IEC 60086-1:2006

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD 60086-1
Tenth edition
2006-12
Primary batteries –
Part 1:
General
Reference number
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INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD 60086-1
Tenth edition
2006-12
Primary batteries –
Part 1:
General
© IEC 2006 ⎯ Copyright - all rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch Web: www.iec.ch
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International Electrotechnical Commission
МеждународнаяЭлектротехническаяКомиссия
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 60086-1 © IEC:2006(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.5

INTRODUCTION.7

1 Scope.8

2 Normative references .8

3 Terms and definitions .8

4 Requirements .11

4.1 General .11
4.1.1 Design.11
4.1.2 Battery dimensions .11
4.1.3 Terminals .11
4.1.4 Classification (electrochemical system) .14
4.1.5 Designation .14
4.1.6 Marking .14
4.1.7 Interchangeability: battery voltage .15
4.2 Performance.16
4.2.1 Discharge performance.16
4.2.2 Dimensional stability.16
4.2.3 Leakage .16
4.2.4 Open-circuit voltage limits .16
4.2.5 Service output .16
4.2.6 Safety.16
5 Performance – Testing .16
5.1 General .16
5.2 Discharge testing .16
5.2.1 Application tests .17
5.2.2 Service output tests.17
5.3 Conformance check to a specified minimum average duration .17
5.4 Calculation method of the specified value of minimum average duration.18
5.5 OCV testing.18
5.6 Battery dimensions.18
5.7 Leakage and deformation .18

6 Performance – Test conditions .18
6.1 Pre-discharge conditioning .18
6.2 Commencement of discharge tests after storage .19
6.3 Discharge test conditions .19
6.4 Load resistance.19
6.5 Time periods .20
6.6 Test condition tolerances .20
6.7 Activation of ‘P’-system batteries.20
6.8 Measuring equipment .20
6.8.1 Voltage measurement.20
6.8.2 Mechanical measurement .20
7 Sampling and quality assurance .21
7.1 Sampling .21
7.1.1 Testing by attributes .21

60086-1 © IEC:2006(E) – 3 –
7.1.2 Testing by variables .21

7.2 Product quality indices .21

7.2.1 Capability index (c ) .21

p
7.2.2 Capability index (c ) .21
pk
7.2.3 Performance index (p ) .21
p
7.2.4 Performance index (p ).22
pk
8 Battery packaging.22

Annex A (normative) Guidelines for the standardization of batteries.23

Annex B (normative) Equipment design .24
Annex C (normative) Designation system (nomenclature) .26
Annex D (normative) Calculation method for the specified value of minimum average
duration .38
Annex E (normative) Code of practice for packaging, shipment, storage, use and
disposal of primary batteries .39
Annex F (informative) Standard discharge voltage U – Definition and method of
s
determination.42
Annex G (informative) Preparation of standard methods of measuring performance
(SMMP) of consumer goods.46

Bibliography.47

Figure 1 – Schematic voltage transient .9
Figure 2 – Stud .13
Figure C.1 – Designation system for round batteries: Ø < 100 mm; height A < 100 mm.30
Figure C.2 – Designation system for round batteries: Ø ≥100 mm; height A ≥100 mm.33
Figure C.3 – Designation system for non round batteries, dimensions <100 mm .34
Figure C.4 – Designation system for non round batteries, dimensions ≥100 mm .35
Figure F.1 – Normalized C/R-plot (schematic).43
Figure F.2 – Standard discharge voltage (schematic).44

Table 1 – Spacing of contacts.12

Table 2 – Snap fastener connectors.13
Table 3 – Standardized electrochemical systems .14
Table 4 – Conditions for storage before and during discharge testing .19
Table 5 – Resistive loads for new tests .19
Table 6 – Time periods for new tests .20
Table 7 – Test condition tolerances .20
Table C.1 – Physical designation and dimensions of round cells and batteries.27
Table C.2 – Physical designation and nominal overall dimensions of flat cells .28
Table C.3 – Physical designation and dimensions of square cells and batteries .28
Table C.4 – Diameter code for recommended diameters .31
Table C.5 – Diameter code for non-recommended diameters .31
Table C.6 – Height code for denoting the hundredths of a millimetre of height .32
Table C.7 – Height code for discrimination per tenth of a millimetre .35

