There’s always something new to explore when it comes to topics like AC DC Desktop Power Adapters. In this article, we take a closer look from a fresh angle, sharing ideas, insights, and experiences that matter. No matter your background, we hope the content gives you something to think about or apply.
Article Outline
UL Standards
VDE Standards
North America (United States & Canada)
Japan
Korea
Creepage Distance
Fire Resistance
Leakage Current
Temperature and Mechanical Safety
Household Appliance Adapters
Medical Device Adapters
Industrial Device Adapters
Structural Optimization
Testing and Verification
Emerging Trends
· IEC : Specialized for medical electrical devices, it specifies leakage currents not exceeding 0.1mA and requires dual or reinforced insulation. At YHYadapter, we ensure that our medical-grade AC-DC adapters meet these high standards for safety and reliability.
· UL : This standard covers the safety of information technology devices, equivalent to IEC .
CE certification is mandatory for all products sold in the EU market. For AC-DC power adapters, this requires compliance with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), ensuring the safety, health, and environmental protection of the product. YHYadapter ensures all our products carry the CE mark, meeting the necessary requirements for the European market.
· GS Certification:
The GS mark is a voluntary safety certification in Germany but is highly recognized in Europe. It indicates that a product meets stringent safety standards, especially in terms of reliability and safety in usage. YHYadapter proudly carries GS certification on our products, ensuring reliability and quality for European customers.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) provides rigorous testing for materials, structure, and performance of power adapters. Products that pass UL certification are considered safer and can legally be sold in the U.S. market. YHYadapter is a UL-certified manufacturer, ensuring our AC-DC power adapters meet the highest safety standards for the North American market.
· FCC Certification:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certifies that power adapters meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. It ensures that the device does not generate harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could affect other devices. YHYadapter’s products are FCC-certified, ensuring our power adapters are safe for use in the U.S. and Canada.
· CSA Certification (Canada):
Similar to UL, CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification ensures that electrical products meet the safety and performance standards required for use in Canada. YHYadapter’s products are also CSA-certified to meet Canadian safety standards.
Japan’s electrical safety certification system divides products into two categories: "Specific Electrical Appliances" and "Non-Specific Electrical Appliances." AC-DC power adapters fall under "Specific Electrical Appliances" and must meet safety standards, including electrical insulation, heat resistance, and flame resistance. YHYadapter products are PSE-certified, meeting Japan’s strict electrical safety regulations.
· JIS Standards:
Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) often complement PSE requirements, particularly in electrical safety and durability testing, ensuring that adapters meet the local market's safety needs. YHYadapter adheres to JIS standards for additional reliability in Japan.
The Korea Certification (KC) mark is required for products sold in South Korea. For AC-DC adapters, the KC certification ensures compliance with safety regulations, including electrical insulation, thermal protection, and electromagnetic interference. YHYadapter ensures all our products meet the KC certification, making them suitable for the Korean market.
· KCC Certification:
The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) certification ensures that electronic devices meet electromagnetic compatibility standards, preventing interference with communication equipment. YHYadapter products are KCC-certified to guarantee compliance with Korean EMC regulations.
· Reinforced insulation (primary-to-secondary): withstand voltage ≥V AC (IEC -1). YHYadapter ensures our products meet these insulation requirements for global markets.
· Between primary and secondary: ≥5.0mm (reinforced insulation).
· Plug needs to pass insertion and removal tests.
· Requirements: Output protection (SELV circuits ≤42.4V AC or 60V DC), overload protection (fuses or electronic circuits), EMC compatibility (conducted disturbances ≤60dBμV). YHYadapter offers reliable solutions for IT device adapters.
Requirements: Enclosure must withstand 1m drop test, plug size must comply with local standards (e.g., plug thickness ≤1.5±0.1mm), water resistance (IPX4 or above).
· Requirements: Leakage current control (≤0.01mA), dual insulation redundancy, EMC immunity (±8kV contact discharge). YHYadapter provides AC-DC power adapters for medical applications that meet IEC -1 standards.
· Requirements: Wide temperature range (-25℃ to 70℃), vibration resistance, over-voltage category III.
· Install insulation barriers between primary and secondary to enhance creepage distance.
· Ball pressure test: 125°C for 1 hour, indentation diameter ≤2mm.
· Fast charging safety: USB PD 3.1 should support high-voltage communication protocols (28V/48V).
