EN 13385:2025
(Main)Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at time of filling
Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at time of filling
This document specifies the minimum requirements for inspection at time of filling of battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases.
The elements of battery vehicles and MEGCs covered by this document are:
— seamless steel or seamless aluminium alloy cylinders or tubes, and
— composite cylinders or tubes (hoop-wrapped or fully-wrapped)
with a water capacity up to 3000 l.
This document is not applicable to MEGCs using tanks as elements.
This document is not applicable to the automotive components of a battery trailer.
NOTE Acetylene battery-vehicles are covered by EN 13720 [1].
Ortsbewegliche Gasflaschen - Batterie-Fahrzeuge und Gascontainer mit mehreren Elementen (MEGCs) für verdichtete und verflüssigte Gase (außer Acetylen) - Prüfung zum Zeitpunkt des Füllens
Dieses Dokument legt die Mindestanforderungen für die Prüfung zum Zeitpunkt des Füllens von Batteriefahrzeugen und Gascontainern mit mehreren Elementen (en: multiple-element gas containers, MEGC) für verdichtete und verflüssigte Gase fest.
Die durch dieses Dokument abgedeckten Elemente von Batteriefahrzeugen und MEGCs:
- nahtlose Flaschen oder nahtlose Großflaschen aus Stahl oder Aluminiumlegierung, und
- Großflaschen oder Flaschen in Verbundbauweise (umfangsgewickelt oder vollumwickelt in Composite-Bauweise)
mit einem Fassungsraum von bis zu 3 000 l.
Dieses Dokument ist nicht anwendbar für MEGCs mit Tanks als Elemente.
Dieses Dokument ist nicht anwendbar für die Fahrzeugbauteile eines Batteriefahrzeuges.
ANMERKUNG Acetylen-Batteriefahrzeuge sind in EN 13720 [1] enthalten.
Bouteilles à gaz transportables - Véhicules-batteries et conteneurs à gaz à éléments multiples (CGEM), pour gaz comprimés et liquéfiés (à l’exception de l’acétylène) - Inspection au moment du remplissage
Le présent document spécifie les exigences minimales relatives à l’inspection des véhicules-batteries et des conteneurs à gaz à éléments multiples (CGEM) au moment du remplissage, pour les gaz comprimés et liquéfiés.
Les éléments des véhicules-batteries et des CGEM couverts par le présent document sont les suivants :
- bouteilles ou tubes en acier ou en alliage d’aluminium, sans soudure ; et
- bouteilles ou tubes composites (frettés ou entièrement bobinés)
d’une contenance en eau jusqu’à 3 000 l.
Le présent document n’est pas applicable aux CGEM qui ont pour éléments des citernes.
Le présent document n’est pas applicable aux composants automoteurs des remorques-batteries.
NOTE Les véhicules-batteries d’acétylène sont couverts par l’EN 13720 [1].
Premične plinske jeklenke - Baterijska vozila in večprekatni zabojniki za pline (MEGC) za stisnjene in utekočinjene pline (razen acetilena) - Kontrola med polnjenjem
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 23-Dec-2025
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 23 - Transportable gas cylinders
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 23/SC 3/WG 1 - Filling conditions
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 24-Dec-2025
- Due Date
- 09-Mar-2026
- Completion Date
- 24-Dec-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 29-Nov-2023
Overview
EN 13385:2025 is a European standard developed by CEN that establishes minimum requirements for the inspection of battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) used for compressed and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) at the time of filling. This standard applies to seamless steel and aluminium alloy cylinders, as well as composite cylinders or tubes (hoop-wrapped or fully-wrapped), with a water capacity of up to 3000 liters. It does not cover MEGCs that use tanks as elements or the automotive components of battery trailers.
This standard ensures safety, operational integrity, and compliance during filling procedures by prescribing essential inspection steps performed before, during, and after the filling process.
Key Topics
Scope and Applicability
Focuses on the inspection requirements at the time of filling battery vehicles and MEGCs for non-acetylene gases. It excludes tanks and automotive parts but includes bundles of cylinders, composite and metal types.Inspection Phases
- Prior to Filling: Verification of valid approvals, absence of defects, proper positioning and securing of cylinders, valve positions, and contamination checks.