– 4 – 60086-1 © IEC:2006(E)
Table C.8 – Physical designation and dimensions of round cells and batteries based on

Clause C.2.36

Table C.9 – Physical designation and dimensions of non-round batteries based on

Clause C.2.37

Table F.1 – Standard discharge voltage by system .45

60086-1 © IEC:2006(E) – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
PRIMARY BATTERIES –
Part 1: General
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60086-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 35:
Primary cells and batteries.
This tenth edition cancels and replaces the ninth edition (2000) and constitutes a technical
revision.
The major technical changes concern the addition of "Test condition tolerances" in 6.6
and the standardization of the "Z" electrochemical system (Nickel oxyhydroxide) included in
Table 3.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
35/1244/FDIS 35/1247/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.

– 6 – 60086-1 © IEC:2006(E)
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

A list of all the parts in the IEC 60086 series, under the general title Primary batteries, can be

found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until

the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in

the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be

• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

60086-1 © IEC:2006(E) – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
The technical content of this part of IEC 60086 provides fundamental requirements and

information on primary cells and batteries. In this sense, IEC 60086-1 is the main component

of the IEC 60086 series and forms the basis for the subsequent parts. For example, this part

includes elementary information on definitions, nomenclature, dimensions and marking. While

specific requirements are included, the content of this part tends to explain methodology (how)

and justification (why).
Over the years, this part has been changed to improve its content and remains under

continual scrutiny to ensure that the publication is kept up to date with the advances in both

battery and battery-powered device technologies.
NOTE Safety information is available in IEC 60086-4, IEC 60086-5 and IEC 62281.

– 8 – 60086-1 © IEC:2006(E)
PRIMARY BATTERIES –
Part 1: General
1 Scope
The purpose of this part of IEC 60086 is to standardize primary batteries with respect to their

electrochemical system, dimensions, nomenclature, terminal configurations, markings, test
methods, typical performance, safety and environmental aspects.
NOTE The requirements justifying the inclusion or the ongoing retention of batteries in the IEC 60086 series are
given in Annex A.
The objective of IEC 60086-1 is to benefit primary battery users, device designers and battery
manufacturers by ensuring that batteries from different manufacturers are interchangeable
according to standard form, fit and function. Furthermore, to ensure compliance with the
above, this part specifies standard test methods for testing primary cells and batteries.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.
IEC 60086-2, Primary batteries – Part 2: Physical and electrical specifications
IEC 60086-3, Primary batteries – Part 3: Watch batteries
IEC 60086-4: Primary batteries – Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
IEC 60086-5, Primary batteries – Part 5: Safety of batteries with aqueous electrolyte
IEC 60410, Sampling plans and procedures for inspection by attributes
IEC 61429, Marking of secondary cells and batteries with the international recycling symbol
ISO 7000-1135
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1: Procedures for the technical work
ISO 3951 (all parts as applicable), Sampling procedures for inspection by variables
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in IEC 60050(482) (some of which
are repeated below for convenience), as well as the following definitions, apply.
3.1
application test
simulation of the actual use of a battery in a specific application

60086-1 © IEC:2006(E) – 9 –
3.2
discharge (of a primary battery)

operation during which a battery delivers current to an external circuit

[IEV 482-03-23:2004, modified]

3.3
dry (primary) battery
primary battery in which the liquid electrolyte is immobilized

[IEV 482-04-14:2004, modified]

3.4
effective internal resistance – DC method
resistance of any electrical component determined by calculating the ratio between the
voltage drop ΔU across this component and the range of current Δi passing through this
component and causing the voltage drop R = ΔU / Δi
NOTE As an analogy, the internal d.c. resistance of any electrochemical cell is defined by the following relation:
ΔU (V)
R (Ω) = (1)
i
Δi (A)
The internal d.c. resistance is illustrated by the schematic voltage transient as given below:

