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Power Supply Compliance: Navigating the World of Safety and Efficiency Standards

If you’re an OEM looking for an external power supply manufacturer, it’s essential to choose a company committed to strict safety and efficiency standards. A proactive manufacturer should always stay current with power supply compliance certifications and markings, ensuring safety and quality for both the consumer and the OEM.

Importance of Compliance

Power supply compliance not only safeguards consumers from potential hazards such as electrical fires or shock, but compliance also safeguards the OEM’s reputation and brand name. Let’s further breakdown and discuss more about the benefits of power supply compliance:

Safety

As we discussed, safeguarding consumers is the #1 goal. Safety standard compliance helps protect consumers from potential hazards such as electrical shocks, fires, and other accidents. 

Legal Obligations

Compliance with regulatory requirements is often mandatory and enforced by law. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences, such as fines, product recalls, or even lawsuits. Adhering to regulations ensures that companies operate within the boundaries of the law and avoid potential penalties.

Market Access

Many markets have specific standards and regulations that products must meet before they are to be sold or distributed. Power supply compliance enables access to these markets, expanding the potential customer base and increasing revenue opportunities for businesses.

Reputation Management

Compliance helps safeguard a company’s reputation by demonstrating a commitment to quality, safety, and ethical business practices. Non-compliance or product failures can damage a company’s reputation, leading to loss of trust among consumers, stakeholders, and the wider industry.

Overall, power supply compliance is essential for protecting consumers, ensuring product quality and safety, meeting legal obligations, accessing markets, and managing reputation. It is a fundamental aspect of responsible business conduct and sustainable growth.

What to Look for in Power Supply Manufacturers That Go Above and Beyond

When selecting a power supply manufacturer, it’s essential to choose those that not only meet compliance standards but also excel in optimizing an OEM’s custom product through additional means. Here are some key attributes and practices to look for in manufacturers that go above and beyond power supply compliance:

Extended Testing Procedures

Beyond standard power supply compliance tests, top manufacturers conduct comprehensive testing, including environmental stress screening, longevity tests, and real-world condition simulations:

Environmental Stress Screening: This involves subjecting power supplies to extreme conditions such as rapid temperature cycling, humidity exposure, and high-vibration environments. These tests help identify potential weaknesses in components and assembly processes, ensuring the power supplies can withstand harsh conditions without failure.

Longevity Tests: These tests assess the durability and lifespan of power supplies by operating them continuously under full load and elevated temperatures over extended periods. Manufacturers who perform longevity tests can guarantee that their products maintain performance and reliability over their entire expected lifecycle, reducing the risk of premature failure.

Real-World Condition Simulations: This type of testing replicates the actual operating conditions in which the power supplies will be used. By simulating various scenarios such as fluctuating power demands, voltage spikes, and thermal loads, manufacturers can ensure their products are robust enough to handle real-world challenges, providing consistent performance and safety.

Quality Certifications

ISO9001, ISO 14001, and other certifications indicating robust quality management and environmental management systems.

Green Compliance

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and US Toxic Substances Control Act compliance indicate a commitment to environmental responsibility.

U.S. Technical Support

Power supply manufacturers that offer U.S. technical support and direct access to engineering expertise is a great way to tell a company is a right fit for an OEM, especially if an OEM resides in the U.S. This translates into faster response time for inquires, no language barriers or significant time zone differences to navigate.  

Types of Safety & Efficiency Standards & Certifications

There are many certification standards, but let’s take a moment to recognize and learn about a few of them:

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposed stricter energy efficiency standards for external power supplies in February 2023 aiming to reduce wasted energy consumption. The proposed standard, DOE Level VII, aims to introduce stricter energy efficiency requirements for these devices. If the proposed standard is determined to be justified, this standard will mandate that manufacturers achieve a higher average efficiency level and reduce no-load energy consumption. This requirement would take effect two years after the final rule is published in the Federal Register.

DOE Level VI:

The DOE Level VI standard, established by the U.S. Department of Energy, sets rigorous efficiency benchmarks for external power supplies. It focuses on reducing standby power consumption when devices are not in use. Meeting Level VI compliance ensures that power supplies are more energy-efficient, thereby decreasing electricity usage and minimizing environmental impact.

DOE Level VII:

Proposed in early 2023, DOE Level VII represents an anticipated enhancement to existing standards. Although not yet officially adopted, this new standard would require manufacturers to meet even higher average efficiency levels and further lower no-load energy consumption.

Ecodesign (EU 2019/1782) Level VI

Ecodesign (EU 2019/1782) Level VI is an efficiency regulation aimed at reducing energy consumption of external power supplies used with electrical and electronic equipment. It sets minimum energy efficiency requirements, contributing to energy savings and environmental sustainability within the EU and UK markets.

UL Ratings

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) provides various ratings for electrical devices, including power supplies. These ratings may include UL-listed, UL Recognized, or UL Certified, indicating compliance with specific safety and performance standards. Power supplies for audio/visual and information technology equipment products must comply with UL’s standard 62368-1 and IEC 62368-1 (Europe). UL 62368-1 is a safety standard established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), primarily applicable in the United States and Canada. 

IEC 62368-1:2023  (Europe)

IEC 62368-1:2023 is a widely recognized safety standard for audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment. It emphasizes hazard-based safety engineering and is adopted by various regions globally, ensuring products comply with modern safety principles.

FCC

Compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards is crucial switch-mode power supplies and related devices. The compliance is critical to mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and to maintain operations within permissible frequency thresholds. Rigorous testing is mandatory to certify that these devices do not disrupt other electronic equipment and function safely within designated power parameters. Not only does FCC compliant guarantee reliability of the product, but also facilitates legal market entry, providing consumers with confidence in the quality and safety of the product.

