PCB Clearance and Creepage Distances (Part 1): Which Standard Applies?
September 26, 2021
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When designing a PCB for a low-voltage circuit that connects to the mains, how much clearance must be used between the mains or primary side and the low-voltage or secondary side? This may sound like a trivial question but, unfortunately, it isn't. A typical example would be a mains-switching relay controlled by a microcontroller.
In Part 1 of a series of three videos on determining the clearance and creepage distances for a PCB design we will have a quick look at these standards.
- IEC 62368-2 draft 4a
- Clearance & Creepage Part 1
- Clearance & Creepage Part 2
- Clearance & Creepage Part 3
Common Safety Standards
For a product to be eligible for certification safety standards and norms must be applied. Here are a few "popular" ones:- IEC 60065 – Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus
- IEC 60335-1 – Household and similar electrical appliances
- IEC 60950-1 – Information technology equipment
- IEC 62368-1 – Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment
In Part 1 of a series of three videos on determining the clearance and creepage distances for a PCB design we will have a quick look at these standards.
Video: PCB Design Creepage and Clearance
Resources & Links
- IEC 62368-1 draft 4b- IEC 62368-2 draft 4a
- Clearance & Creepage Part 1
- Clearance & Creepage Part 2
- Clearance & Creepage Part 3
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Discussion (6 comments)
Colin 3 years ago
ElektorLabs 3 years ago
Colin 3 years ago
Content Director, Elektor 3 years ago
Links are listed below the video when you watch on Elektor's YouTube channel. You are provided a link to the standard, details about criteria, and more.
ElektorLabs 3 years ago
For your convenience I have added the link also on this page. So now it is correct again :-)
Colin 3 years ago