U
U (i )
1 1
U ƒ(i t)
2 = 2,
U (i )
2 2
Δt Δt′
t
t t t
1 2 3
IEC  2217/06
Figure 1 – Schematic voltage transient

As can be seen from this diagram, the voltage drop ΔU of the two components differs in
nature, as shown in the following relation:
ΔU = ΔU + ΔU (t) (2)
Ω
The first component ΔU for (t = t ) is independent of time, and results from the increase in
Ω 1
current Δi according to the relation:
ΔU = Δi × R (3)
Ω Ω
In this relation, R is a pure ohmic resistance. The second component ΔU(t) is time dependent
Ω
and is of electrochemical origin.
ΔU
ΔU
ΔU(t)
Ω
ΔU′
Ω
– 10 – 60086-1 © IEC:2006(E)
3.5
end-point voltage
EV
specified voltage of a battery at which the battery discharge is terminated

[IEV 482-03-30:2004, modified]

3.6
leakage
unplanned escape of electrolyte, gas or other material from a battery

[IEV 482-02-32:2004, modified]
3.7
minimum average duration
MAD
minimum average time on discharge which shall be met by a sample of batteries
NOTE The discharge test is carried out according to the specified methods or standards and designed to show
conformity with the standard applicable to the battery types.
3.8
nominal voltage of a primary battery
V
n
suitable approximate value of voltage used to identify the voltage of a primary battery
[IEV 482-03-31:2004, modified]
3.9
on-load voltage
closed-circuit voltage
CCV
voltage across the terminals of a battery when it is on discharge
[IEV 482-03-28:2004, modified]
3.10
open-circuit voltage
off-load voltage
OCV
voltage across the terminals of a battery when no current is flowing
[IEV 482-03-32:2004, modified]

3.11
primary battery
one or more primary cells, including case, terminals and marking
3.12
primary cell
source of electrical energy obtained by the direct conversion of chemical energy, that is not
designed to be charged by any other electrical source
[IEV 482-01-02:2004, modified]
3.13
service output (of a primary battery)
service life, or capacity, or energy output of a battery under specified conditions of discharge

60086-1 © IEC:2006(E) – 11 –
3.14
service output test
test designed to measure the service output of a battery

NOTE A service output test may be prescribed, for example, when

a) an application test is too complex to replicate;

b) the duration of an application test would make it impractical for routine testing purposes .

3.15
storage life
duration under specified conditions at the end of which a battery retains its ability to perform a

specified service output
[IEV 482-03-47:2004, modified]
3.16
terminals (of a primary battery)
conductive parts provided for the connection of a battery to external conductors
4 Requirements
4.1 General
4.1.1 Design
Primary batteries are sold mainly in consumer markets. In recent years, they have become
more sophisticated in both chemistry and construction, for example both capacity and rate
capability have increased to meet the growing demands from new, battery-powered
equipment technology.
When designing primary batteries, the aforementioned considerations shall be taken into
account. Specifically, their dimensional conformity and stability, their physical and electrical
performance and their safe operation under normal use and foreseeable mis-use conditions
shall be assured.
Additionally, information on equipment design can be found in Annex B.
4.1.2 Battery dimensions
The dimensions for individual types of batteries are given in IEC 60086-2 and IEC 60086-3.
4.1.3 Terminals
Terminals shall be in accordance with Clause 7 of IEC 60086-2.
Their physical shape shall be designed in such a way that they ensure that the batteries make
and maintain good electrical contact at all times.
They shall be made of materials that provide adequate electrical conductivity and corrosion
protection.
4.1.3.1 Contact pressure resistance
Where stated in the battery specification tables, or the individual specification sheets in
IEC 60086-2, the following applies:

– 12 – 60086-1 © IEC:2006(E)
– a force of 10 N applied through a steel ball of 1 mm diameter at the centre of each contact

area for a period of 10 s shall not cause any apparent deformation which might prevent

satisfactory operation of the battery.

