The "EN IEC 60950 Information technology equipment - Security" standard, which is based on a European standard and subsequently published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), consists of the following subsections published under the same title:
This standard is also applicable to components and subassemblies intended to be incorporated into information technology equipment. Such components and subassemblies are not expected to comply with every aspect of the standard, provided that the complete information technology equipment containing such components and subassemblies complies with the standard.
Examples of issues where disassembled components and subassemblies may not be compliant include power rating marking and access to hazardous parts.
This standard is applicable to electronic components of equipment, even if they are not fully covered by this standard, such as large-scale air conditioning systems, fire detection systems, and fire suppression systems. Different requirements may be required for some applications. Different requirements may be required for other applications. This standard specifies requirements intended to reduce the risks of fire, electric shock, or injury to operators, laypersons, and, where specifically indicated, service personnel who may come into contact with the equipment. This standard is intended to reduce such risks associated with installed equipment, whether comprising a system of interconnected units or stand-alone units, provided that the equipment is installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Equipment meeting the relevant requirements of this standard is considered suitable for use with process control equipment, automatic test equipment, and similar systems requiring data processing facilities. However, this standard does not include requirements regarding the performance or functional characteristics of the equipment.
With the increasing demand for high-speed internet and advanced network technologies, remote power supply over telecommunications networks has become a critical component of modern information and communication systems. EN IEC 60950-21 was developed to ensure security in these systems, particularly when power and signal share the same conductors. This standard focuses specifically on remote power supply over telecommunications networks.
Remote power supply refers to the process of supplying electrical power over telecommunications cables, often simultaneously with data transmission. A common example is power-over-Ethernet (PET), where devices such as IP cameras, phones, or Wi-Fi access points receive both data and power over the same Ethernet cable. While this technology offers significant cost and installation advantages, it also introduces new safety challenges, particularly the risk of electric shock, overheating, or fire due to the continuous transmission of power over long distances.
The EN IEC 60950-21 standard defines the safety requirements for equipment that supplies or receives power remotely via telecommunications networks and applies to:
It does not cover optical fiber or coaxial-based remote power systems.
This standard applies in particular to:
In short, the EN IEC 60950-21 standard plays a vital role in ensuring the safe commissioning of remote power supply systems. By addressing the electrical, thermal, and energy-related hazards inherent to telecommunications equipment, it has helped create safer environments for both technicians and end users.
Each installation may have specific requirements. Some examples are provided in this standard. Furthermore, the standard does not cover requirements for protecting outdoor equipment against the effects of direct lightning strikes. EN IEC 62305-1 applies to this matter.
As digital infrastructure expands beyond buildings into outdoor spaces such as smart cities, transportation hubs, and industrial zones, outdoor information technology equipment must meet more stringent safety and environmental requirements. These include:
To ensure the safe operation of these devices in a variety of environmental conditions, EN IEC 60950-22 was established. This standard includes specific safety requirements for information technology equipment designed for permanent outdoor installation or that may be exposed to weather, moisture, dust, insects, and physical hazards not found in indoor environments.
This standard requires the following tests to be performed:
These tests help ensure long-term functionality and user safety in all weather conditions.
This standard applies to the following areas:
In short, EN IEC 60950-22 addresses the inherent risks of deploying IT equipment outdoors, filling a significant gap in safety standards. Whether exposed to rain, heat, wind, or wildlife, outdoor devices must meet rigorous criteria to ensure reliable and safe operation. This standard is vital for managing existing outdoor deployments and understanding past compliance standards.
The maximum three-dimensional reach of a cartridge accessory assembly typically has a minimum travel area of 0,75 m3 or more. The equipment should be installed in a restricted-access location, such as a data center.
An example of equipment in this scope is an automated information mass storage and retrieval system that uses integrated hazardous moving parts for processing recorded media (e.g. tape cartridges, tape cassettes, optical discs) and similar functions.
This standard is not applicable to equipment with hazardous moving parts that are not self-contained, such as robotic equipment installed in an industrial environment.
As data centers, telecommunications networks, and critical IT infrastructures grow in complexity and scale, many operators are turning to DC power distribution systems for efficiency, reliability, and scalability. However, high levels of DC power distribution, particularly at voltages such as 380 Volts DC, present unique security risks distinct from traditional AC systems. To address these risks, the EN IEC 60950-23 standard was developed.
This standard specifies safety requirements for DC-powered equipment, particularly those connected to DC power distribution networks in data centers and telecommunications facilities. It focuses on equipment powered directly by a central DC power source rather than the traditional AC mains and operating in environments where multiple devices share a DC distribution network.
The main applications of this standard are:
In short, EN IEC 60950-23 is a vital safety standard that addresses the unique challenges of DC power distribution in IT and telecommunications environments. As organizations increasingly adopt direct DC power architectures to increase efficiency and reduce conversion losses, understanding this standard is crucial for both product designers and system integrators. This standard remains an important reference point for understanding the safe deployment of DC-powered systems in critical infrastructure environments.
Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, conducts testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors with a skilled team and extensive infrastructure. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "EN IEC 60950 Information Technology Equipment - Security" standard.
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