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Note that references are to IEC 60950 Third Edition 1999-04. Where the references in the Second Edition differ, they appear in parentheses.

From the point of view of safety, the power supply is generally the most critical component in the product, separating mains voltage from secondary circuits. These circuits may be separated by basic insulation or double insulation, depending on the nature and design of the product. See circuit separation for a full discussion of this subject.

The insulation and spacing requirements between these circuits apply to all components within the power supply, including the transformer.

Fault tests are also performed on the power supply.

The preferred option is to use a power supply which already has the relevant safety approvals. Make sure the power supply has the approvals you need for your target markets (see Submitting a product to a Test House for Approval).

If you plan to submit your product to a Test House, you will probably be required to submit a copy of the safety approval license of the power supply together with your product. The Test House needs the certificate to authenticate the approval and to ensure that you use the power supply in accordance with any Conditions of Acceptability which may be specified as part of the approval. The supplier of your power supply should be able to get you a copy of the license.

Power supplies which are not approved must be tested by the methods described in IEC 60950. This is liable to increase the cost of testing. If you have a custom-designed tpower supply manufactured for you, you will have to have the it tested within the framework of your product's testing. You must ensure that it has been designed to comply with IEC 60950 and that the electrical diagram, mechanical drawings, bill of materials and component details are available for submission to the test house. You will also have to have in place a mechanism to ensure that the manufacturer cannot change any detail of the power supply without your approval.

American Skynet

Datel (Europe)

Datel (USA and rest of world)

Fortron

Globetek Inc

Lambda Electronics Inc

Condor

Vicor Corporation

The list of manufacturers is given as a service for your convenience. It does not imply i-Spec's recommendation of any particular manufacturer or component. Manufacturers wishing to be added to this list are requested to contact us.