SMPS and Power Adapters Under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023: What Changed from IS 13252

SMPS and Power Adapters Under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023: What Changed from IS 13252

SMPS and Power Adapters Under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023: What Changed from IS 13252

Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) and power adapters are among the highest-volume BIS CRS registered products in India. If you manufacture or import these products, here is what changes under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

Products Covered

  • Laptop power adapters
  • Mobile phone and tablet chargers (including USB-C fast chargers)
  • Desktop PC power supplies
  • Server power supplies
  • Universal SMPS for various applications
  • Industrial SMPS units
  • Power adapters for audio/video equipment

PS (Power Source) Classification — The Key New Concept

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 introduces Power Source (PS) classification that directly determines what safeguards are required:

  • PS1: Below 15VA. Minimal safeguard requirements.
  • PS2: 15VA to 240VA. Standard safeguard requirements. Covers most laptop adapters, phone chargers, and small appliance power supplies.
  • PS3: Above 240VA. Highest safeguard requirements. Covers high-power desktop/server power supplies.

The PS classification of your output voltage and current determines which clauses apply. This classification did not exist in IS 13252 (IEC 60950-1). For most mobile chargers and laptop adapters (under 100W), the practical impact is limited. For server power supplies (500W-2000W), PS3 requirements require careful evaluation.

USB-C Power Delivery Chargers — New Requirements

This is where SMPS manufacturers face genuinely new requirements. USB-C PD 3.1 chargers supporting up to 240W are a new product type that IEC 60950-1 (and IS 13252) did not address. IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 specifically covers:

  • VBUS power delivery (5V, 9V, 15V, 20V, 28V, 36V, 48V rails)
  • PPS (Programmable Power Supply) mode requirements
  • Protection requirements for PD negotiation failures
  • Thermal requirements for high-power USB-C chargers

If you manufacture GaN (Gallium Nitride) chargers supporting fast charging protocols, ensure your BIS-recognized lab's test scope specifically addresses USB-C PD under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

Creepage and Clearance for SMPS

Creepage and clearance requirements in IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 are largely similar to IS 13252 for standard SMPS. However, the framework for determining required creepage and clearance is through the PS classification and the voltage rating of the circuit, which differs from the direct table lookup in IS 13252. This means your design must be re-evaluated even if the physical dimensions are unchanged.

Conducted EMC — Still Required Separately

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 does not cover conducted EMC (electromagnetic compatibility). SMPS products in India must also comply with IS/CISPR 22 or equivalent EMC standards. Ensure your compliance program covers both the safety standard (IS/IEC 62368-1:2023) and EMC requirements.

Migration Timeline

  • No new IS 13252 registrations: effective immediately
  • Existing registrations must migrate: by 1 November 2028
  • For SMPS manufacturers with large product portfolios, begin testing immediately to avoid 2027-2028 lab backlogs

House of Testing (HOT) conducts IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 testing for SMPS and power adapters. Contact our team to begin your migration.