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The new version of the IECEE CB certificate rules document came into effect on January 1, 2024

Time：

2024-01-09

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IECEE) released a new version of the CB certificate rules operating document OD-2037 version 4.3 through its official website, which came into effect on January 1, 2024.

Recently, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IECEE) released a new version of the CB certificate rules operating document OD-2037 version 4.3 through its official website, which came into effect on January 1, 2024.

The new version of the document has added requirements for CB certificate rules in terms of functional safety expression, product multiple standards, model naming, separate certification of software packages, battery standards, etc. Based on actual cases of CB certification for new energy products, the following five points will be shared.

Focus 1: Expression of functional safety information on CB certificates

Considering the functional safety of the product, the CB certificate has added relevant descriptions of functional safety. The rated value and main characteristics should include electrical characteristics, safety level (SIL, PL), and safety functions as much as possible. Additional safety parameters (such as PFH, MTTFd) can be added to some additional information. To clearly identify the testing items, the functional safety report information can be added as a reference in the additional information column.

Related topics:
Q1: If industrial battery energy storage systems require IEC 63056:2020 CB certification, will the functional safety part of ISO 13849-1:2023 affect their certification process?
A1: The new specifications have not changed the product requirements or evaluation content. It mainly involves the display of CB certificates, attaching key parameters of functional safety as additional information to CB certificates.

Focus 2: Handling multiple standards for the same product

It is allowed to issue a CB certificate for products that cover multiple categories and standards (such as power supplies), provided that all relevant test reports are provided as attachments to the CB certificate.

Related topics:
Q2: When applying for a CB certificate for a mobile energy storage system with UPS function, if it involves the CB product categories ITAV and OFF, corresponding to the standards IEC 62368-1:2023 and IEC 62040-1:2017+AMD1:2021+AMD2:2022, can a CB certificate be issued?
A2: The same product belongs to different product categories in IECEE and needs to be tested according to corresponding standards. The standards corresponding to each product classification need to be tested and corresponding CB reports generated. By integrating various test reports, one can ultimately obtain a CB certificate that integrates multiple standards.

Focus 3: Differentiation of product models under different hardware and software configurations
From a hardware and software perspective, different product configurations must have a unique model name.

Related topics:

Q3: For portable battery packs, if their battery cells, electronic circuits, and components are the same, consider introducing an additional supplier as an alternative. Do we need to differentiate based on product models?
A3: In this case, if the hardware configuration is the same (without involving software), but the hardware supplier is different, it can be considered as the same product model. However, for commercial or internal control purposes, it may be considered to use suffixes or other forms to distinguish product models provided by different suppliers.

Q4: Home energy storage products include power conversion modules and battery modules. Can the same power conversion module be paired with different numbers of battery modules? In this case, should different combinations be considered as different product configurations?
A4: In this case, even if the number of battery modules is different, the hardware and software aspects remain consistent and can be considered the same product configuration, so the same product model can be used. However, in order to meet the needs of business or internal management, it is possible to consider using suffixes or other identification methods to distinguish product models under different combinations.

Q5: When a mobile phone battery pack uses an IC with software functionality, will software upgrades in battery management result in different configuration changes? How will this change affect the product model and how should it be handled?
A5: In the above situation, even if the hardware is the same, different software versions may bring some changes, but they can be considered as having the same product configuration, so there is no need to distinguish between different product models.

Focus 4: Issuance of independent CB certificates for independent software packages

According to Appendix H (clause H.11.12) of IEC 60730-1, provide independent software packages for product safety measures (such as software libraries, software for programmable ICs, and specialized integrated circuits). If designated for final product applications, the certificate should state that the software package needs to undergo additional evaluation based on the requirements of the final product to ensure compliance with relevant standards.

Related topics:
Q6: In hydrogen energy storage systems, a software package is applied to multiple terminal products simultaneously. According to the requirements of Appendix H of IEC 60730-1:2022, can CB certificates and reports be obtained separately?
A6: Can be considered. DEKRA will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the various terminal products involved, determine the additional requirements applicable to the software package, and provide relevant additional information notes on the CB certificate.

Focus 5: Standards applicable to batteries for different applications

If the IEC Technical Committee does not include specific technical guidance or battery requirements in the final product standard, lithium batteries, Ni Cd and Ni MH batteries, and cells used in portable systems shall comply with IEC 62133-1 (for nickel batteries) or IEC 62133-2 (for lithium batteries) standards. For products with non portable systems, other relevant standards may be considered for application.

Related topics:
Q7: How to choose a suitable battery certification standard for non portable application terminal devices?
A7: Batteries play an important safety role in products. Usually, various battery application terminal product standards clearly specify the specific requirements for batteries and cite specialized battery standards as compliance criteria. For non portable system terminal products, it is necessary to consider and comply with the corresponding battery standard requirements when using batteries. For example, for lithium-ion batteries used to start internal combustion engines in road vehicles, they need to comply with the requirements of standards IEC 63057:2020 and IEC 62619:2022.