EN 50342-1:2015

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2016
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SIST EN 50342-1:2006
SIST EN 50342-1:2006/A1:2012
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Lead-acid starter batteries - Part 1: General requirements and methods of test
Blei-Akkumulatoren-Starterbatterien - Teil 1: Allgemeine Anforderungen und Prüfungen
Batteries d'accumulateurs de démarrage au plomb - Partie 1: Prescriptions générales et
méthodes d'essais
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50342-1:2015
ICS:
29.220.20 .LVOLQVNLVHNXQGDUQLþOHQLLQ Acid secondary cells and
EDWHULMH batteries
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50342-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2015
ICS 29.220.20 Supersedes EN 50342-1:2006
English Version
Lead-acid starter batteries - Part 1: General requirements and
methods of test
Batteries d'accumulateurs de démarrage au plomb - Partie Blei-Akkumulatoren-Starterbatterien - Teil 1: Allgemeine
1 : Prescriptions générales et méthodes d'essais Anforderungen und Prüfungen
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2015-10-05. CENELEC 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.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2015 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50342-1:2015 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 General . 5
3.1 Introduction . 5
3.2 Designation of starter batteries . 6
3.3 Condition on delivery . 6
3.3.1 Specific gravity of electrolyte and open circuit voltage . 6
3.3.2 Definition of fully charged new battery . 6
3.4 Electrical characteristics . 7
3.5 Mechanical characteristics . 7
4 General requirements . 8
4.1 Identification, labelling . 8
4.2 Marking of the polarity . 8
5 General test conditions . 8
5.1 Sampling of batteries . 8
5.2 Charging method - Definition of a fully-charged battery . 9
5.3 Test equipment . 9
5.3.1 Measuring instruments . 9
5.3.2 Water bath . 10
5.4 Test sequence . 10
6 Test methods and requirements . 11
6.1 Capacity check C . 11
e
6.2 Cranking performance test . 12
6.3 High current discharge test at low temperature . 13
6.4 Charge acceptance test . 13
6.5 Charge retention test . 14
6.6 Endurance in cycle test . 14
6.7 Corrosion test . 15
6.8 Deep discharge test . 16
6.9 Water consumption test . 16
6.10 Vibration resistance test . 17
6.11 Electrolyte retention test . 19
6.11.1 Vented batteries . 19
6.11.2 Valve regulated batteries . 19
7 Dry-charged batteries . 19
7.1 General . 19
7.2 Activation of dry charged batteries . 20
7.3 Testing of dry charged batteries . 20
Annex A (normative) Safety labelling – Definition of the six coloured symbols . 21
Annex B (normative) Correlation between C20 and RC. 22
Annex C (normative) Battery performance marking . 23
Bibliography . 24

European foreword
This document (EN 50342-1:2015) has been prepared by CLC/TC 21X “Secondary cells and batteries”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has (dop) 2016-10-05
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2018-10-05
standards conflicting with this
document have to be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 50342-1:2006.
EN 50342, Lead-acid starter batteries, is currently composed of the following parts:
− Part 1: General requirements and methods of test [the present document];
− Part 2: Dimensions of batteries and marking of terminals;
− Part 3: Terminal system for batteries with 36 V nominal voltage;
− Part 4: Dimensions of batteries for heavy vehicles;
− Part 5: Properties of battery housings and handles;
− Part 6: Batteries for Micro-Cycle Applications [currently at Formal Vote stage];
− Part 7: General requirements and methods of tests for motorcycle batteries [currently at Formal Vote
stage].
a) The following topics have been reworked/changed in the new version:
1) simplified structure;
2) correction of errors;
3) updated to actual state of art of lead acid batteries;
4) definition of new requirement levels and a new system for identification.
b) The following test procedures and requirements have been updated:
1) charging procedure (reworked);
2) cold cranking procedure (reworked);
3) charge retention (reworked);
4) deep discharge (new);
5) cycling (reworked);
6) water consumption;
7) vibration test procedures (reworked and new requirement level V4 added for heavy trucks).
1 Scope
This European Standard is applicable to lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V, used primarily as a
power source for the starting of internal combustion engines, lighting and also for auxiliary equipment of
internal combustion engine vehicles. These batteries are commonly called “starter batteries”. Batteries with a
nominal voltage of 6 V are also included within the scope of this standard. All referenced voltages need to be
divided by two for 6 V batteries.
This European Standard is applicable to batteries for the following purposes:
− batteries for passenger cars,
− batteries for commercial and industrial vehicles.
This European Standard is not applicable to batteries for other purposes, for example the starting of railcar
internal combustion engines or for motorcycles.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50342–2, Lead-acid starter batteries — Part 2: Dimensions of batteries and marking of terminals
EN 50342–4, Lead-acid starter batteries — Part 4: Dimensions of batteries for heavy vehicles
EN 50342-5, Lead-acid starter batteries — Part 5: Properties of battery housings and handles
EN 50342–6, Lead-acid starter batteries — Part 6: Batteries for Micro-Cycle Applications
EN 61429, Marking of secondary cells and batteries with the international recycling symbol ISO 7000-1135
and indications regarding directives 93/86/EEC and 91/157/EEC (IEC 61429)
IEC 60050–482, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary — Part 482: Primary and secondary cells and
batteries
3 General
3.1 Introduction
The object of this standard is to specify:
- general requirements;
- certain essential functional characteristics, the relevant test methods and results required, for several
classes and types of starter batteries.
