IEC 62281:2016
(Main)Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
IEC 62281:2016 specifies test methods and requirements for primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries to ensure their safety during transport other than for recycling or disposal. Requirements specified in this standard do not apply in those cases where special provisions given in the relevant regulations, listed in 7.3, provide exemptions.
NOTE - Different standards may apply for lithium-ion traction battery systems used for electrically propelled road vehicles.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2012, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- Deletion of the wire mesh screen from the evaluation of test criteria for an explosion;
- Extension / modification of the shock test parameters so as to achieve constant energy behaviour for large batteries as well as explanations in a new Annex A;
- Modification of the external short-circuit method so as to allow the short-circuit to be applied to large batteries after they have been removed from the temperature chamber;
- Change of the cell diameter distinguishing between impact and crush test from 20 mm to 18 mm;
- Addition of possible content for a transport certificate.
Sécurité des piles et des accumulateurs au lithium pendant le transport
IEC 62281:2016 spécifie les méthodes d’essai et les exigences pour les éléments et les batteries de piles et d'accumulateurs au lithium afin de s'assurer de leur sécurité pendant les opérations de transport autres que celles relatives à leur recyclage ou leur mise au rebut. Les exigences spécifiées dans la présente norme ne s’appliquent pas aux cas pour lesquels des dispositions spéciales prévues dans les réglementations applicables, énumérées en 7.3, accordent des exemptions.
NOTE - Différentes normes peuvent s'appliquer aux systèmes de batteries de traction ion-lithium utilisés pour les véhicules routiers électriques.
Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2012. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- Suppression des treillis métalliques dans l’évaluation des critères d’essai pour une explosion;
- Extension / modification des paramètres de l’essai de chocs, de façon à obtenir un comportement constant d’énergie pour les grandes batteries, ainsi que des explications dans la nouvelle Annexe A;
- Modification de la méthode de court-circuit externe, de façon à pouvoir appliquer le court-circuit à de grandes batteries après leur retrait de la chambre thermique;
- Diminution du diamètre d’élément de 20 mm à 18 mm, en faisant la distinction entre l’essai d’impact et l’essai d’écrasement;
- Ajout de contenu possible de certificat de transport.
Mots clés : méthodes d’essai et les exigences pour les éléments et les batteries de piles et d'accumulateurs au lithium, Certificat de transport
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IEC 62281 ®
Edition 3.0 2016-12
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
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IEC 62281 ®
Edition 3.0 2016-12
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.220.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-3707-6
– 2 – IEC 62281:2016 RLV © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 2
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Requirements for safety . 11
4.1 General considerations . 11
4.2 Quality plan . 11
4.3 Packaging . 11
5 Type testing, sampling and re-testing . 11
5.1 Type testing . 11
5.2 Overcharge protection . 12
5.2.1 Secondary batteries for use in battery assemblies .
5.3 Battery assemblies. 12
5.3.1 General . 12
5.3.2 Small battery assemblies . 12
5.3.3 Large battery assemblies . 12
5.4 Sampling. 12
5.5 Re-testing . 14
6 Test methods and requirements . 14
6.1 General . 14
6.1.1 Safety Cautionary notice . 14
6.1.2 Ambient temperature . 14
6.1.3 Parameter measurement tolerances . 14
6.1.4 Pre-discharge and pre-cycling . 14
6.2 Evaluation of test criteria . 15
6.2.1 Shifting . 15
6.2.2 Distortion . 15
6.2.3 Short-circuit . 15
6.2.4 Excessive temperature rise . 15
6.2.5 Leakage . 15
6.2.6 Venting . 15
6.2.7 Fire . 16
6.2.8 Rupture . 16
6.2.9 Explosion . 16
6.3 Tests and requirements – Overview . 16
6.4 Transport tests . 17
6.4.1 Test T-1: Altitude . 17
6.4.2 Test T-2: Thermal cycling . 17
6.4.3 Test T-3: Vibration . 17
6.4.4 Test T-4: Shock . 18
6.4.5 Test T-5: External short-circuit . 19
6.4.6 Test T-6: Impact/crush . 20
6.5 Misuse tests . 21
6.5.1 Test T-7: Overcharge . 21
6.5.2 Test T-8: Forced discharge . 21
6.6 Packaging test – Test P-1: Drop test . 22
6.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 22
6.8 Evaluation and Test report . 23
6.9 Transport certificate . 23
7 Information for safety . 23
7.1 Packaging . 23
7.2 Handling of battery cartons . 23
7.3 Transport . 23
7.3.1 General . 23
7.3.2 Air transport. 24
7.3.3 Sea transport . 24
7.3.4 Land transport . 24
7.3.5 Classification . 24
7.4 Display and storage . 24
8 Instructions for packaging and handling during transport – Quarantine . 24
9 Marking . 25
9.1 Marking of primary and secondary (rechargeable) cells and batteries . 25
9.2 Marking of the packaging and shipping documents . 25
Annex A (informative) Shock test – adjustment of acceleration for large batteries . 27
A.1 General . 27
A.2 Shock energy depends on mass, acceleration, and pulse duration . 27
A.3 The constant acceleration approach . 28
A.4 The constant energy approach . 28
Bibliography . 30
Figure 1 – Example of a test set-up for the impact test. 20
Figure 2 – Example for the marking of packages with primary or secondary
(rechargeable) lithium cells or batteries .
Figure A.1 – Half sine shock for batteries (constant peak acceleration) . 28
Figure A.2 – Half sine shock for batteries (constant energy) . 29
Table 1 – Number of primary test cells and batteries for type testing . 13
Table 2 – Number of secondary test cells and batteries for type testing . 13
Table 3 – Number of packages with primary or secondary test cells and batteries. 14
Table 4 – Mass loss limits . 15
Table 5 – Transport and packaging tests and requirements . 16
Table 6 – Vibration profile (sinusoidal) . 18
Table 7 – Shock parameters . 19
– 4 – IEC 62281:2016 RLV © IEC 2016
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SAFETY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LITHIUM CELLS
AND BATTERIES DURING TRANSPORT
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
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This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
made to the previous edition. A vertical bar appears in the margin wherever a change
has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text.
