What is the Low Voltage Directive (LVD)?
The Low Voltage Directive (Directive 2014/35/EU) sets out the basic safety requirements for electrical equipment with AC voltages between 50V and 1000V and DC voltages between 75V and 1500V. These voltage limits apply to electrical inputs or outputs and do not apply to the voltage inside the equipment. After a manufacturer confirms that its product complies with the Low Voltage Directive, it must affix the CE mark.
One way to demonstrate compliance with the Low Voltage Directive is to design and test the product to recognized safety standards. Traditionally, fire and safety companies have used IEC 60960-1 (ICT equipment) and IEC 60065 (AV equipment), but in North America and the European Union, these standards have been replaced by IEC 62368-1.
What is IEC 62368-1?
The second edition of IEC 62368-1 will replace IEC 60950-1 for ICT equipment and IEC 60065 for AV equipment. This change is more than a simple merger of two safety standards, as 62368-1 uses different engineering principles and terminology. When any standard is updated, existing products that comply with either 60950-1 or 60065 must be reviewed for compliance with the new standard.
To help manufacturers make a smooth transition, the U.S. and European agencies have set December 20, 2020, when the 60950-1 and 60065 standards will be phased out and the 62368-1 standard will become applicable. Importantly, 62368-1 applies to end-user products and their components, including power supplies and batteries. OEMs should consider this when sourcing components, as after December 2020, only the 62368-1 standard will apply.
Equivalent standards to IEC 62368-1
The U.S. and Europe have published their own equivalent standards, while other regions, including China, South Korea, and South America, are still reviewing the adoption of 62368-1. Below is a list of regions that have adopted the IEC 62368-1 standard:
- United States – UL 62368-1
- Canada – CSA 62368-1
- Europe – EN 62368-1
- Mexico – NMX-I-62368-1-NYCE-2015
- Japan – JIS C 62368-1:2018
- Australia and New Zealand – AS/NZ 62368.1:2018
Does IS IEC 62868-1 apply to batteries?
Yes, IEC 62868-1 under the Low Voltage Directive applies:
- Control and indicating equipment
- Power supplies
- Components and sub-assemblies of power supplies and CIEs, including batteries
This means that OEMs must source batteries that comply with the Low Voltage Directive to ensure that their products comply with the Directive, especially for security, fire and life safety systems that use batteries as a backup power source.
IEC 62368-1 compliant batteries
According to IEC 62368-1 and the Low Voltage Directive, batteries must meet a specific flammability rating:
- If the plastic case of the battery is classified as fireproof, it must be at least V-1 flame retardant.
- If the entire battery is classified as a resistive PIS, it must meet a V-1 rating.
- If the entire metal case is classified as fireproof, the battery must meet a V-2 flammability rating.
Most certification bodies and testing organizations use a third classification that requires all major plastic components, including the internal battery, to meet at least a V-2 rating.
At Keheng, we offer batteries in both flame retardant classifications. Our Lithium vs. Alkaline Battery Comparison Chart lets you understand the differences in their safety and performance, helping you choose the battery that meets your needs.
Keheng offers UL94-HB-rated products, which indicates that products with a thickness of less than 3mm will burn at a rate of less than 76mm/min. In addition, we also offer UL94-V0-rated flame retardant (FR) options. This means Keheng’s UL94-V0-rated cells can meet manufacturers’ requirements for the Low Voltage Directive, specifically the IEC 62368-1 standard.
The following is a brief overview of the flammability ratings of plastics according to the UL94 standard:
- HB: Slow burning on a horizontal specimen; burning rate less than 76mm/min for thicknesses less than 3mm (Cathen’s standard battery cases fall into this category).
- V2: on vertical specimens, burning stops within 30 seconds; burning drops are allowed.
- V1: On vertical specimens, burning stops within 30 seconds; no burning drops are allowed.
- V0: on the vertical specimen, burning stops within 10 seconds; burning drops are allowed, but the drops cannot be ignited (Keheng flame-retardant battery case complies with this standard).
- 5VB: Vertical specimen stops burning within 60 seconds; no dripping is allowed; a hole may appear in the plaque specimen.
- 5VA: Vertical specimen stops burning within 60 seconds; no dripping is allowed; a hole may form in the plaque specimen.
Choosing a battery that meets these standards ensures your product complies with the Low Voltage Directive. Keheng is ready to help you with IEC 62368-1 battery.