For general definitions of terms see IEC 60050-482, Part 482 of the International Electro-technical Vocabulary
(IEV).
3.2 Designation of starter batteries
Batteries are classified according to their types.
3.2.1
flooded or vented batteries
secondary battery having a cover provided with one or more openings through which gaseous products may
escape
3.2.2
Enhanced Flooded Batteries
EFB
secondary batteries with additional special design features to significantly improve the cycling capability
compared to standard flooded batteries
Note 1 to entry: These batteries need to have a water consumption performance level of W3, W4 or W5.
3.2.3
Valve Regulated Lead-Acid batteries
VRLA
valve regulated lead-acid batteries are secondary batteries which are closed under normal conditions but
which has an arrangement that allows the escape of gas if the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined
value
Note 1 to entry: The battery cannot receive addition to the electrolyte. In VRLA batteries the electrolyte is immobilized.
3.2.4
Absorbent Glass Mat batteries
AGM
VRLA batteries in which the electrolyte is immobilized by absorption in a glass mat
3.2.5
gel batteries
VRLA batteries in which the electrolyte is immobilized by fixing as gel
3.3 Condition on delivery
3.3.1 Specific gravity of electrolyte and open circuit voltage
Specific gravity of electrolyte and open circuit voltage of a lead acid battery depend on its state of charge and
temperature.
The specific gravity of the electrolyte of fully charged vented batteries shall be in the range 1,27 kg/l to
1,30 kg/l at 25 °C unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
The open circuit voltage (OCV), of fully charged batteries after a minimum of 24 h stand on open circuit, shall
be in the range 12,70 V to 12,90 V for vented types and 12,80 V to 13,00 V for valve regulated types at 25 °C
unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
3.3.2 Definition of fully charged new battery
New vented batteries may be supplied:
- either in a state ready for use, filled with the appropriate electrolyte to the maximum level. 24 h after an
initial charge (according to 5.2), the specific gravity of electrolyte or OCV shall be within the ranges
specified in 3.3.1. In batteries with lids without plugs checking specific gravity of electrolyte is generally
not possible. In these cases, only OCV shall be checked according to 3.3.1;
- or dry charged as defined in Clause 7.
Valve regulated batteries are normally supplied in a state ready for use. After an initial charge according to 5.2
followed by a 24 h rest period, the OCV shall be within the range specified in 3.3.1. For these batteries, the
electrolyte is not accessible and therefore its specific gravity cannot be checked.
3.4 Electrical characteristics
3.4.1 The cranking current I , to be indicated by the manufacturer, is the discharge current which the
cc
battery can supply at –18°C for 10 s to a minimum voltage U = 7,50 V and meeting requirements of a
f
simulated cranking profile according to 6.2. It is used as well to check the high current discharge performance
according to 6.3.
3.4.2 The capacity of a starter battery is defined for the temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C. The nominal capacity
C in this standard is a C20. It shall be indicated by the manufacturer as nominal 20 h capacity C20 (Ah).
n
The nominal 20 h capacity C is the electric charge (in Ah) that a battery can supply with a current:
n
C
n
I = (A)
n
20 h
to a final voltage U = 10,50 V.
f
The effective capacity C shall be determined by discharging a battery with constant current I to U = 10,50 V
e n f
(see 6.1).
3.4.3 The charge acceptance is expressed as the current I which a partially discharged battery accepts at
ca
0 °C and a constant voltage of 14,40 V (see 6.4).
3.4.4 Charge retention is measured by the high current discharge performance of the charged and filled
battery after storage on open circuit under defined conditions of temperature and time (see 6.5).
3.4.5 The Cycling test represents the ability of a battery to perform repeated discharge / recharge cycles.
This ability shall be tested by a series of cycles under specified conditions after which the cold cranking
performance and the 20 h capacity shall be determined (see 6.6).
3.4.6 The Corrosion test checks the resistance of a battery against overcharging at increased temperatures
(see 6.7)
3.4.7 The Deep discharge test represents the ability of battery to overcome an over discharge in a vehicle
by small loads during parking for a long time (see 6.8)
3.4.8 Water consumption test checks if the battery can keep its performance under extended exposure to
heat and overcharge conditions. It is measured as loss of weight during overcharge of a fully charged battery
and is defined as g/Ah C (see 6.9).
e
3.5 Mechanical characteristics
3.5.1 Vibration resistance represents the ability of a battery to maintain service under acceleration forces.
(see 6.10)
3.5.2 Electrolyte retention is the ability of a battery to retain electrolyte under specified mechanical
conditions (see 6.11).