International Standard IEC 62281 has been prepared jointly by IEC technical committee 35:
Primary cells and batteries and subcommittee 21A: Secondary cells and batteries containing
alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes, of IEC technical committee 21: Secondary cells and
batteries.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2012, and constitutes
a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Deletion of the wire mesh screen from the evaluation of test criteria for an explosion;
b) Extension / modification of the shock test parameters so as to achieve constant energy
behaviour for large batteries as well as explanations in a new Annex A;
c) Modification of the external short-circuit method so as to allow the short-circuit to be
applied to large batteries after they have been removed from the temperature chamber;
d) Change of the cell diameter distinguishing between impact and crush test from 20 mm to
18 mm;
e) Addition of possible content for a transport certificate.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
35/1370/FDIS 35/1371/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 62281:2016 RLV © IEC 2016
INTRODUCTION
Primary lithium cells and batteries were first introduced in military applications in the 1970s.
At that time, little commercial interest and no industrial standards existed. Consequently, the
United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, although
usually referring to industrial standards for testing and criteria, introduced a sub-section in the
Manual of tests and criteria concerning safety tests relevant to transport of primary lithium
cells and batteries. Meanwhile, commercial interest in primary and secondary (rechargeable)
lithium cells and batteries has grown and several industrial standards exist. However, the
existing IEC standards are manifold, not completely harmonized, and not necessarily relevant
to transport. They are not suitable to be used as a source of reference in the UN Model
Regulations. Therefore this group safety standard has been prepared to harmonize the tests
and requirements relevant to transport.
This International Standard applies to primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and
batteries containing lithium in any chemical form: lithium metal, lithium alloy or lithium-ion.
Lithium-metal and lithium alloy primary electrochemical systems use metallic lithium and
lithium alloy, respectively, as the negative electrode. Lithium-ion secondary electrochemical
systems use intercalation compounds (intercalated lithium exists in an ionic or quasi-atomic
form within the lattice of the electrode material) in the positive and in the negative electrodes.
This International Standard also applies to lithium polymer cells and batteries, which are
considered either as primary lithium-metal cells and batteries or as secondary lithium-ion cells
and batteries, depending on the nature of the material used in the negative electrode.
The history of transporting primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries is worth noting.
Since the 1970s, over ten billion primary lithium cells and batteries have been transported,
and since the early 1990s, over one billion secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and
batteries utilizing a lithium-ion system have been transported. As the number of primary and
secondary lithium cells and batteries to be transported is increasing, it is appropriate to also
include in this standard the safety testing of packaging used for the transportation of these
products.
This International Standard specifically addresses the safety of primary and secondary lithium
cells and batteries during transport and also the safety of the packaging used.
The UN Manual of Tests and Criteria [12] distinguishes between lithium metal and lithium
alloy cells and batteries on the one hand, and lithium ion and lithium polymer cells and
batteries on the other hand. While it defines that lithium metal and lithium alloy cells and
batteries can be either primary (non-rechargeable) or rechargeable, it always considers
lithium ion cells and batteries as rechargeable. However, test methods in the UN Manual of
Tests and Criteria are the same for both secondary lithium metal and lithium alloy cells and
batteries and lithium ion and lithium polymer cells and batteries. The concept is only needed
to distinguish between small and large battery assemblies. Battery assemblies assembled
from (primary or secondary) lithium metal and lithium alloy batteries are distinguished by the
aggregate lithium content of all anodes (measured in grams), while battery assemblies
assembled from lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries are distinguished by their “nominal”
energy (measured in Watt-hours).
___________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.
SAFETY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LITHIUM CELLS
AND BATTERIES DURING TRANSPORT
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies test methods and requirements for primary and
secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries to ensure their safety during transport
other than for recycling or disposal. Requirements specified in this standard do not apply in
those cases where special provisions given in the relevant regulations, listed in 7.3, provide
exemptions.
NOTE Different standards may apply for lithium-ion traction battery systems used for electrically propelled road
vehicles.
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.
IEC 61960, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications
IEC 62133, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them,
for use in portable applications
IEC 62660-1, Secondary lithium-ion cells for the propulsion of electric road vehicles – Part 1:
Performance testing
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
aggregate lithium content
total lithium content of the cells comprising a battery
3.2
battery
one or more cells electrically connected and fitted in a case, with terminals, markings and
protective devices etc., as necessary for use
– 8 – IEC 62281:2016 RLV © IEC 2016
Note 1 to entry: This definition is different from the definition used in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria [12].
The standard was, however, carefully prepared so that the test set-up for each test is harmonized with the UN
Manual.
Note 2 to entry: A cell used in equipment where the equipment is providing the functions of a case, terminals,
markings and protective devices etc., as necessary for use in the equipment, is, for the purposes of this standard,
considered to be a battery.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004 [1], 482-01-04, modified – reference to "electrically
connected" has been added]
3.3
battery assembly
battery comprising two or more batteries
3.4
button (cell or battery)
coin (cell or battery)
small round cell or battery where the overall height is less than the diameter, e.g. in the shape
of a button or a coin
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-40, modified – the term "small round cell or battery"
replaces the original "cell with a cylindrical shape"]
3.5
cell
basic functional unit, consisting of an assembly of electrodes, electrolyte, container, terminals
and, usually, separators that is a source of electric energy obtained by direct conversion of
chemical energy
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-01]
3.6
component cell
cell contained in a battery
3.7
cycle (of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery)
set of operations that is carried out on a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery and is
repeated regularly in the same sequence
Note 1 to entry: These operations may consist of a sequence of a discharge followed by a charge or a charge
followed by a discharge under specified conditions. This sequence may include rest periods.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-05-28, modified – the words "secondary (rechargeable)"
have been added]
3.8
cylindrical (cell or battery)
round cell or battery in which the overall height is equal to or greater than the diameter
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-39, modified – the words "round cell or battery"
replace the original "cell with a cylindrical shape"]
3.9
depth of discharge
DOD
percentage of rated capacity discharged from a battery
3.10
first cycle
initial cycle of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery following completion of all
manufacturing, formation and quality control processes
3.11
fully charged
state of charge of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery corresponding to 0 % depth of
discharge
3.12
fully discharged
state of charge of a cell or battery corresponding to 100 % depth of discharge
3.13
large battery
battery with a gross mass of more than 12 kg
3.14
large cell
cell with a gross mass of more than 500 g
3.15
lithium cell (primary or secondary (rechargeable))
cell containing a non-aqueous electrolyte and a negative electrode of lithium or containing
lithium
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the design features chosen, a lithium cell may be primary or secondary
(rechargeable).
