IEC 60095-1:2018

IEC 60095-1 ®
Edition 8.0 2018-11
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Lead-acid starter batteries –
Part 1: General requirements and methods of test

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IEC 60095-1 ®
Edition 8.0 2018-11
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Lead-acid starter batteries –
Part 1: General requirements and methods of test

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.220.20; 43.040.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-6285-6

– 2 – IEC 60095-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Classification and Designation of starter batteries – Electrolyte density and open
circuit voltage . 7
4.1 Battery Designation according to type . 7
4.2 Dry-charged batteries . 8
4.3 Electrolyte density and open circuit voltage. 8
5 Condition on delivery . 8
6 General requirements . 9
6.1 Identification, labelling . 9
6.1.1 General . 9
6.1.2 The identification of manufacturer or supplier . 9
6.1.3 Nominal voltage: 12 V . 9
6.1.4 Capacity or reserve capacity (see 7.1.2) and nominal cranking current
(see 7.1.1) . 9
6.1.5 Production date code . 10
6.1.6 Safety labelling . 10
6.1.7 Recycling labelling . 10
6.1.8 Valve-regulated batteries . 10
6.2 Marking of the polarity . 10
Water loss designation .
6.3 Fastening of the battery . 10
7 Functional characteristics . 11
7.1 Electrical characteristics . 11
7.2 Mechanical characteristics . 12
8 General test conditions . 12
8.1 Sampling of batteries . 12
8.2 Preparation of batteries prior to test Charging method – Definition of a fully
charged battery . 12
8.3 Test equipment . 14
8.3.1 Measuring instruments. 14
8.3.2 Water bath . 15
8.3.3 Environmental chamber . 15
8.4 Test sequence . 15
8.4.1 Batteries filled and charged . 15
8.4.2 Dry-charged or conserved-charge batteries . 17
9 Tests methods . 17
9.1 20 h capacity check C . 17
e
9.2 Reserve capacity check C RC . 18
r,e
e
9.3 Cranking performance test . 18
9.3.1 Cranking performance test – Standard temperature (−18 °C) . 18
9.3.2 Cranking performance test – Very cold climates . 20
9.3.3 High current discharge test at low temperature . 20

9.4 Charge acceptance test . 20
9.5 Charge retention test . 21
9.6 Endurance test for batteries . 21
9.6.1 Corrosion test . 21
9.6.2 Optional endurance cycle test for passenger car batteries – Maximum

capacity 100 Ah . 28
9.7 Water consumption test . 28
9.8 Vibration resistance test . 29
9.9 Electrolyte retention test . 30
9.10 Cranking performance for dry-charged (or conserved-charge) batteries after
activation . 30
10 Requirements . 30
Annex A (normative) Correlation between C and C RC . 33
r,n
n n
Annex B (informative) Water consumption test – Conversion of test temperatures and
test durations . 34
B.1 General . 34
B.2 Conversion formula . 34
Annex C (normative informative) Safety labelling . 35
C.1 Definition of the six coloured symbols . 35
C.2 Safety labelling – Label for North America area . 36
Bibliography . 38

Figure – Symbols for safety labelling .
Figure C.1 – Symbol dimensions for symbols in safety labelling . 36
Figure C.2 – Safety labelling – Label for North America area,

former version (still valid) . 37
Figure C.3 – Safety labelling – Label for North America area, new version . 37

Table – Charging voltage .
Table – Discharge current and charge current .
Table – Endurance test sequence vented batteries .
Table – Endurance test sequence VRLA batteries.
Table – Values for vibration resistance test .
Table 1 – Charging method . 13
Table 2 – Accuracy of test equipment . 15
Table 3 – Test/Battery sequence . 16
Table 4 – Parameters cycle test . 27
Table 5 – Vibration resistance – Levels V1 to V3 . 29
Table 6 – Summary of requirements . 31
Table C.1 – Definition of safety symbols according to ISO 7010 . 35

– 4 – IEC 60095-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LEAD-ACID STARTER BATTERIES –
Part 1: General requirements and methods of test

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
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Publication(s)"). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
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agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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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.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
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International Standard IEC 60095-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 21:
Secondary cells and batteries.
This eighth edition cancels and replaces the seventh edition published in 2006. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) charge acceptance test;
b) cranking performance test;
c) charge retention test; and
d) endurance test added.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
21/974/FDIS 21/987/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.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60095 series, published under the general title Lead-acid starter
batteries, can be found on the IEC website.
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 60095-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
LEAD-ACID STARTER BATTERIES –
Part 1: General requirements and methods of test