- Immobilisation and Earthing: Ensures the battery vehicle/MEGC cannot move during filling and maintains electrical continuity essential for handling flammable gases.
- During Filling: Leak detection, confirming all valves in open position (if applicable), and controlling fill levels to avoid overfilling, especially for liquefied gases.
- After Filling: Checks for overfilling, valve leaks, correct labeling, and safe disconnection of filling equipment.
Safety Measures
Includes requirements for containment of leaks, prevention of accidents during and after filling, and specific precautions for toxic, pyrophoric, or flammable gases.Definitions and Terminology
Clarifies terms like battery vehicle, MEGC, manifold, cylinder fitting, and the role of valves for consistent understanding and implementation across the industry.Compliance and References
The standard references other critical standards such as EN ISO 18119 and EN ISO 11623 for periodic testing and inspection and EN 13720 for acetylene battery vehicles.
Applications
EN 13385:2025 is vital for manufacturers, operators, and inspectors of transportable gas cylinders in battery vehicles and MEGC assemblies. The standard's practical value includes:
Gas Industry Safety Assurance
Ensures that gas cylinders and MEGCs are safe for transport and use immediately after filling, minimizing risks related to leaks, overpressure, and contamination.Quality Control during Filling Operations
Establishes uniform inspection protocols that help prevent operational failures and enhance reliability during filling at gas supply stations.Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
Fulfills legal and safety requirements throughout Europe for handling compressed and liquefied gases, facilitating smooth cross-border transport and storage.Operational Efficiency
Provides clear guidance for safe connection, filling, and disconnection procedures, reducing downtime and enhancing operator confidence.Compatibility with Gas Types and Packaging
Applies to a range of cylinder materials and configurations, ensuring broad applicability across different gas types-except acetylene, which falls under another standard.
Related Standards
EN 13720 – Covers inspection and filling conditions for acetylene battery vehicles, complementing EN 13385 by addressing acetylene specifically.
prEN 13807:2024 – Outlines design, manufacture, identification, and testing of battery vehicles and MEGCs, providing comprehensive requirements beyond inspection at filling.
EN ISO 18119 – Specifies periodic inspection and testing methods for seamless steel and aluminium-alloy cylinders relevant to ongoing safety management.
EN ISO 11623 – Addresses composite cylinder periodic inspection, offering essential guidance for inspection procedures aligned with EN 13385.
EN ISO 24431 – Provides guidance on inspection at the time of filling for seamless, welded, and composite cylinders excluding acetylene.
EIGA Documents 63 and 78 – Industry guidelines covering prevention of tow-away incidents and leak detection fluids, respectively, supporting the implementation of EN 13385.
Keywords: EN 13385:2025, transportable gas cylinders, battery vehicles, multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs), compressed gases, liquefied gases, inspection at filling, gas cylinder safety, composite cylinders, cylinder valve inspection, filling procedure standards, European gas regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 13385:2025 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at time of filling". This standard covers: This document specifies the minimum requirements for inspection at time of filling of battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases. The elements of battery vehicles and MEGCs covered by this document are: — seamless steel or seamless aluminium alloy cylinders or tubes, and — composite cylinders or tubes (hoop-wrapped or fully-wrapped) with a water capacity up to 3000 l. This document is not applicable to MEGCs using tanks as elements. This document is not applicable to the automotive components of a battery trailer. NOTE Acetylene battery-vehicles are covered by EN 13720 [1].
This document specifies the minimum requirements for inspection at time of filling of battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases. The elements of battery vehicles and MEGCs covered by this document are: — seamless steel or seamless aluminium alloy cylinders or tubes, and — composite cylinders or tubes (hoop-wrapped or fully-wrapped) with a water capacity up to 3000 l. This document is not applicable to MEGCs using tanks as elements. This document is not applicable to the automotive components of a battery trailer. NOTE Acetylene battery-vehicles are covered by EN 13720 [1].