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-06, modified – the notion of "primary or secondary
(rechargeable)" has been added]
3.16
lithium content
mass of lithium in the negative electrode of a lithium metal or lithium alloy cell or battery in the
undischarged or fully charged state
3.17
lithium ion cell or battery
rechargeable non-aqueous cell or battery in which the positive and negative electrodes are
both intercalation compounds constructed with no metallic lithium in either electrode
Note 1 to entry: Intercalated lithium exists in an ionic or quasi-atomic form with the lattice of the electrode
material.
Note 2 to entry: A lithium polymer cell or battery that uses lithium ion chemistries, as described herein, is
considered as a lithium ion cell or battery.
3.18
nominal energy
energy value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The nominal energy is calculated by multiplying the nominal voltage by rated capacity.
Note 2 to entry: The term “rated energy” could be more appropriate.
– 10 – IEC 62281:2016 RLV © IEC 2016
3.19
nominal voltage
suitable approximate value of the voltage used to designate or identify a cell, a battery or an
electrochemical system
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-31]
3.20
open-circuit voltage
voltage across the terminals of a cell or battery when no external current is flowing
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-32, modified – "when no external current is flowing"
replaces "when the discharge current is zero"]
3.21
primary (cell or battery)
cell or battery that is not designed to be electrically recharged
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-02, modified – addition of "or battery"]
3.22
prismatic (cell or battery)
cell or battery having rectangular sides and bases
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-38, modified – omission of "having the shape of a
parallelepiped"]
3.23
protective devices
devices such as fuses, diodes or other electric or electronic current limiters designed to
interrupt the current flow, block the current flow in one direction or limit the current flow in an
electrical circuit
3.24
rated capacity
capacity value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The following IEC standards provide guidance and methodology for determining the rated
capacity: IEC 61960-3 [5], IEC 62133 [6], IEC 62660-1 [7].
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-15, modified – inclusion of "a cell or battery",
addition of Note to entry]
3.25
secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery
cell or battery which is designed to be electrically recharged
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-03, modified – addition of "rechargeable" and "or
battery"]
3.26
small battery
battery with a gross mass of not more than 12 kg
3.27
small cell
cell with a gross mass of not more than 500 g
3.28
type (for cells or batteries)
particular electrochemical system and physical design of cells or batteries
3.29
undischarged
state of charge of a primary cell or battery corresponding to 0 % depth of discharge
4 Requirements for safety
4.1 General considerations
Lithium cells and batteries are categorized by their chemical composition (electrodes,
electrolyte) and internal construction (bobbin, spiral). They are available in various shapes. It
is necessary to consider all relevant safety aspects at the battery design stage, recognizing
the fact that they may differ considerably, depending on the specific lithium system, power
output and battery configuration.
The following design concepts for safety are common to all lithium cells and batteries:
a) To prevent by design an abnormal temperature rise above the critical value defined by the
manufacturer shall be prevented by design.
b) To control by design temperature increases in the cell or battery shall be controlled by the
design e.g. by limiting the current flow or by adequate thermal management.
c) To design lithium cells and batteries shall be designed so as to relieve excessive internal
pressure or to preclude a violent rupture under conditions of transport.
d) To design lithium cells and batteries shall be designed so as to prevent a short-circuit
under normal conditions of transport and intended use.
e) To equip primary lithium batteries containing cells or strings of cells connected in parallel
shall be equipped with effective means, as may be necessary, to prevent dangerous
reverse current flow (e.g. diodes, fuses, etc.).
4.2 Quality plan
The manufacturer shall implement a documented quality plan (i.e. quality reports, inspection
records, management structure) defining the procedures for the inspection of materials,
components, cells and batteries during the course of manufacture, to be applied to the total
process of producing a specific type of battery. Manufacturers should understand their
process capabilities and should institute the necessary process controls as they relate to
product safety and reliability.
4.3 Packaging
Lithium cells and batteries shall be packaged so as to prevent an external short-circuit under
normal transport conditions.
NOTE Additional requirements for packaging of dangerous goods are given in UN Model Regulations:2011 2015
[13], section 6.1. See also regulations mentioned in 7.3.
5 Type testing, sampling and re-testing
5.1 Type testing
Lithium metal and lithium ion cells or batteries which differ from a tested type by
a) for primary cells and batteries, a change of more than 0,1 g or 20 % by mass, whichever
is greater, to the electrodes or to the electrolyte, or
– 12 – IEC 62281:2016 RLV © IEC 2016
b) for rechargeable cells and batteries, a change in nominal energy (in Wh) of more than
20 % or an increase in nominal voltage of more than 20 %, or
c) a change that would lead to failure of any of the tests,
shall be considered a different type and shall be subject to the required tests.
NOTE The type of change that might be considered to differ from a tested type, such that it might lead to failure
of any of the test results, may include, but is not limited to
1) a change in the material of the anode, the cathode, the separator or the electrolyte,
2) a change of protective devices, including hardware and software,
3) a change of safety design in cells or batteries, such as a venting valve,
4) a change in the number of component cells, and
5) a change in connecting mode of component cells, and,
6) for batteries which are to be tested according to test T-4 with a peak acceleration less than 150 g , a change
n
in the mass which could adversely impact the result of the T-4 test and lead to a failure.