NOTE See also IEC 60086-3 for exceptions.

4.1.3.2 Cap and base
This type of terminal is used for batteries which have their dimensions specified according to
Figures 1 and 2 of IEC 60086-2, and which have the cylindrical side of the battery insulated

from the terminals.
4.1.3.3 Cap and case
This type of terminal is used for batteries which have their dimensions specified according to
Figures 3 and 4 of IEC 60086-2, but in which the cylindrical side of the battery forms part of
the positive terminal.
4.1.3.4 Screw terminals
This contact consists of a threaded rod in combination with either a metal or insulated metal
nut.
4.1.3.5 Flat contacts
These are essentially flat metal surfaces adapted to make electrical contact by suitable
contact mechanisms bearing against them.
4.1.3.6 Flat or spiral springs
These contacts comprise flat metal strips or spirally wound wire which are in a form that
provides pressure contact.
4.1.3.7 Plug-in-sockets
These are made up of a suitable assembly of metal contacts, mounted in an insulated housing
or holding device and adapted to receive corresponding pins of a mating plug.
4.1.3.8 Snap fasteners
These contacts are composed of a combination comprising a stud (non-resilient) for the
positive terminal and a socket (resilient) for the negative terminal.

They shall be of suitable metal so as to provide efficient electrical connection when joined to
the corresponding parts of an external circuit.
4.1.3.8.1 Spacing of contacts
The spacing between the stud and socket is given in the following table and applies from
centre to centre. The stud always forms the positive connection and the socket the negative
connection on the battery.
Table 1 – Spacing of contacts
Nominal voltage Standard Miniature
V mm mm
9 35 ± 0,4 12,7 ± 0,25
60086-1 © IEC:2006(E) – 13 –
4.1.3.8.2 Non-resilient snap fastener connectors (studs)

All dimensions not specified are free. The shape of the studs shall be chosen so that they

conform to the dimensions specified.

a
r
r
b
IEC  2218/06
Figure 2 – Stud
Table 2 – Snap fastener connectors
Standard Miniature
mm mm
a 7,16 ± 0,05 5,72 ± 0,05
b
+0,07
5,38 ± 0,05
6,65
−0,05
c 3,20 ± 0,1 3,00 ± 0,1
d 2,67 ± 0,05 2,54 ± 0,05
r
+0,05 +0,1
0,61 0,9
−0,08 −0,3
r
+0,3 +0,2
0,4 0,3
0 0
4.1.3.8.3 Resilient snap fastener connectors (sockets)
Dimensions and requirements:
The dimensions of the resilient (socket) parts of snap fastener connectors are not specified as
such. The properties shall be such that

a) the resiliency ensures that the standardized studs can be properly mated,
b) good electrical contact is maintained.
4.1.3.9 Wire
Wire leads shall be single or multi-strand flexible insulated tinned copper. The insulation may
be cotton braid or suitable plastic. The positive terminal wire covering shall be red and the
negative black.
4.1.3.10 Other spring contacts or clips
These contacts are generally used on batteries when the corresponding parts of the external
circuit are not precisely known. They shall be of spring brass or of other material having
similar properties.
c
d
– 14 – 60086-1 © IEC:2006(E)
4.1.4 Classification (electrochemical system)

Primary batteries are classified according to their electrochemical system.

Each system, with the exception of the zinc-ammonium chloride, zinc chloride-manganese

dioxide system, has been allocated a letter denoting the particular system.

The electrochemical systems that have been standardized up to now are given in Table 3.

