigenda.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the IEC 62368 series. The series' core general requirements are in IEC/EN 62368-1; other related technical reports and parts (for example IEC TR 62368-2) provide additional guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: DC power transfer, power over communication cables, PSE, PD, AV/ICT equipment safety, IEC 62368-1, EN 62368, equipment marking, protective measures.