EN 13385:2025 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 23.020.35 - Gas cylinders. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 13385:2025 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 13385:2002. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 13385:2025 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 94/55/EC, 96/49/EC, 96/86/EC, 96/87/EC. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
You can purchase EN 13385:2025 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 13385:2025
01-januar-2025
Premične plinske jeklenke - Baterijska vozila in MEGC za stisnjene in utekočinjene
pline (razen acetilena) - Kontrola polnjenja
Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers
(MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at time
of filling
Ortsbewegliche Gasflaschen - Batteriefahrzeuge fu¨r beständige und verflüssigte Gase
(außer Acetylen) - Prüfung zum Zeitpunkt des Füllens
Bouteilles à gaz transportables - Véhicules-batteries, pour gaz permanents et liquéfiés
(sauf acétylène) - Contrôle au moment du remplissage
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 13385
ICS:
23.020.35 Plinske jeklenke Gas cylinders
oSIST prEN 13385:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 13385:2025
oSIST prEN 13385:2025
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 13385
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2024
ICS 23.020.35 Will supersede EN 13385:2002
English Version
Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles and
multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed
and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at
time of filling
Bouteilles à gaz transportables - Véhicules-batteries, Ortsbewegliche Gasflaschen - Batteriefahrzeuge fu¨r
pour gaz permanents et liquéfiés (sauf acétylène) - beständige und verflüssigte Gase (außer Acetylen) -
Contrôle au moment du remplissage Prüfung zum Zeitpunkt des Füllens
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 23.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13385:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 13385:2025
prEN 13385:2024 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Inspection at time of filling . 7
4.1 Inspection prior to filling . 7
4.2 Immobilisation and earthing . 8
4.2.1 Immobilisation . 8
4.2.2 Earthing . 8
4.3 Inspection during filling . 8
4.4 Disconnection . 9
4.5 Inspection after filling . 9
Bibliography . 10
oSIST prEN 13385:2025
prEN 13385:2024 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 13385:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 23
“Transportable gas cylinders”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 13385:2002.
oSIST prEN 13385:2025
prEN 13385:2024 (E)
Introduction
Battery vehicles and MEGCs require inspection at time of filling, both before and after the filling process,
in order to ensure that all components are suitable for the intended filling conditions and are free of
defects and contamination that can affect the integrity of the battery vehicle or MEGC.
NOTE This document does not cover battery wagons (as stated in the scope), but it can be used as a guideline.
oSIST prEN 13385:2025
prEN 13385:2024 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies the minimum requirements for inspection at time of filling of battery-vehicles
and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases.
The elements of battery vehicles and MEGCs covered by this document are:
— seamless steel or seamless aluminium alloy cylinders or tubes, and
— composite cylinders or tubes (hoop-wrapped or fully-wrapped)
with a water capacity up to 3000 l.
This document is not applicable to MEGCs using tanks as elements.
This document is not applicable to the automotive components of a battery trailer.
Unless noted by exception the use of the word “cylinders” in this document refers to both cylinders and
tubes.
NOTE Acetylene battery-vehicles are covered by EN 13720.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 18119, Gas cylinders - Seamless steel and seamless aluminium-alloy gas cylinders and tubes -
Periodic inspection and testing
EN ISO 11623, Gas cylinders - Composite cylinders and tubes - Periodic inspection and testing
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
bundle of cylinders
DEPRECATED: cylinder bundle, cylinder pack
pressure receptacle comprising an assembly of cylinders or cylinder shells that are fastened together and
which are interconnected by a manifold and transported as a unit, having a total water capacity not
exceeding 3 000 l
Note 1 to entry: Except that bundles intended for the transport of toxic gases shall be limited to 1 000 l total water
capacity
Note 2 to entry: In this document, the term “bundle” is frequently used for simplification.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 10286:2021, 3.1.1.5, modified: Example removed, Note to entry edited for this
document.]
oSIST prEN 13385:2025
prEN 13385:2024 (E)
3.2
battery vehicle
vehicle containing pressure receptacles which are linked to each other by a manifold and permanently
fixed to a vehicle such that the assembly is filled, transported and emptied as a single unit
[SOURCE: EN ISO 10286:2021, 3.1.1.12, modified — “elements” replaced by “pressure receptacles” and
replaced “transport unit” with “vehicle such t
...
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