YHYadapter specializes in high-quality power adapters and chargers, including fast chargers, for global markets. With 18 years of expertise, our experienced team offers customized 5W-300W power supplies and develops new products to meet international standards like UL,FCC, CE,GS,CCC,PSE,KC,KCC,RCM etc.Our products are widely used in IT, Automation, Audio, Video,Household,Medical,LED lighting, and more.
**Contact us today for a quote!**
North America / Latin America Region
In summary, it’s clear that Desktop Power Adapters connects to much more than it seems at first glance. Whether you're reflecting, planning, or exploring new ideas, we hope this article added value and gave you something to take away.
1.Introduction
AC-DC power adapters play a critical role in the conversion of AC power (alternating current) to DC power (direct current) for various electronic devices. With the increasing use of electronic equipment in daily life, the safety of these adapters has become an essential concern. A power adapter that complies with safety standards not only ensures user safety but also guarantees stable device performance and contributes to energy efficiency and environmental protection. As a professional manufacturer of AC-DC power adapters and AC chargers, YHYadapter ensures that all our products meet these rigorous standards, offering comprehensive certifications for major global markets.Article Outline
- Introduction
- Global Safety Standards
UL Standards
VDE Standards
- European, American, Japanese, and Korean Standards
North America (United States & Canada)
Japan
Korea
- Core Safety Technical Indicators
Creepage Distance
Fire Resistance
Leakage Current
Temperature and Mechanical Safety
- Safety Standards for Different Applications
Household Appliance Adapters
Medical Device Adapters
Industrial Device Adapters
- Key Practices and Trends in Safety Design
Structural Optimization
Testing and Verification
Emerging Trends
- Conclusion
2.Global Safety Standards
AC-DC power adapters are governed by a set of international standards. The most commonly followed include:2.1.IEC Standards (International Electrotechnical Commission)
· IEC -1: This standard, which replaces older standards like IEC and IEC , focuses on safety measures against electrical shocks, fires, and mechanical hazards in audio, video, and information technology devices.· IEC : Specialized for medical electrical devices, it specifies leakage currents not exceeding 0.1mA and requires dual or reinforced insulation. At YHYadapter, we ensure that our medical-grade AC-DC adapters meet these high standards for safety and reliability.
2.2.UL Standards (Underwriters Laboratories)
· UL : Class II power adapters, which focus on fire safety and grounding, requiring an output of ≤42.4V (peak) or 60V (DC). YHYadapter’s products are UL-certified, providing assurance that our power adapters meet the highest safety and performance standards for North American markets.· UL : This standard covers the safety of information technology devices, equivalent to IEC .
2.3.VDE Standards (German Electrical Engineers Association)
· EN : Applies to household appliances, with strict requirements for electrical gaps and creepage distances (e.g., ≥4mm between primary and secondary circuits). At YHYadapter, we ensure all of our power adapters comply with these stringent European safety standards.3.European, American, Japanese, and Korean Standards
AC-DC power adapters must meet specific standards to be sold in various regions. Here's a breakdown of the requirements for key global markets:3.1.Europe
· CE Certification:CE certification is mandatory for all products sold in the EU market. For AC-DC power adapters, this requires compliance with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), ensuring the safety, health, and environmental protection of the product. YHYadapter ensures all our products carry the CE mark, meeting the necessary requirements for the European market.
· GS Certification:
The GS mark is a voluntary safety certification in Germany but is highly recognized in Europe. It indicates that a product meets stringent safety standards, especially in terms of reliability and safety in usage. YHYadapter proudly carries GS certification on our products, ensuring reliability and quality for European customers.
3.2.North America (United States & Canada)
· UL Certification:UL (Underwriters Laboratories) provides rigorous testing for materials, structure, and performance of power adapters. Products that pass UL certification are considered safer and can legally be sold in the U.S. market. YHYadapter is a UL-certified manufacturer, ensuring our AC-DC power adapters meet the highest safety standards for the North American market.
· FCC Certification:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certifies that power adapters meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. It ensures that the device does not generate harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could affect other devices. YHYadapter’s products are FCC-certified, ensuring our power adapters are safe for use in the U.S. and Canada.
· CSA Certification (Canada):
Similar to UL, CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification ensures that electrical products meet the safety and performance standards required for use in Canada. YHYadapter’s products are also CSA-certified to meet Canadian safety standards.