4 General requirements
4.1 Identification, labelling
Batteries according to this standard shall bear the following characteristics on at least one of their sides or on
the top surface:
a) the identification of manufacturer or supplier;
b) the nominal voltage, i.e. 12 V or 6 V;
c) nominal capacity C20 (Ah) (see 3.4.2),
The values of C20 for all batteries shall correspond to the specific gravity of electrolyte or OCV given in
3.3.1;
d) the nominal cranking current I (see 3.4.1);
cc
e) the six coloured symbols as specified in Annex A, Safety labelling;
f) the marking for the separate collection and recycling according to EN 61429;
g) valve regulated batteries shall be marked ‘VRLA'.
h) Date of production (this could be a part of more complex code too)
i) Requirement levels according to water consumption, charge retention, endurance and vibration as
specified in Annex C
Batteries may be marked with other information such as the filling and charging date.
Label size: The capacity C20 (Ah) and the cold cranking current I (A) shall be displayed on a separate label
cc
or as text on a combined label (e.g. together with additional information of the producer or type mark). The
size of the label shall be at least 3 % of the largest side of the battery. The character size high should be at
least 3 mm. The label shall be fixed on one of the four sides or on the lid. A multiple labelling is allowed.
For batteries for micro-cycle application: Specific identification according to EN 50342-6.
4.2 Marking of the polarity
This shall be in accordance with:
- EN 50342-2, Lead-acid starter batteries — Part 2: Dimensions of batteries and marking of terminals;
- EN 50342-4, Lead-acid starter batteries — Part 4: Dimensions of batteries for heavy vehicles.
5 General test conditions
5.1 Sampling of batteries
All tests shall be carried out on new battery samples. Samples shall be considered as new no later than:
- 30 d after the acid filling and formation date in the case of filled and charged batteries,
- 60 d after shipment date of the manufacturer in the case of dry-charged batteries.
Out of different production or sampling lots 7 batteries shall be selected for testing. Six of these batteries shall
be used for the tests. In case of equipment failures or technical deviation, one battery can be replaced to
repeat the complete sequence for this battery.
All tests shall be performed only if above conditions and conditions according to 3.3.2 are fulfilled.
5.2 Charging method - Definition of a fully-charged battery
All tests, except that in 7.3, shall commence with fully-charged batteries.
Batteries shall be considered as fully-charged if they have undergone the charging procedures. Prior to the
first capacity test, the battery charge shall be limited to 16 h.
If not specified differently by the battery manufacturer, the batteries that will be tested according to this
standard shall be charged according to Table 1.
Table 1 — Charging method
Battery Type Voltage U Current Time Battery Remarks
c
temperature
Flooded batteries
having size
a
16,00 V ± 0,05 V 5 I 24 h (16 h) 15 °C to 35 °C
n
according to
EN 50342–2
a
Flooded batteries
5 I
16,00 V ± 0,05 V 20 h (16 h) 15 °C to 35 °C Step 1
n
having size
according to
a
no limitation I 4 h (0 h) 15 °C to 35 °C Step 2
n
EN 50342–4
Valve regulated
a
14,80 ± 0,05 V 5 I 24 h (16 h) 15 °C to 35 °C
n
batteries
a
After cranking performance test and prior to first capacity check (Step 1 of present Table).

All charges shall be performed with batteries in a water bath at 25 °C ± 2 °C according to 5.3.2.
NOTE Using the water bath, it is generally accepted that the battery temperature during the charge will be maintained
in the required range.
5.3 Test equipment
5.3.1 Measuring instruments
The range of instruments used shall be appropriate for the magnitude of the parameters to be measured. The
minimum accuracy of test equipment is given in Table 2.
Table 2 — Accuracy of test equipment
Parameter Accuracy of test equipment
Current for cold cranking tests 0,5 %
1 % full-scale with a minimum
Current for other tests
accuracy of ± 30 mA
Voltage ±0,04 V
Temperature ±1 K
Time ±10 ms
Specific gravity of electrolyte ≤ 0,005 kg/l
±1 g below 30 kg
Weight of battery
±5 g above 30 kg
The instruments used for measuring time shall be graduated in hours, minutes and seconds.
5.3.2 Water bath
If a test needs to be carried out in a water bath, the following conditions shall be fulfilled. The terminal base of
the battery shall be at least 15 mm but not more than 25 mm above the water surface level. If several batteries
are in the same water bath then the distance between them and also the distance to the walls of the bath shall
be at least 25 mm.
Minimum soak time for batteries in water bath is 4 h.
If not stated differently in the individual test description the tolerance for the temperature of the water bath
is ± 2 °C.
It is recommended to cover the surface of the water with floating elements using testing temperatures of 40 °C
or more. This improves the thermal isolation against air and avoids evaporation of water.
5.4 Test sequence
Filled and charged batteries shall be subjected to the following initial test series:
a) 1st C check,
e
b) 1st cranking performance test;
c) 2nd C check,
e
d) 2nd cranking performance test;
e) 3rd C check,
e
f) 3rd cranking performance test.
For C and the cranking performance the sp
...