EN
Power adapter standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the European Norm (EN) have key differences in scope, regional applicability, and regulatory enforcement. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Scope & Origin
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
- Global standard for electrical technologies, including power adapters.
- Focuses on safety, performance, and interoperability (e.g., IEC 62368-1 for safety, IEC 62680 for USB power delivery).
- Provides a foundation for national/regional standards.
EN (European Norm)
- Regional standards adopted by CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization).
- Often mirrors IEC standards but adds EU-specific requirements (e.g., EN 62368-1= IEC 62368-1 + EU amendments).
- Ensures compliance with EU directives (e.g., Low Voltage Directive (LVD), EMC Directive).
2. Regional vs Global Applicability
IEC: Global standards with an emphasis on international standardization. Designed to ensure the consistent performance of electronic devices worldwide, facilitating international trade. For example, the IEC 62368 standard is an international safety standard for electronic and electrical products, applicable to power adapters in various countries.
EN: Developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), they mainly focus on European countries. They are harmonized with European Union regulations and directives. If a power adapter is to be sold in the European Economic Area, it must comply with relevant EN standards.
3. Key Differences in Requirements
IEC: Created through a consensus of international xperts, they are adopted voluntarily by manufacturers. In most countries, there is no legal requirement to comply with IEC standards. However, many countries base their own legal standards on IEC standards, so adhering to them helps gain access to global markets.
EN: Mandated by European Union legislation, once an EN standard is ratified, it becomes a national standard in all EU member countries. Compliance is essential for market access within the EU. Within EU countries, the relevant EN standard overrides any conflicting standards, including IEC standards. Most EN standards originated from IEC standards, so they are often technically similar.
Aspect |
IEC Standards |
EN Standards |
Legal Force |
Voluntary (unless adopted) |
Mandatory in the EU |
Voltage/Frequency |
Broad (100-240V,50/60Hz) |
Specific to EU (230V,50Hz) |
Plug Types |
Covers global formats (e.g., IEC60320) |
Only EU Plug (e.g.,EN50075 for Euro plug) |
EMC Testing |
General guidelines (IEC 61000) |
Stricter EU EMC Limits (EN 55032, EN 61000) |
Safety Markings |
CB Scheme ( IECEE) recognized |
Requires CE marking (self-declaration or notified body). |
4. Compliance & Certification
IEC Compliance: Often verified via the CB Scheme (mutual recognition across 50+ countries).
EN Compliance: Requires CE marking, involving:
- Testing to harmonized EN standards.
- Technical documentation per EU directives.
- EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
5. Updates & Harmonization
- EN standards frequently align with IEC but may lag by 1–2 years (e.g., IEC 62368-1:2018→EN 62368-1:2020).
- Some EN standards include "country deviations" (e.g., UK still references BS EN post-Brexit).
Conclusion
- Use IEC standards if designing for global markets (basis for US, Japan, etc.).
- Follow EN standards if selling in Europe (legally required for CE compliance).
- Many manufacturers test to both IEC + EN to ensure global market access.