3.3.Japan
· PSE Certification:Japan’s electrical safety certification system divides products into two categories: "Specific Electrical Appliances" and "Non-Specific Electrical Appliances." AC-DC power adapters fall under "Specific Electrical Appliances" and must meet safety standards, including electrical insulation, heat resistance, and flame resistance. YHYadapter products are PSE-certified, meeting Japan’s strict electrical safety regulations.
· JIS Standards:
Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) often complement PSE requirements, particularly in electrical safety and durability testing, ensuring that adapters meet the local market's safety needs. YHYadapter adheres to JIS standards for additional reliability in Japan.
3.4.Korea
· KC Certification:The Korea Certification (KC) mark is required for products sold in South Korea. For AC-DC adapters, the KC certification ensures compliance with safety regulations, including electrical insulation, thermal protection, and electromagnetic interference. YHYadapter ensures all our products meet the KC certification, making them suitable for the Korean market.
· KCC Certification:
The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) certification ensures that electronic devices meet electromagnetic compatibility standards, preventing interference with communication equipment. YHYadapter products are KCC-certified to guarantee compliance with Korean EMC regulations.
4.Core Safety Technical Indicators
4.1.Electrical Insulation
· Basic insulation (primary circuit): withstand voltage ≥V AC.· Reinforced insulation (primary-to-secondary): withstand voltage ≥V AC (IEC -1). YHYadapter ensures our products meet these insulation requirements for global markets.
4.2.Creepage Distance
· L-N between primary and secondary circuits: ≥2.5mm (pollution degree 2).· Between primary and secondary: ≥5.0mm (reinforced insulation).
4.3.Fire Resistance
· Enclosure and PCB materials should meet UL 94 V-0 or V-1 grade (self-extinguishing within 30 seconds).4.4.Leakage Current
· Metal parts in contact with users should have leakage current ≤0.25mA (UL) or ≤0.75mA (VDE).4.5.Temperature and Mechanical Safety
· Enclosure temperature rise ≤65°C (IEC -1).· Plug needs to pass insertion and removal tests.
5.Safety Standards for Different Applications
5.1.IT Device Adapters (e.g., Laptops/Routers)
· Standards: IEC -1 / UL· Requirements: Output protection (SELV circuits ≤42.4V AC or 60V DC), overload protection (fuses or electronic circuits), EMC compatibility (conducted disturbances ≤60dBμV). YHYadapter offers reliable solutions for IT device adapters.
5.2.Household Appliance Adapters (e.g., Small Appliances/Chargers)
· Standards: EN / IECRequirements: Enclosure must withstand 1m drop test, plug size must comply with local standards (e.g., plug thickness ≤1.5±0.1mm), water resistance (IPX4 or above).
5.3.Medical Device Adapters (e.g., Monitors/Infusion Pumps)
· Standards: IEC -1· Requirements: Leakage current control (≤0.01mA), dual insulation redundancy, EMC immunity (±8kV contact discharge). YHYadapter provides AC-DC power adapters for medical applications that meet IEC -1 standards.
5.4.Industrial Device Adapters (e.g., PLC/Sensors)
· Standards: IEC -1· Requirements: Wide temperature range (-25℃ to 70℃), vibration resistance, over-voltage category III.
6.Key Practices and Trends in Safety Design
6.1.Materials Selection
· Use V-0 flame-retardant PC/ABS for enclosures, and transformer bobbins ≥0.64mm thick.6.2.Structural Optimization
· Use Y capacitors to suppress common-mode interference, and X capacitors to filter differential-mode noise.· Install insulation barriers between primary and secondary to enhance creepage distance.
6.3.Testing and Verification
· Dielectric strength testing: V AC/1min (primary-to-secondary), with no breakdown.· Ball pressure test: 125°C for 1 hour, indentation diameter ≤2mm.
6.4.Emerging Trends
· Efficiency standards: DoE Level VI and EU CoC V5 require no-load power consumption ≤0.1W.· Fast charging safety: USB PD 3.1 should support high-voltage communication protocols (28V/48V).
