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Series "PSE" Part 3 "Technical Standards"
This is the third installment in a series that clearly explains what "PSE" means in AC/DC power adapters — desktop & wall-mount types and switching power supplies. This time, we will cover the technical standards of PSE.
Revisiting the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE)
About PSE Technical Standards
In the first part, “What is PSE?”, and the second part, “About Electrical Appliances”, we have explained the PSE.
Please refer to the links below for previous newsletters.
In Part 3 of the series, we will explain the “Technical Standards”.
One of the obligations imposed on manufacturers and importers of electrical appliances is "Compliance with Technical Standards (Article 8, Paragraph 1)", and its contents are communicated under the notification entitled "Interpretation of the Ministerial Ordinance Defining Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances (July 1, 2013 No. 20130605-3 by Commerce Bureau) (Revised: August 2, 2021 No. 20210802-4 by Safety Bureau)".
Interpretation of the Ministerial Ordinance Defining Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances
| PSE Appendix | Description |
|---|---|
Appendix 1: Electric wires and electric heating wires Appendix 2: Conduits, floor ducts and cable raceways, and their accessories Appendix 3: Fuses Appendix 4: Wiring devices Appendix 5: Current limiters Appendix 6: Small single-phase transformers and ballasts for discharge lamps Appendix 7: Small AC motors Appendix 8: Replaceable electrical equipment and portable generators Appendix 9: Lithium-ion batteries Appendix 10: Noise levels Appendix 11: Maximum usage temperature of insulating materials used in electrical appliances | Technical details that must comply with the technical requirements specified in the Ministerial Ordinance that defines technical standards for electrical appliances. → “Japan-specific standards” (Former: Ministerial Ordinance Article 1) |
| Appendix 12: Standards based on international norms | Standards based on international norms. → Primarily referring to JIS standards harmonized with IEC standards (Former: Ministerial Ordinance Article 2) |
Appendices 1 to 11 are standards uniquely defined by Japan, whereas Appendix 12 is based on international standards.
Our AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount:
・Appendix 8 and Appendix 10 ← Technical standards based on Japan-specific standards (Former: Ministerial Ordinance Article 1)
・Appendix 12 ← Technical standards based on international norms (Former: Ministerial Ordinance Article 2)
The conformity certificate of equivalence can be obtained for both.
Below is an example of a conformity certificate of equivalence.
Certificate for compliance with Appendix 8 and Appendix 10
Certificate for compliance with Appendix 12
Both the Japan-specific technical standards (Appendices 8 and 10) and the standards based on international norms (Appendix 12) are acceptable for sale within Japan, so the choice can be made based on product usage and specifications.
Between Appendix 8 (Japan-specific standard) and Appendix 12 (international standard), the requirements differ for things like creepage, clearance, and insulation distances; Appendix 8 tends to be more stringent. Furthermore, Appendix 8 may impose restrictions on DC plugs used in output connectors. Therefore, it may not be possible to switch technical standards midway during development of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount, so caution is advised.
Inspection costs and lead times to obtain the conformity certificate of equivalence also vary, so please consult our sales department for details on your specific case.