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60095 is applicable to lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V,
used primarily as a power source for the starting of internal combustion engines, lighting, and
for auxiliary equipment of internal combustion engine vehicles. These batteries are commonly
called "starter batteries".
This document is applicable to batteries for the following purposes:
• batteries for passenger cars;
• batteries for commercial and industrial vehicles.
This document is not applicable to batteries for other purposes, such as the starting of railcar
internal combustion engines or for motorcycles and other power sport vehicles.
This document defines many general properties of lead-acid batteries. Single sections can be
referenced in other parts of the IEC 60095 series even if the application is excluded in the
scope of this document.
This document specifies the:
• general requirements;
• essential functional characteristics, relevant test methods and results required,
for several classes of starter batteries:
• according to the general type of application;
• according to the type of product.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-482, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 482: Primary and
secondary cells and batteries
IEC 60095-2, Lead-acid starter batteries – Part 2: Dimensions of batteries and dimensions
and marking of terminals
IEC 60095-4, Lead-acid starter batteries – Part 4: Dimensions of batteries for heavy trucks
vehicles
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-482 and the
following 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
flooded battery
lead-acid battery having a cover provided with one or more openings through which gaseous
products may escape
3.2
enhanced flooded battery
EFB battery
flooded lead-acid battery with additional special design features to significantly improve the
cycling capability compared to standard flooded batteries
3.3
valve regulated lead-acid battery
VRLA battery
lead-acid battery which is closed under normal conditions but which has an arrangement that
allows the escape of gas if the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value
Note 1 to entry: The VRLA battery cannot receive addition to the electrolyte and after activation of dry-charged
VRLA.
Note 2 to entry: In VRLA batteries the electrolyte is immobilized.
3.4
absorbent glass mat battery
AGM battery
VRLA battery in which the electrolyte is immobilized by absorption in a glass mat
3.5
gel battery
VRLA battery in which the electrolyte is immobilized by fixing as a gel
4 Classification and Designation of starter batteries – Electrolyte density and
open circuit voltage
4.1 Battery classification according to application
Three classes of batteries are defined according to their application, as follows:
– Class A: batteries for starter applications with usual cycling capability and normal
mechanical resistance;
– Class B: batteries for starter applications which have an important higher requirement in
cycling ability and /or mechanical resistance;
– Class C: batteries for starter applications and high temperature duty.
4.1 Battery Designation according to type
Batteries are designated according to their type, as follows:

– 8 – IEC 60095-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
– Vented (flooded) battery: a vented battery is a secondary battery having a cover provided
with one or more openings through which gaseous products may escape.
– Valve-regulated (with gas recombination) battery: a valve-regulated battery is a secondary
battery that is closed under normal conditions and has an arrangement that allows the
escape of gas if the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value. The battery cannot
normally receive an addition of water or electrolyte. In this type of battery, the electrolyte
is immobilised.
• flooded batteries (vented);
• enhanced flooded batteries, EFB;
• valve regulated lead-acid batteries, VRLA;
– absorbent glass mat batteries, AGM;
– gel batteries.
4.2 Dry-charged batteries
Lead-acid batteries may be supplied in a dry-charged state. Dry-charged batteries can be
activated by filling with the defined electrolyte indicated by internal or external marks or
according to the manufacturer's activation instructions. After activation, these batteries are
ready to use.
4.3 Electrolyte density and open circuit voltage
The density of the electrolyte in all fully charged vented batteries shall be in the range of
1,27 kg/l to 1,30 kg/l at 25 °C unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
NOTE For valve-regulated batteries, the electrolyte is not accessible and, therefore, its density cannot be
checked.
The open circuit voltage (OCV) at 25 °C, of fully charged batteries after a minimum 24 h stand
on open circuit, shall be in the range of 12,70 V to 12,90 V for vented types and 12,80 V
minimum to 13,10 V for valve regulated types unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
The manufacturer shall specify the value and tolerance of the electrolyte density or OCV. If
such information is not available, vented battery testing shall be carried out with a density of
1,28 kg/l ± 0,01 kg/l at 25 °C or an OCV of 12,76 V ± 0,06 V at 25 °C and valve regulated
battery testing shall be carried out with a minimum OCV of 12,80 V.
5 Condition on delivery
New vented batteries may be supplied either:
• in a state ready for use, or
• in a dry-charged (or charge-conserved) state not filled with electrolyte. The density of the
electrolyte to fill these batteries before use (unless otherwise recommended by the
manufacturer) shall be:
– 1,28 kg/l ± 0,01 kg/l at 25 °C;
Valve-regulated batteries are normally supplied in a state ready for use.