5.2 Overcharge protection
5.2.1 Secondary batteries for use in battery assemblies
Secondary batteries not equipped with battery overcharge protection that are designed for use
only in a battery assembly or in equipment, which affords such protection, are not subject to
the requirements of test T-7.
5.3 Battery assemblies
5.3.1 General
Generally, battery assemblies, including battery packs, battery modules, and other units that
may be assembled from batteries, are tested like batteries.
5.3.2 Small battery assemblies
When testing a battery assembly in which the aggregate lithium content of all anodes, when
fully charged, is not more than 500 g, or in the case of a lithium ion battery, with a nominal
energy of not more than 6 200 Wh, assembled from batteries that have passed all applicable
tests, one battery assembly in a fully charged state shall be tested under tests T-3, T-4 and
T-5, and, in addition, test T-7 in the case of a secondary battery assembly. For a secondary
battery assembly, the assembly shall have been cycled for at least 25 cycles.
NOTE The term “fully charged” is used in [12] although it applies only to secondary battery assemblies. For
primary battery assemblies, the term “undischarged” would be more appropriate.
5.3.3 Large battery assemblies
A battery assembly with an aggregate lithium content of more than 500 g, or in the case of a
lithium ion battery, with a nominal energy of more than 6 200 Wh, does not need to be tested
if it is of a type that has been verified as preventing:
a) it is formed by electrically connecting batteries that have passed all applicable tests, and
b) it is equipped with a system capable of
– monitoring the battery assembly,
– preventing short-circuits and over-discharge between the batteries in the assembly,
and
– preventing any overheat or overcharge of the battery assembly.
• overcharge, and
• short circuits; and
• over discharge between the batteries.
5.4 Sampling
Each different type shall be tested by taking random samples. The number of samples for
testing primary cells and batteries is given in Table 1. The number of samples for testing
secondary cells and batteries is given in Table 2. The number of samples for testing packages
of primary and secondary cells and batteries is given in Table 3.
Table 1 – Number of primary test cells and batteries for type testing
a
Tests Discharge state Cells or single cell batteries Multi-cell batteries
Undischarged 10 4
Tests
T-1 to T-5
Fully discharged 10 4
Undischarged 5 5 component cells
Test T-6
Fully discharged 5 5 component cells
Test T-8 Fully discharged 10 10 component cells
Total for 8 batteries and
all tests 20 component cells
a
Single cell batteries consisting of containing one tested component cells do not require re-testing unless the
change could result in a failure of any of the tests.
Table 2 – Number of secondary test cells and batteries for type testing
a
Tests Cycles and Cells Single cell batteries Multi-cell batteries
discharge
Small Large Small Large
state
At first cycle,
10 10 10 4 2
fully charged
Tests After 25 cycles,
b b b b
N/A N/A N/A N/A 2
T-1 to T-5 fully charged
After 50 cycles,
b b b b
N/A N/A N/A 4 N/A
fully charged
At first cycle,
Test T-6 5 5 5 5 component cells 5 component cells
at 50 % DOD
At first cycle,
b c c c c
N/A 4 2 4 2
fully charged
After 25 cycles,
b b c b c
Test T-7 N/A N/A 2 N/A 2
fully charged
After 50 cycles,
b c b c b
N/A 4 N/A 4 N/A
fully charged
At first cycle,
d d
10 10 10 10 component cells 10 component cells
fully discharged
Test T-8
After 50 cycles,
d d
10 10 10 10 component cells 10 component cells
fully discharged
Total for 16 batteries and 8 batteries and
35 43 39
all tests 25 component cells 25 component cells
a
Single cell batteries consisting of containing one tested component cells shall be subject to T7 testing only
do not require re-testing unless the change could result in a failure of any of the tests, except for test T-7
where only batteries are tested .
b
N/A = not applicable.
c
Applies only to batteries equipped with overcharge protection.
c
See 5.2.
d
Multicell batteries are considered to be protected against overdischarge of their component cells. Otherwise
they would have to be tested as well.
– 14 – IEC 62281:2016 RLV © IEC 2016
Table 3 – Number of packages with primary or secondary test cells and batteries
Number of samples for test P-1 1 package as supplied for transport
5.5 Re-testing
In the event that a primary or secondary lithium cell or battery type does not meet the test
requirements, steps shall be taken to correct the deficiency or deficiencies that caused the
failure before such a cell or battery type is re-tested.
6 Test methods and requirements
6.1 General
6.1.1 Safety Cautionary notice
WARNING – These tests call for the use of procedures which may result in injury if
adequate precautions are not taken.
The execution of these tests shall only be conducted by appropriately qualified and
experienced technicians using adequate protection.
6.1.2 Ambient temperature
Unless otherwise specified, the tests shall be carried out in an ambient temperature
of 20 °C ± 5 °C.
6.1.3 Parameter measurement tolerances
The overall accuracy of controlled or measured values, relative to the specified or actual
parameters, shall be within the following tolerances:
a) ± 1 % for voltage;
b) ± 1 % for current;
c) ± 2 °C for temperature;
d) ± 0,1 % for time;
e) ± 1 % for dimension;
f) ± 1 % for capacity.
These tolerances comprise the combined accuracy of the measuring instruments, the
measurement techniques used, and all other sources of error in the test procedure.
6.1.4 Pre-discharge and pre-cycling
Where, prior to testing, it is required to discharge primary test cells or test batteries, they shall
be discharged to their respective depth of discharge on a resistive load with which the rated
capacity is obtained, or at a constant current specified by the manufacturer.
Where, prior to testing, it is required to cycle secondary (rechargeable) test cells or test
batteries, they shall be cycled using the charge and discharge conditions specified by the
manufacturer for optimum performance and safety.
