Power adapters are devices that convert alternating current (AC) input voltage into low-voltage direct current (DC) input, widely used in various electronic products, such as mobile phones, laptops, printers, etc. The safety and performance of power adapters directly affect the safety of users and devices, therefore, different countries and regions have established corresponding technical standards and certification requirements to ensure the quality and compliance of power adapters.
This article will introduce some of the main technical standards and certification of power adapters, including the regulations of the United States, the European Union, China and other regions, to help you understand the requirements and procedures of different markets.
United States
The United States is a voluntary market, with no mandatory safety standards for power adapters. However, as an importer, you are responsible for ensuring that your product does not cause personal injury or property damage. Therefore, it is very necessary to follow some authoritative safety standards.
The most well-known product safety testing and certification organization in the United States is Underwriter Laboratories (UL) or UL lised Power adapters, which has established a huge database of electronic product safety standards. Many suppliers add UL marks on their power adapters to prove their compliance with UL standards.
The following are some of the UL standards that apply to power adapters:
- UL 60950-1 – General Requirements
- UL 1310 – Standard for Class 2 Power Units
- UL 1012 – Standard for Power Units Other Than Class 2
- UL 817 – Standard for Cord Sets and Power-Supply Cords
Different types of power adapters may have other UL standards, you can check more here.
UL certification has three forms:
- UL Listing: Indicates that the product has been tested by UL and meets UL standards.
- UL Recognition: Indicates that the product is a component that is associated with other products to perform a task, and meets UL standards. You can often see power adapters with the UL Recognition Mark on the market.
- UL Classification: Indicates that the product meets UL safety requirements for certain properties.
In addition to UL, there are other recognized testing organizations (NRTL) in the United States, such as CSA, TUV, ETL, etc., which can also provide similar safety testing and certification services.
In addition, the United States also has some energy efficiency requirements, such as Energy Efficiency Level VI Standards, which is a mandatory regulation that requires all external power supply devices (including power adapters) entering the US market to meet the highest level of energy efficiency. This means that you need to provide an energy efficiency test report to prove that your product complies with this regulation.
European Union
The European Union is a mandatory market, and all power adapters entering the EU market must comply with relevant regulations such as the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC). These regulations aim to ensure that products are safe in design, manufacture and use, and do not pose a danger to people, animals or property, and do not interfere with other devices or be interfered by other devices.
Your power adapters must carry a CE mark since LVD and EMC are CE marking directives. You also need to issue other required documents, such as the Declaration of Conformity (DoC), user manual and technical file.
The following are some of the EU technical standards that apply to power adapters:
- EN 60950-1 – General Requirements
- EN 61558-2-16 – Safety of Transformers
- EN 60335-1 – Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances
- EN 55032 – Limits for Radio Disturbance Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment
The European Union also has energy efficiency requirements, such as the Eco-design Directive (ErP), which sets limits on energy consumption in standby mode and normal operation mode for external power supply devices (including power adapters). You need to provide an energy efficiency test report to prove that your product complies with this directive.
China
China is a mandatory market, and all power adapters entering the Chinese market must comply with relevant regulations such as China Compulsory Certification (CCC). CCC is a unified product certification system issued and implemented by the China National Certification and Accreditation Administration Commission (CNCA), aiming to ensure that products comply with Chinese national standards (GB) and related technical specifications.
You need to apply for CCC certification from a designated CCC certification body, and go through procedures such as document review, sample testing and factory inspection. After passing CCC certification, you can obtain a CCC certificate and affix a CCC mark on your product.
The following are some of the Chinese national standards that apply to power adapters:
- GB 4943.1 – Safety Requirements
- GB 17625.1 – Limits for Radio Disturbance Characteristics
- GB/T 9254 – Measurement Methods for Radio Disturbance Characteristics of Industrial Scientific Medical Equipment
- GB/T 14000 – Energy Efficiency Limits and Energy Efficiency Grades
In addition to CCC, China also has some voluntary or local certification or testing services, such as CQC,
CECP, CEL, etc., which can provide more aspects or higher levels of quality assurance.
Japan
Japan is a mandatory market, and all power adapters entering the Japanese market must comply with relevant regulations such as the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN or PSE Law). These regulations specify mandatory safety and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) requirements for electrical products sold in Japan. As of December 2018, according to the PSE Law, 457 product categories have been designated as electrical appliances and materials (including power adapters).
According to the PSE Law, electrical appliances are divided into two categories according to the degree of risk:
- Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials: Refers to electrical appliances that have a history of accidents in the market or may cause injury, and require third-party evaluation by a Registered Conformity Assessment Body (Registered CAB) registered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials must be affixed with a diamond PSE mark.
- Non-Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials: Refers to low-risk electrical appliances that are subject to a self-declaration system. Non-Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials must be affixed with a circle PSE mark. Most household electrical appliances belong to Non-Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials and require a self-declaration procedure. However, if you want to show customers your brand’s commitment to product safety, you can apply for a voluntary certification called the S-JQA mark.
The following are some of the Japanese technical standards that apply to power adapters:
- J 60950-1 – General Requirements
- J 61558-2-16 – Safety of Transformers
- J 60335-1 – Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances
- J 55032 – Limits for Radio Disturbance Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment
Japan also has energy efficiency requirements, such as the Energy Conservation Law, which sets limits on energy consumption in standby mode and normal operation mode for external power supply devices (including power adapters). You need to provide an energy efficiency test report to prove that your product complies with this law.
Summary
As you can see, different countries and regions have different degrees and contents of technical standards and certification requirements for power adapters. As an importer or manufacturer, when choosing or developing your product, you need to do research according to your target market, and communicate and coordinate with suppliers or testing organizations to ensure that your product complies with local laws and regulations and can enter the market smoothly.