Table 3 – Standardized electrochemical systems

Nominal Maximum
Negative voltage open circuit
Letter Electrolyte Positive electrode
electrode voltage
V V
No letter Zinc(Zn) Ammonium chloride, Manganese dioxide (MnO) 1,5 1,725
Zinc chloride
A Zinc (Zn) Ammonium chloride, Oxygen (O) 1,4 1,55
Zinc chloride
B Lithium Organic electrolyte Carbon monofluoride (CF) 3,0 3,7
x
(Li)
C Lithium Organic electrolyte Manganese dioxide (MnO) 3,0 3,7
(Li)
E Lithium Non-aqueous Thionyl chloride (SOCl) 3,6 3,9
(Li) inorganic
F Lithium Organic electrolyte Iron disulfide (FeS) 1,5 1,83
(Li)
G Lithium Organic electrolyte Copper (II) oxide (CuO) 1,5 2,3
(Li)
L Zinc (Zn) Alkali metal hydroxide Manganese dioxide (MnO) 1,5 1,65
P Zinc (Zn) Alkali metal hydroxide Oxygen (O) 1,4 1,68
S Zinc (Zn) Alkali metal hydroxide Silver oxide (AgO) 1,55 1,63
Z Zinc (Zn) Alkali metal hydroxide Nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) 1,5 1,78
NOTE 1 The value of the nominal voltage is not verifiable; therefore it is only given as a reference.
NOTE 2 The maximum open-circuit voltage is measured as defined in 5.5 and 6.8.1.
NOTE 3 When referring to an electrochemical system, common protocol is to list negative electrode first,
followed by positive electrode, i.e. lithium-iron disulfide.

4.1.5 Designation
The designation of primary batteries is based on their physical parameters, their electro-
chemical system as well as modifiers, if needed.
A comprehensive explanation of the designation system (nomenclature) can be found in
Annex C.
4.1.6 Marking
4.1.6.1 General
With the exception of batteries designated as small, each battery shall be marked with the
following information:
a) designation;
60086-1 © IEC:2006(E) – 15 –
b) expiration of a recommended usage period or year and month or week of manufacture.

The year and month or week of manufacture may be in code;

c) polarity of terminals (when applicable);

d) nominal voltage;
e) name or trade mark of the manufacturer or supplier;

f) cautionary advice.
4.1.6.2 Marking of small batteries

a) When this subclause is invoked in IEC 60086-2, mainly for category 3 and 4 batteries,

4.1.6.1a) and 4.1.6.1c) shall be marked on the battery. Subclauses 4.1.6.1b), 4.1.6.1d),
4.1.6.1e) and 4.1.6.1.f) may be given on the immediate package instead of on the battery.
b) For P-system batteries, 4.1.6.1a) may be on the battery, the sealing tab or the package,
4.1.6.1c) may be marked on the sealing tab of the battery and/or on the battery.
Subclauses 4.1.6.1b), 4.1.6.1d) and 4.1.6.1e) may be given on the immediate package
instead of on the battery.
c) Caution for ingestion of small batteries shall be given. Refer to IEC 60086-4 (subclauses
7.2 m) and 9.2) and IEC 60086-5 (subclauses 7.1 l) and 9.2) for details.
4.1.6.3 Marking of batteries regarding method of disposal
Marking of batteries with respect to the method of disposal shall be in accordance with local
legal requirements. Where required, refer to IEC 61429.
4.1.7 Interchangeability: battery voltage
Primary batteries as presently standardized in IEC 60086 can be categorized by their
1)
standard discharge voltage U . For a new battery system, its interchangeability by voltage is
s
assessed for compliance with the following formula:
n × 0,85 U ≤ m × U ≤ n × 1,15 U
r s r
where
n is the number of cells connected in series, based on reference voltage U ;
r
m is the number of cells connected in series, based on standard discharge voltage U .
s
Currently, two voltage ranges that conform to the above formula have been identified. They
are identified by reference voltage U , which is the midpoint of the relevant voltage range.
r
Voltage range 1, U = 1,4 V: batteries having a standard discharge voltage m × U equal to or
r s
within the range of n × 1,19 V to n × 1,61 V.
Voltage range 2, U = 3,2 V: batteries having a standard discharge voltage m × U equal to or
r s
within the range of n × 2,72 V to n × 3,68 V.
The term standard discharge voltage and related quantities, as well as the methods of their
determination, are given in Annex F.
NOTE For single-cell batteries and for multi-cell batteries assembled with cells of the same voltage range, m and
n will be identical; m and n will be different for multi-cell batteries if assembled with cells from a different voltage
range than those of an already standardized battery.
Voltage range 1 encompasses all presently standardized batteries with a nominal voltage of
about 1,5 V, i.e. "no-letter" system, systems A, F, G, L, P, S and Z.
———————
1)
The standard discharge voltage U was introduced to comply with the principle of experimental verifiability.

s
Neither the nominal voltage nor the maximum off-load voltage complies with this requirement.