6.2 Evaluation of test criteria
6.2.1 Shifting
Shifting is considered to have occurred during a test if one or more test cells or batteries are
released from the packaging, do not retain their original orientation, or are affected in such a
way that the occurrence of an external short-circuit or crushing cannot be excluded.
6.2.2 Distortion
Distortion is considered to have occurred if, during a test, a physical dimension changes by
more than 10 %.
6.2.3 Short-circuit
A short-circuit is considered to have occurred during a test if the open circuit voltage of the
cell or battery directly after the test is less than 90 % of its voltage immediately prior to the
test. This requirement is not applicable to test cells and batteries at fully discharged states.
6.2.4 Excessive temperature rise
An excessive temperature rise is considered to have occurred during a test if the external
case temperature of the test cell or battery rises above 170 °C.
6.2.5 Leakage
Leakage is considered to have occurred during a test if there is visible escape of electrolyte
or other material from the test cell or battery or the loss of material (except battery casing,
handling devices or labels) from the test cell or battery such that the mass loss exceeds the
limits in Table 4.
In order to quantify mass loss ∆m / m, the following equation is provided:
m - m
1 2
Δm / m = × 100 %
m
where
m is the mass before a test;
m is the mass after that test.
Table 4 – Mass loss limits
Mass of cell or battery Mass loss limit
m
∆m / m
m < 1 g 0,5 %
1 g ≤ m ≤ 75 g 0,2 %
0,1 %
m > 75 g
6.2.6 Venting
Venting is considered to have occurred during a test if gas has escaped from a cell or battery
through a feature designed for this purpose, in order to relieve excessive internal pressure.
This gas may include entrapped materials.
– 16 – IEC 62281:2016 RLV © IEC 2016
6.2.7 Fire
A fire is considered to have occurred if, during a test, flames are emitted from the test cell or
battery.
6.2.8 Rupture
A rupture is considered to have occurred if, during a test, a cell container or battery case has
mechanically failed, resulting in expulsion of gas or spillage of liquids but not ejection of solid
...
IEC 62281 ®
Edition 3.0 2016-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
Sécurité des piles et des accumulateurs au lithium pendant le transport
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IEC 62281 ®
Edition 3.0 2016-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
Sécurité des piles et des accumulateurs au lithium pendant le transport
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.220.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-3773-1
– 2 – IEC 62281:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Requirements for safety . 10
4.1 General considerations . 10
4.2 Quality plan . 11
4.3 Packaging . 11
5 Type testing, sampling and re-testing . 11
5.1 Type testing . 11
5.2 Overcharge protection . 12
5.3 Battery assemblies. 12
5.3.1 General . 12
5.3.2 Small battery assemblies . 12
5.3.3 Large battery assemblies . 12
5.4 Sampling. 12
5.5 Re-testing . 13
6 Test methods and requirements . 13
6.1 General . 13
6.1.1 Cautionary notice. 13
6.1.2 Ambient temperature . 14
6.1.3 Parameter measurement tolerances . 14
6.1.4 Pre-discharge and pre-cycling . 14
6.2 Evaluation of test criteria . 14
6.2.1 Shifting . 14
6.2.2 Distortion . 14
6.2.3 Short-circuit . 14
6.2.4 Excessive temperature rise . 14
6.2.5 Leakage . 14
6.2.6 Venting . 15
6.2.7 Fire . 15
6.2.8 Rupture . 15
6.2.9 Explosion . 15
6.3 Tests and requirements – Overview . 15
6.4 Transport tests . 16
6.4.1 Test T-1: Altitude . 16
6.4.2 Test T-2: Thermal cycling . 16
6.4.3 Test T-3: Vibration . 17
6.4.4 Test T-4: Shock . 17
6.4.5 Test T-5: External short-circuit . 18
6.4.6 Test T-6: Impact/crush . 19
6.5 Misuse tests . 21
6.5.1 Test T-7: Overcharge . 21
6.5.2 Test T-8: Forced discharge . 21
6.6 Packaging test – Test P-1: Drop test . 21
6.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 22
6.8 Test report . 22
6.9 Transport certificate . 23
7 Information for safety . 23
7.1 Packaging . 23
7.2 Handling of battery cartons . 23
7.3 Transport . 23
7.3.1 General . 23
7.3.2 Air transport. 23
7.3.3 Sea transport . 23
7.3.4 Land transport . 23
7.3.5 Classification . 23
7.4 Display and storage . 24
8 Instructions for packaging and handling during transport – Quarantine . 24
9 Marking . 24
9.1 Marking of primary and secondary (rechargeable) cells and batteries . 24
9.2 Marking of the packaging and shipping documents . 24
Annex A (informative) Shock test – adjustment of acceleration for large batteries . 25
A.1 General . 25
A.2 Shock energy depends on mass, acceleration, and pulse duration . 25
A.3 The constant acceleration approach . 26
A.4 The constant energy approach . 26
Bibliography . 28
Figure 1 – Example of a test set-up for the impact test. 20
Figure A.1 – Half sine shock for batteries (constant peak acceleration) . 26
Figure A.2 – Half sine shock for batteries (constant energy) . 27
Table 1 – Number of primary test cells and batteries for type testing . 12
Table 2 – Number of secondary test cells and batteries for type testing . 13
Table 3 – Number of packages with primary or secondary test cells and batteries. 13
Table 4 – Mass loss limits . 15
Table 5 – Transport and packaging tests and requirements . 16
Table 6 – Vibration profile (sinusoidal) . 17
Table 7 – Shock parameters . 18
– 4 – IEC 62281:2016 © IEC 2016
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SAFETY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LITHIUM CELLS
AND BATTERIES DURING TRANSPORT
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 itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
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 62281 has been prepared jointly by IEC technical committee 35:
Primary cells and batteries and subcommittee 21A: Secondary cells and batteries containing
alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes, of IEC technical committee 21: Secondary cells and
batteries.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2012, and constitutes
a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Deletion of the wire mesh screen from the evaluation of test criteria for an explosion;
b) Extension / modification of the shock test parameters so as to achieve constant energy
behaviour for large batteries as well as explanations in a new Annex A;
c) Modification of the external short-circuit method so as to allow the short-circuit to be
applied to large batteries after they have been removed from the temperature chamber;
d) Change of the cell diameter distinguishing between impact and crush test from 20 mm to
18 mm;
e) Addition of possible content for a transport certificate.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
35/1370/FDIS 35/1371/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 62281:2016 © IEC 2016
INTRODUCTION
Primary lithium cells and batteries were first introduced in military applications in the 1970s.
