What is IEC Protection
IEC Protection Classes: The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is an international body that sets safety standards for the electrotechnology space. The Class I and Class II input designations refer to the internal construction and electrical insulation of a power supply. These standards were developed to protect the user from electric shock. Used in the electrical appliance manufacturing industry to differentiate between the protective earth connection requirements of devices.
Class I: These appliances must have their chassis connected to electrical earth (ground) by an earth conductor. A fault in the appliance which causes a live conductor to contact the casing will cause a current flow in the earth conductor. The current should trip either an over current device or a residual current circuit breaker, which will cut off the supply of electricity to the appliance.
Class II: A Class 2 or double insulated electrical appliance is designed in such a way that it does not require (and must not have) a safety connection to electrical earth (ground).
Class III: Designed to be supplied from a SELV power source. The voltage from a SELV supply is low enough that under normal conditions a person can safely come into contact with it without risk of electric shock. The extra safety features built into Class 1 and Class 2 appliances are therefore not required.