– 16 – 60086-1 © IEC:2006(E)
Voltage range 2 encompasses all presently standardized batteries with a nominal voltage of

about 3 V, i.e. systems B, C and E.

Because batteries from voltage range 1 and voltage range 2 show significantly different

discharge voltages, they shall be designed to be physically non-interchangeable. Before

standardizing a new electrochemical system, its standard discharge voltage shall be

determined in accordance with the procedure given in Annex F to resolve its

interchangeability by voltage.

WARNING Failure to comply with this requirement can present safety hazards to the user, such as fire, explosion,

leakage and/or device damage. This requirement is necessary for safety and operational reasons.

4.2 Performance
4.2.1 Discharge performance
Discharge performance of primary batteries is specified in IEC 60086-2 and IEC 60086-3.
4.2.2 Dimensional stability
The dimensions of batteries shall conform with the relevant specified dimensions as given in
IEC 60086-2 and IEC 60086-3 at all times during discharge testing under the standard
conditions given in this specification.
NOTE 1 An increase in battery height of 0,25 mm can occur with button cells of the B, C, G, L, P and S systems,
if discharged below end-point voltage.
NOTE 2 For certain button cells (coin cells) of the C and B systems, a decrease in battery height may occur as
discharge continues.
4.2.3 Leakage
When batteries are stored and discharged under the standard conditions given in this
specification, no leakage shall occur.
4.2.4 Open-circuit voltage limits
The maximum open-circuit voltage of batteries shall not exceed the values given in 4.1.4,
Table 3.
4.2.5 Service output
Discharge durations, initial and delayed, of batteries shall meet the requirements given in
IEC 60086-2 and IEC 60086-3.
4.2.6 Safety
When designing primary batteries, safety under conditions of intended use and foreseeable
mis-use, as prescribed in IEC 60086-4 and IEC 60086-5, shall be considered.
5 Performance – Testing
5.1 General
For the preparation of standard methods of measuring performance (SMMP) of consumer
goods, refer to Annex G.
5.2 Discharge testing
The discharge tests in this standard fall into two categories:

60086-1 © IEC:2006(E) – 17 –
– application tests;
– service output tests.
In both categories of tests, discharge loads are specified in accordance with 6.4.

The methods of determining the load and test conditions are as follows:

5.2.1 Application tests
a) The equivalent resistance is calculated from the average current and average operating

voltage of the equipment under load.

b) The functional end-point voltage and the equivalent resistance value are obtained from the
data on all the equipment measured.
c) The median class defines the resistance value and the end-point voltage to be used for
the discharge test.
d) If the data are concentrated in two or more widely separated groups, more than one test
may be required.
e) In selecting the daily discharge period, the total weekly usage of the equipment is
considered.
The daily period then becomes the nearest preferred value (see 6.5) to one-seventh of the
total weekly usage.
NOTE 1 Some fixed resistance tests have been chosen to permit simplicity of design and ensure reliability of the
test equipment, despite the fact that, in specific instances, constant current or constant wattage tests may be a
better representation of the application.
In the future, alternative load conditions may become unavoidable. It is also inevitable that the
load characteristics of a particular category of equipment will change with time in a
developing technology.
The precise determination of the functional end-point voltage of the equipment is not always
possible. The discharge conditions are at best a compromise selected to represent a category
of equipment which may have widely divergent characteristics.
Nevertheless, in spite of these limitations, the derived application test is the best approach
known for the estimation of battery capability for a particular category of equipment.
NOTE 2 In order to minimize the proliferation of application tests, the tests specified should be those accounting
for 80 % of the market by battery designation.
5.2.2 Service output tests
For service output tests, the value of the load resistor should be selected such that the
service output approximates 30 days.
When full capacity is not realized within the required time scale, the service output may be
extended to the shortest suitable duration thereafter by selecting a discharge load of higher
ohmic value, as defined in 6.4.
5.3 Conformance check to a specified minimum average duration
In order to check the conformance of a battery, any of the application tests or service output
tests specified in IEC 60086-2 and IEC 60086-3 may be chosen.
The test shall be carried out as follows:
a) Test nine batteries.
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b) Calculate the average without the exclusion of any result.