At that time, little commercial interest and no industrial standards existed. Consequently, the
United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, although
usually referring to industrial standards for testing and criteria, introduced a sub-section in the
Manual of tests and criteria concerning safety tests relevant to transport of primary lithium
cells and batteries. Meanwhile, commercial interest in primary and secondary (rechargeable)
lithium cells and batteries has grown and several industrial standards exist. However, the
existing IEC standards are manifold, not completely harmonized, and not necessarily relevant
to transport. They are not suitable to be used as a source of reference in the UN Model
Regulations. Therefore this group safety standard has been prepared to harmonize the tests
and requirements relevant to transport.
This International Standard applies to primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and
batteries containing lithium in any chemical form: lithium metal, lithium alloy or lithium-ion.
Lithium-metal and lithium alloy primary electrochemical systems use metallic lithium and
lithium alloy, respectively, as the negative electrode. Lithium-ion secondary electrochemical
systems use intercalation compounds (intercalated lithium exists in an ionic or quasi-atomic
form within the lattice of the electrode material) in the positive and in the negative electrodes.
This International Standard also applies to lithium polymer cells and batteries, which are
considered either as primary lithium-metal cells and batteries or as secondary lithium-ion cells
and batteries, depending on the nature of the material used in the negative electrode.
The history of transporting primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries is worth noting.
Since the 1970s, over ten billion primary lithium cells and batteries have been transported,
and since the early 1990s, over one billion secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and
batteries utilizing a lithium-ion system have been transported. As the number of primary and
secondary lithium cells and batteries to be transported is increasing, it is appropriate to also
include in this standard the safety testing of packaging used for the transportation of these
products.
This International Standard specifically addresses the safety of primary and secondary lithium
cells and batteries during transport and also the safety of the packaging used.
The UN Manual of Tests and Criteria [12] distinguishes between lithium metal and lithium
alloy cells and batteries on the one hand, and lithium ion and lithium polymer cells and
batteries on the other hand. While it defines that lithium metal and lithium alloy cells and
batteries can be either primary (non-rechargeable) or rechargeable, it always considers
lithium ion cells and batteries as rechargeable. However, test methods in the UN Manual of
Tests and Criteria are the same for both secondary lithium metal and lithium alloy cells and
batteries and lithium ion and lithium polymer cells and batteries. The concept is only needed
to distinguish between small and large battery assemblies. Battery assemblies assembled
from (primary or secondary) lithium metal and lithium alloy batteries are distinguished by the
aggregate lithium content of all anodes (measured in grams), while battery assemblies
assembled from lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries are distinguished by their “nominal”
energy (measured in Watt-hours).
___________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.
SAFETY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LITHIUM CELLS
AND BATTERIES DURING TRANSPORT
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies test methods and requirements for primary and
secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries to ensure their safety during transport
other than for recycling or disposal. Requirements specified in this standard do not apply in
those cases where special provisions given in the relevant regulations, listed in 7.3, provide
exemptions.
NOTE Different standards may apply for lithium-ion traction battery systems used for electrically propelled road
vehicles.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
aggregate lithium content
total lithium content of the cells comprising a battery
3.2
battery
one or more cells electrically connected and fitted in a case, with terminals, markings and
protective devices etc., as necessary for use
Note 1 to entry: This definition is different from the definition used in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria [12].
The standard was, however, carefully prepared so that the test set-up for each test is harmonized with the UN
Manual.
Note 2 to entry: A cell used in equipment where the equipment is providing the functions of a case, terminals,
markings and protective devices etc., as necessary for use in the equipment, is, for the purposes of this standard,
considered to be a battery.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004 [1], 482-01-04, modified – reference to "electrically
connected" has been added]
3.3
battery assembly
battery comprising two or more batteries
– 8 – IEC 62281:2016 © IEC 2016
3.4
button (cell or battery)
coin (cell or battery)
small round cell or battery where the overall height is less than the diameter, e.g. in the shape
of a button or a coin
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-40, modified – the term "small round cell or battery"
replaces the original "cell with a cylindrical shape"]
3.5
cell
basic functional unit, consisting of an assembly of electrodes, electrolyte, container, terminals
and, usually, separators that is a source of electric energy obtained by direct conversion of
chemical energy
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-01]
3.6
component cell
cell contained in a battery
3.7
cycle (of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery)
set of operations that is carried out on a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery and is
repeated regularly in the same sequence
Note 1 to entry: These operations may consist of a sequence of a discharge followed by a charge or a charge
followed by a discharge under specified conditions. This sequence may include rest periods.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-05-28, modified – the words "secondary (rechargeable)"
have been added]
3.8
cylindrical (cell or battery)
round cell or battery in which the overall height is equal to or greater than the diameter
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-39, modified – the words "round cell or battery"
replace the original "cell with a cylindrical shape"]
3.9
depth of discharge
DOD
percentage of rated capacity discharged from a battery
3.10
first cycle
initial cycle of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery following completion of all
manufacturing, formation and quality control processes
3.11
fully charged
state of charge of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery corresponding to 0 % depth of
discharge
3.12
fully discharged
state of charge of a cell or battery corresponding to 100 % depth of discharge
3.13
large battery
battery with a gross mass of more than 12 kg
3.14
large cell
cell with a gross mass of more than 500 g
3.15
lithium cell (primary or secondary (rechargeable))
cell containing a non-aqueous electrolyte and a negative electrode of lithium or containing
lithium
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the design features chosen, a lithium cell may be primary or secondary
(rechargeable).
