This part of IEC 61204 specifies the safety requirements for switch mode power supply (SMPS) units supplied by source voltages up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC providing AC and/or DC output(s), except inverter output(s) establishing AC mains (see exceptions in 1.2).

This product standard covers both stand-alone and component SMPS as defined in this document. DC power and distribution equipment which provides, distributes, monitors, and controls isolated secondary circuit power to other equipment typically used in information and communication technology equipment installations (refer to Annex AC).

Equipment which is within the scope of Annex AC consists of some or all of the following:
- distribution panelboards, powerboards, disconnects, and overcurrent protective devices;
- control and monitoring equipment;
- assemblies consisting of: racks, shelves, and enclosures which could contain any of the above components, interconnecting hardware, power supplies (such as rectifiers, converters, and inverters), batteries, and any other related peripheral devices.

Where no standards exist, use of this document for other applications is not precluded.