c) If this average is equal to or greater than the specified figure and no more than one

battery has a service output of less than 80 % of the specified figure, the batteries are

considered to conform to service output.

d) If this average is less than the specified figure and/or more than one battery has a service
output of less than 80 % of the specified figure, repeat the test on another sample of nine

batteries and calculate the average as previously.

e) If the average of this second test is equal to or greater than the specified figure and no

more than one battery has a service output of less than 80 % of the specified figure, the
batteries are considered to conform to service output.

f) If the average of the second test is less than the specified figure and/or more than one
battery has a service output of less than 80 % of the specified figure, the batteries are
considered not to conform and no further testing is permitted.
NOTE Discharge performance of primary batteries is specified in IEC 60086-2.
5.4 Calculation method of the specified value of minimum average duration
This method is described in Annex D.
5.5 OCV testing
Open-circuit voltage shall be measured with the voltage measuring equipment specified in 6.8.1.
5.6 Battery dimensions
Dimensions shall be measured with the measuring equipment specified in 6.8.2.
5.7 Leakage and deformation
After the service output has been determined under the specified environmental conditions,
the discharge shall be continued in the same way until the closed circuit voltage drops for the
first time below 40 % of the nominal voltage of the battery. The requirements of 4.1.3, 4.2.2
and 4.2.3 shall be met.
NOTE For watch batteries, visual examination for leakage shall be carried out in accordance with the applicable
clause of IEC 60086-3.
6 Performance – Test conditions
6.1 Pre-discharge conditioning

Storage before discharge testing, and the actual discharge test, is carried out under well
defined conditions. Unless otherwise specified, the conditions given in Table 4 shall apply.
The discharge conditions shown are further referred to as standard conditions.

60086-1 © IEC:2006(E) – 19 –
Table 4 – Conditions for storage before and during discharge testing

Storage conditions Discharge conditions

Temperature Relative Temperature Relative
Type of test
d d
Duration
humidity humidity
°C °C
% %
60 days maximum after
a
Initial discharge test 20 ± 2 60 ± 15 20 ± 2 60 ± 15
date of manufacture
a
Delayed discharge test 20 ± 2 60 ± 15 12 months 20 ± 2 60 ± 15

Delayed discharge test
c
45 ± 2 50 ± 15 13 weeks 20 ± 2 60 ± 15
b
(high temperature)
a
During short periods only, the storage temperature may deviate from these limits without exceeding 20 °C ± 5 °C.
b
This test is carried out when a storage test at high temperature is required. Performance requirements are the
subject of agreement between manufacturer and customer.
c
Batteries to be stored unpacked.
d
Except “P” system: (60 % ± 10 %) RH.

6.2 Commencement of discharge tests after storage
The period between the completion of storage and the start of a delayed discharge test shall
not exceed 14 days.
During this period the batteries shall be kept at 20 °C ± 2 °C and (60 % ± 15 %) RH (except
for P-system batteries where the relative humidity shall be (60 % ± 10 %) RH).
At least one day in these conditions shall be allowed for normalization before starting a
discharge test after storage at high temperature.
6.3 Discharge test conditions
In order to test a battery it shall be discharged as specified in IEC 60086-2 until the voltage
on load drops for the first time below the specified end-point. The service output may be
expressed as a duration, in ampere-hours or in watt-hours.
When IEC 60086-2 specifies service outputs for more than one discharge test, batteries shall
meet al
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