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-06, modified – the notion of "primary or secondary
(rechargeable)" has been added]
3.16
lithium content
mass of lithium in the negative electrode of a lithium metal or lithium alloy cell or battery in the
undischarged or fully charged state
3.17
lithium ion cell or battery
rechargeable non-aqueous cell or battery in which the positive and negative electrodes are
both intercalation compounds constructed with no metallic lithium in either electrode
Note 1 to entry: Intercalated lithium exists in an ionic or quasi-atomic form with the lattice of the electrode
material.
Note 2 to entry: A lithium polymer cell or battery that uses lithium ion chemistries, as described herein, is
considered as a lithium ion cell or battery.
3.18
nominal energy
energy value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The nominal energy is calculated by multiplying the nominal voltage by rated capacity.
Note 2 to entry: The term “rated energy” could be more appropriate.
3.19
nominal voltage
suitable approximate value of the voltage used to designate or identify a cell, a battery or an
electrochemical system
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-31]
3.20
open-circuit voltage
voltage across the terminals of a cell or battery when no external current is flowing
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-32, modified – "when no external current is flowing"
replaces "when the discharge current is zero"]
3.21
primary (cell or battery)
cell or battery that is not designed to be electrically recharged
– 10 – IEC 62281:2016 © IEC 2016
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-02, modified – addition of "or battery"]
3.22
prismatic (cell or battery)
cell or battery having rectangular sides and bases
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-38, modified – omission of "having the shape of a
parallelepiped"]
3.23
protective devices
devices such as fuses, diodes or other electric or electronic current limiters designed to
interrupt the current flow, block the current flow in one direction or limit the current flow in an
electrical circuit
3.24
rated capacity
capacity value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The following IEC standards provide guidance and methodology for determining the rated
capacity: IEC 61960-3 [5], IEC 62133 [6], IEC 62660-1 [7].
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-15, modified – inclusion of "a cell or battery",
addition of Note to entry]
3.25
secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery
cell or battery which is designed to be electrically recharged
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-03, modified – addition of "rechargeable" and "or
battery"]
3.26
small battery
battery with a gross mass of not more than 12 kg
3.27
small cell
cell with a gross mass of not more than 500 g
3.28
type (for cells or batteries)
particular electrochemical system and physical design of cells or batteries
3.29
undischarged
state of charge of a primary cell or battery corresponding to 0 % depth of discharge
4 Requirements for safety
4.1 General considerations
Lithium cells and batteries are categorized by their chemical composition (electrodes,
electrolyte) and internal construction (bobbin, spiral). They are available in various shapes. It
is necessary to consider all relevant safety aspects at the battery design stage, recognizing
the fact that they may differ considerably, depending on the specific lithium system, power
output and battery configuration.
The following design concepts for safety are common to all lithium cells and batteries:
a) To prevent by design an abnormal temperature rise above the critical value defined by the
manufacturer.
b) To control by design temperature increases in the cell or battery e.g. by limiting the
current flow or by adequate thermal management.
c) To design lithium cells and batteries so as to relieve excessive internal pressure or to
preclude a violent rupture under conditions of transport.
d) To design lithium cells and batteries so as to prevent a short-circuit under normal
conditions of transport and intended use.
e) To equip primary lithium batteries containing cells or strings of cells connected in parallel
with effective means, as may be necessary, to prevent dangerous reverse current flow
(e.g. diodes, fuses, etc.).
4.2 Quality plan
The manufacturer shall implement a documented quality plan (i.e. quality reports, inspection
records, management structure) defining the procedures for the inspection of materials,
components, cells and batteries during the course of manufacture, to be applied to the total
process of producing a specific type of battery. Manufacturers should understand their
process capabilities and should institute the necessary process controls as they relate to
product safety and reliability.
4.3 Packaging
Lithium cells and batteries shall be packaged so as to prevent an external short-circuit under
normal transport conditions.
NOTE Additional requirements for packaging of dangerous goods are given in UN Model Regulations:2015 [13],
section 6.1. See also regulations mentioned in 7.3.
5 Type testing, sampling and re-testing
5.1 Type testing
Lithium metal and lithium ion cells or batteries which differ from a tested type by
a) for primary cells and batteries, a change of more than 0,1 g or 20 % by mass, whichever
is greater, to the electrodes or to the electrolyte, or
b) for rechargeable cells and batteries, a change in nominal energy (in Wh) of more than
20 % or an increase in nominal voltage of more than 20 %, or
c) a change that would lead to failure of any of the tests,
shall be considered a different type and shall be subject to the required tests.
NOTE The type of change that might be considered to differ from a tested type, such that it might lead to failure
of any of the test results, may include, but is not limited to
1) a change in the material of the anode, the cathode, the separator or the electrolyte,
2) a change of protective devices, including hardware and software,
3) a change of safety design in cells or batteries, such as a venting valve,
4) a change in the number of component cells, and
5) a change in connecting mode of component cells, and,
6) for batteries which are to be tested according to test T-4 with a peak acceleration less than 150 g , a change
n
in the mass which could adversely impact the result of the T-4 test and lead to a failure.
– 12 – IEC 62281:2016 © IEC 2016
5.2 Overcharge protection
Secondary batteries not equipped with battery overcharge protection that are designed for use
only in a battery assembly or in equipment, which affords such protection, are not subject to
the requirements of test T-7.
5.3 Battery assemblies
5.3.1 General
Generally, battery assemblies, including battery packs, battery modules, and other units that
may be assembled from batteries, are tested like batteries.