7.Conclusion
The safety standards for AC-DC power adapters are fundamental to ensuring user safety and device reliability. These standards provide technical barriers that help build user trust. Designers must integrate application scenarios (e.g., medical, industrial), regional regulations (e.g., UL, CE, PSE), and emerging demands (e.g., fast charging) into a comprehensive safety system. YHYadapter ensures that all our products are fully certified for major global markets, offering complete peace of mind for customers. Only by doing so can we achieve zero-risk protection in the “last inch” of energy conversion.YHYadapter specializes in high-quality power adapters and chargers, including fast chargers, for global markets. With 18 years of expertise, our experienced team offers customized 5W-300W power supplies and develops new products to meet international standards like UL,FCC, CE,GS,CCC,PSE,KC,KCC,RCM etc.Our products are widely used in IT, Automation, Audio, Video,Household,Medical,LED lighting, and more.
**Contact us today for a quote!**
UNIFIVE's products are developed and designed based on the IEC*1 technical standards, and we are committed to deploying these products widely.
We offer a broad range of models that can be deployed internationally, beyond Japan, according to our customers' needs. When considering overseas expansion, Unifive can introduce models that conform to the technical standards of the destination country*2.
Furthermore, even if your target destination is not currently supported, UNIFIVE conducts conformity verification and can manage the application and acquisition of various national safety standards for the desired shipping country according to your needs.
*1 IEC stands for the International Electrotechnical Commission, an international standardization body that deals with electrical engineering, electronic engineering, and related technologies. It develops rules for creating international standards (Directives), standards conformity (ISO/IEC series), and IT technology (ISO/IEC JTC1), some of which are developed jointly with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
*2 Some regions may not be supported depending on the country of shipment. For more details, please get in touch with UNIFIVE's sales offices.
Workflow in Acquiring National Safety Standards
For reference,
To apply/obtain safety standards to shipping countries according to the customer's request, we will go ahead with the following procedure according to the following procedure.
STEP1
Customer- Development completed models and AC adapter/open frame product evaluations completed by UNIFIVE.
- Request Unifive to obtain international safety standards.
- Based on customer requests, we apply for cost estimates to obtain international safety standards from third-party certification bodies.
- Receive the costs for obtaining international safety standards from Unifive.
STEP2
UNIFIVE- Receive quotations for the cost of obtaining international safety standards from third-party certification bodies.
- Issue and submit quotations for the cost of obtaining international safety standards to the customer
- Receive a quotation for the cost of obtaining international safety standards certification from UNIFIVE.
- Issue a request for the application to obtain international safety standards for UNIFIVE.
STEP3
UNIFIVE- Upon receiving a customer request, initiate and submit the application process for obtaining international safety standards to a third-party institution.
- Prepare documents related to the application materials.
- Acceptance of the national safety standard acquisition application from UNIFIVE commences the test.
- Issuance of certification acquisition certificate and test report to UNIFIVE after completing national safety standard acquisition test.
STEP4
UNIFIVE- Acquisition certificate of a national safety standard certification acquisition from a third-party organization and acquisition/sending of the test report.
- Exchange of specifications with customers.
- Start mass production · Deliver products to customers.
- Acceptance and confirmation of national safety standard certification acquisition certificate and test report from UNIFIVE.
- Conclusion of specifications with UNIFIVE.
- Issue order form for mass production to UNIFIVE.
- Product shipment to each destination after delivery of products from UNIFIVE.
- * Mainly using CB REPORT as IEC technical standards, we promote acquiring national safety standards.
International Safety and Technical Compliance Examples.
AreaNational safety standard All over Asia- Japan: PSE / S mark
- China: CCC
- Korea: KC mark
- Taiwan: BSMI
- Singapore: SAFETY MARK
- Malaysia: SIRIM
- India: BIS
North America / Latin America Region
- Canada / USA: UL standard
- Mexico: NOM
- Argentina: IRAM
- Russia: EAC mark
- All over Europe: GS mark
- Australia
- New Zealand: RCM
- South Africa
* These are examples where UNIFIVE acquired national safety standards. Please do not hesitate to consult with UNIFIVE if you consider examining the acquisition of safety standards in other regions/destination countries.
In addition, the use applications of AC power adapters in recent years have increased in various ways. Until now, only the "information and telecommunications related" and "AV equipment related" were satisfied the standard was satisfied, but the customer such as "medical equipment related," "lighting equipment related," "general electric appliance-related," "charging application related" We will strive to supply safe and reliability products towards product development together with customers, including manufacturing and customizing to suit your requirements.