EN 55032 (Europe)

Like FCC, EN55032 is an emission standard regulating electromagnetic interference (EMI) from applicable electronic devices, such as external power supplies and components that are sold in the European Union and the UK. It specifies limits and methods of measurement for emissions of radio frequency (RF) disturbances, ensuring that electronic devices do not interfere with other equipment or radio services.

RoHS (Europe)

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an environmental regulation that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in the manufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment. Compliance with RoHS is essential for market access in the EU, UK, and other jurisdictions worldwide.

Latest Certifications by Country

• U.S. – UL 62368-1
• Canada – UL 62368-cUL 62368-1
• EU – IEC 62368-1:2023
• UK – BS EN 62368-1:2014
• Argentina – TUV GS or IRAM
• Australia/New Zealand – AS/NZS 62368.1:2022
• Brazil – TUV
• China – CCC
• Japan – PSE
• Korea – KC
• India – BIS
• Israel – SII
• Mexico – NOM-001
• Morocco – CP Mark
• South Africa – SAB
• Taiwan – BSMI
• UAE  – G (Gulf) Mark

Emissions Standards

• U.S. – FCC Part 15 Class B
• Canada – CAN ICES-003(B)/NMB-003(B)
• EU – EN 55032
• UK – EN 55032
• Australia/New Zealand – CISRP 32
• Japan – VCCI
• Korea – KCC
• Mexico – NOM-029
• UAE – G (Gulf) Mark

Efficiency Certifications

• U.S. – Level VI mark
• Canada – NRCan Level VI mark
• EU – Ecodesign (EU 2019/1782) Level VI mark
• UK – Ecodesign (EU 2019/1782 Level VI mark
• Australia/New Zealand – AS/NZS 4665.1-2005+A1:2009: AS/NZS 4665.2-2005+A1:2009
• Korea – K-MEPS
• Mexico – NOM-029

Environmental Certifications

•  U.S. – Proposition 65 for California; US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for Federal.
• EU – RoHS
• UK – RoHS
• Russia – EAC CU

Why Choose Phihong for Your Power Supply Needs?

When navigating the complex landscape of power supply compliance, choosing a manufacturer like Phihong can make all the difference for OEMs aiming to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable products to market. Phihong’s steadfast commitment to stringent standards and certifications positions them as a trusted partner in the industry. Here’s why an OEM should consider Phihong:

Commitment to Compliance and Safety

Phihong’s extensive portfolio of certifications and declarations—including UL, CE, FCC, DoE Level VI, and RoHS—underscores our dedication to meeting global safety and environmental standards. These certifications not only ensure product safety but also facilitate market entry across regions with varying regulatory requirements.

Quality Assurance and Reliability

By adhering to rigorous testing and validation processes, Phihong goes beyond basic compliance to deliver robust, high-quality power supplies. Extended testing procedures such as environmental stress screening and longevity tests guarantee that their products withstand real-world conditions, ensuring reliability throughout their lifecycle.

Environmental Responsibility

Phihong’s adherence to green regulations like RoHS and commitment to energy-efficient designs (including compliance with DOE Level VI and the proposed Level VII standards) reflect their proactive stance on environmental sustainability. Choosing Phihong means supporting eco-friendly practices without compromising performance.

Global Presence & Expertise

Phihong offers a strong, global presence, but what makes us stand out among power supply manufacturers is our dedicated focus on the U.S. market. We offer extensive R&D, logistics, and customer support across the nation, ensuring that OEMs have direct access to our engineers for prompt resolution of inquiries and issues. This approach not only fosters seamless partnerships but also prioritizes collaborative support every step of the way.

Reputation and Trust

Partnering with Phihong not only enhances product credibility but also safeguards an OEM’s reputation. By aligning with a reputable manufacturer known for reliability and ethical business practices, OEMs mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and uphold their brand integrity in competitive markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when selecting a power supply manufacturer, OEMs should prioritize reliability, compliance, and sustainability. Phihong excels in these areas, offering a comprehensive suite of certified products, rigorous testing protocols, and global support that empower OEMs to innovate confidently and deliver exceptional products to consumers worldwide. 

Call us today if you have any questions or want to partner with us: 510-445-0100 or email us at usasales@phihongusa.com. We look forward to collaborating with you.

Explore More with Phihong USA

As we conclude our exploration of PoE technology, it’s evident how these innovations are streamlining power and data integration across various industries. Phihong USA stands at the forefront of this technological advancement, offering a diverse range of power solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern industries.

Phihong USA’s extensive product lineup includes:

• Power over Ethernet (PoE) Solutions: Delivering reliable power and data transmission over a single cable, ideal for simplifying network installations and reducing costs.
• AC/DC Adapters and Power Supplies: From compact adapters to industrial-grade power supplies, Phihong provides solutions that ensure efficiency and reliability in various applications.
• Battery Chargers: Customizable chargers for lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, supporting a wide range of power requirements for mobility and industrial applications.
• Medical Power Supplies: Specialized power solutions designed to meet the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry, ensuring safety and reliability.

Phihong USA is committed to innovation and excellence, continually developing products that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. Their global reach and dedication to customer support make them a trusted partner in powering the future.

Here are some useful links to explore Phihong USA’s offerings further and bring in new potential clients:

• Power over Ethernet Solutions
• AC/DC Adapters
• Battery Chargers
• Medical Power Supplies

Visit Phihong USA to discover how their advanced power solutions can support your business needs. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your network, or find reliable power supplies, Phihong USA has you covered.

By choosing Phihong USA, you’re partnering with a leader in power technology, ensuring your operations run smoothly and efficiently with top-tier power solutions.