5.3.2 Small battery assemblies
When testing a battery assembly in which the aggregate lithium content of all anodes, when
fully charged, is not more than 500 g, or in the case of a lithium ion battery, with a nominal
energy of not more than 6 200 Wh, assembled from batteries that have passed all applicable
tests, one battery assembly in a fully charged state shall be tested under tests T-3, T-4 and
T-5, and, in addition, test T-7 in the case of a secondary battery assembly.
NOTE The term “fully charged” is used in [12] although it applies only to secondary battery assemblies. For
primary battery assemblies, the term “undischarged” would be more appropriate.
5.3.3 Large battery assemblies
A battery assembly with an aggregate lithium content of more than 500 g, or in the case of a
lithium ion battery, with a nominal energy of more than 6 200 Wh, does not need to be tested
if it is of a type that has been verified as preventing:
• overcharge, and
• short circuits; and
• over discharge between the batteries.
5.4 Sampling
Each different type shall be tested by taking random samples. The number of samples for
testing primary cells and batteries is given in Table 1. The number of samples for testing
secondary cells and batteries is given in Table 2. The number of samples for testing packages
of primary and secondary cells and batteries is given in Table 3.
Table 1 – Number of primary test cells and batteries for type testing
a
Tests Discharge state Cells or single cell batteries Multi-cell batteries
Undischarged 10 4
Tests
T-1 to T-5
Fully discharged 10 4
Undischarged 5 5 component cells
Test T-6
Fully discharged 5 5 component cells
Test T-8 Fully discharged 10 10 component cells
Total for 8 batteries and
all tests 20 component cells
a
Single cell batteries containing one tested component cell do not require re-testing unless the change could
result in a failure of any of the tests.
Table 2 – Number of secondary test cells and batteries for type testing
a
Tests Cycles and Cells Single cell batteries Multi-cell batteries
discharge
Small Large Small Large
state
At first cycle,
10 10 10 4 2
fully charged
Tests After 25 cycles,
b b b b
N/A N/A N/A N/A 2
T-1 to T-5 fully charged
After 50 cycles,
b b b b
N/A N/A N/A 4 N/A
fully charged
At first cycle,
Test T-6 5 5 5 5 component cells 5 component cells
at 50 % DOD
At first cycle,
b c c c c
N/A 4 2 4 2
fully charged
After 25 cycles,
b b c b c
Test T-7 N/A N/A 2 N/A 2
fully charged
After 50 cycles,
b c b c b
N/A 4 N/A 4 N/A
fully charged
At first cycle,
d d
10 10 10 10 component cells 10 component cells
fully discharged
Test T-8
After 50 cycles,
d d
10 10 10 10 component cells 10 component cells
fully discharged
Total for 16 batteries and 8 batteries and
35 43 39
all tests 25 component cells 25 component cells
a
Single cell batteries containing one tested component cell do not require re-testing unless the change could
result in a failure of any of the tests, except for test T-7 where only batteries are tested.
b
N/A = not applicable.
c
See 5.2.
d
Multicell batteries are considered to be protected against overdischarge of their component cells. Otherwise
they would have to be tested as well.
Table 3 – Number of packages with primary or secondary test cells and batteries
Number of samples for test P-1 1 package as supplied for transport
5.5 Re-testing
In the event that a primary or secondary lithium cell or battery type does not meet the test
requirements, steps shall be taken to correct the deficiency or deficiencies that caused the
failure before such a cell or battery type is re-tested.
6 Test methods and requirements
6.1 General
6.1.1 Cautionary notice
WARNING – These tests call for the use of procedures which may result in injury if
adequate precautions are not taken.
The execution of these tests shall only be conducted by appropriately qualified and
experienced technicians using adequate protection.
– 14 – IEC 62281:2016 © IEC 2016
6.1.2 Ambient temperature
Unless otherwise specified, the tests shall be carried out in an ambient temperature
of 20 °C ± 5 °C.
6.1.3 Parameter measurement tolerances
The overall accuracy of controlled or measured values, relative to the specified or actual
parameters, shall be within the following tolerances:
a) ± 1 % for voltage;
b) ± 1 % for current;
c) ± 2 °C for temperature;
d) ± 0,1 % for time;
e) ± 1 % for dimension;
f) ± 1 % for capacity.
These tolerances comprise the combined accuracy of the measuring instruments, the
measurement techniques used, and all other sources of error in the test procedure.
6.1.4 Pre-discharge and pre-cycling
Where, prior to testing, it is required to discharge primary test cells or test batteries, they shall
be discharged to their respective depth of discharge on a resistive load with which the rated
capacity is obtained, or at a constant current specified by the manufacturer.
Where, prior to testing, it is required to cycle secondary (rechargeable) test cells or test
batteries, they shall be cycled using the charge and discharge conditions specified by the
manufacturer for optimum performance and safety.
6.2 Evaluation of test criteria
6.2.1 Shifting
Shifting is considered to have occurred during a test if one or more test cells or batteries are
released from the packaging, do not retain their original orientation, or are affected in such a
way that the occurrence of an external short-circuit or crushing cannot be excluded.
6.2.2 Distortion
Distortion is considered to have occurred if a physical dimension changes by more than 10 %.
6.2.3 Short-circuit
A short-circuit is considered to have occurred during a test if the open circuit voltage of the
cell or battery directly after the test is less than 90 % of its voltage immediately prior to the
test. This requirement is not applicable to test cells and batteries at fully discharged states.
6.2.4 Excessive temperature rise
An excessive temperature rise is considered to have occurred during a test if the external
case temperature of the test cell or battery rises above 170 °C.
6.2.5 Leakage
Leakage is considered to have occurred during a test if there is visible escape of electrolyte
or other material from the test cell or battery or the loss of material (except battery casing,
handling devices or labels) from the test cell or battery such that the mass loss exceeds the
limits in Table 4.
In order to quantify mass loss ∆m / m, the following equation is provided:
m - m
1 2
Δm / m = × 100 %
m
where
m is the mass before a test;
m is the mass after that test.
Table 4 – Mass loss limits
Mass of cell or battery Mass loss limit
...
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