6 General requirements
6.1 Identification, labelling
6.1.1 General
Batteries according to complying with this document shall bear the following characteristics on
at least the top or one of their four sides.
6.1.2 The identification of manufacturer or supplier
The name of the manufacturer or supplier shall be indicated.
6.1.2 Class of battery: (IEC) A, B or C (see 4.1)
NOTE In some countries, the class is indicated by the battery numbering system. In these cases, there is no need
to include the class on the label.
6.1.3 Nominal voltage: 12 V
The nominal voltage of 12 V shall be indicated.
6.1.4 Capacity: (see 7.1.2)
– either 20 hour capacity C (Ah),
n
– or reserve capacity C (min).
rn
NOTE In some countries, the capacity is indicated by the battery numbering system. In these cases, there is no
need to include the capacity on the label.
6.1.5 Nominal cranking current: I (A) (see 7.1.1)
cc
6.1.4 Capacity or reserve capacity (see 7.1.2) and nominal cranking current (see 7.1.1)
Three options are possible for the identification and labelling of capacity (or reserve capacity)
and nominal cranking current:
Option 1:
• 20 h capacity C (Ah);
• with nominal cranking current I (A) (see 7.1.1 and 9.3.1) defined at −18 °C with
cc
U ≥ 7,5 V and U ≥ 6,0 V (under I /0,6).
10s 90s cc
Option 2:
• reserve capacity RC (minutes);
• with nominal cranking current I (A) (see 7.1.1 and 9.3.1) defined at −18 °C with
cc
U ≥ 7,20 V.
30 s
Option 3:
• 20 h capacity C (Ah);
• with nominal cranking current I (A) (see 7.1.1 and 9.3.1) defined at −18 °C with
cc
U > 7,20 V.
30 s
NOTE These three options are in accordance with the present use in the different areas in the world.
The preferred version is Option 1.

– 10 – IEC 60095-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
6.1.5 Production date code
Batteries shall be marked with the date of production. This can be part of a more complex
code.
6.1.6 Safety labelling
Batteries shall be marked with the six coloured symbols as described in part 1 of Annex B.
If under national regulations, coloured safety symbols are required to be used, they should
follow the design as set out in Annex C, Clause C.1.
However, to be in compliance with some national regulations, additional wording or special
labelling can be used (for example, the safety label for North America area shown in Annex C,
Clause C.2).
6.1.7 Recycling labelling
Batteries shall be marked for separate collection and recycling, if required by local area
regulations.
6.1.8 Valve-regulated batteries
VRLA batteries shall be marked using the term "VRLA". In addition it is recommended that
Valve regulated VRLA batteries shall bear special indication mentioning that the battery shall
not be opened.
EXAMPLE: "VRLA – Do not open"
6.2 Marking of the polarity
The terminals shall be identified according to the requirements of IEC 60095-2 or of
IEC 60095-4.
6.3 Water loss designation
Vented starter batteries may be designated as "Low water loss” or “Very low water
loss“ according to IEC 60095-1, if they comply with the requirements of 9.5 and 9.7. If they do
not comply, they are designated as “Normal”.
This additional designation shall be indicated either on the battery label or in the catalogue.
NOTE Starter batteries are subject to a wide variety of operating conditions, for example temperature, overcharge
voltage, etc., that have an influence on the decomposition of water from the electrolyte, regardless of internal
design features. Thus, the terms "low water loss” or “very low water loss" in the sense of this standard are linked to
well-defined conditions in 9.7 that do not cover the complete range of practical operating conditions.
6.3 Fastening of the battery
Where batteries are fastened to the vehicle by means of integral parts (for example, bottom
ledges), these shall be in compliance with the requirements of IEC 60095-2 and of
IEC 60095-4.
7 Functional characteristics
7.1 Electrical characteristics
7.1.1 The cranking performance is the discharge current I , as indicated by the
cc
manufacturer according to the option chosen (Option 1 or Option 2), which a battery can
supply according to 9.3.
7.1.2 The capacity of a starter battery is defined for a temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C.
It may be indicated by the manufacturer as either:
• nominal 20 h capacity C C , or
n 20
• nominal reserve capacity C RC .
r,n n
The nominal 20 h capacity C is the electric charge in ampere hours (Ah) that a battery can
n
supply with a current:
I C / 20 h (A)
n = n
until the terminal voltage falls to U = 10,50 V.
f
The effective 20 h capacity C shall be determined by discharging a battery with constant
e
current I to U = 10,50 V (see 9.1). The resultant discharge time, in hours, is used for the
n f
verification of C .
n
The nominal reserve capacity C RC is the period of time (in minutes) for which a battery
r,n n
can maintain a discharge current of 25 A to a cut-off voltage U = 10,50 V.
f
The effective reserve capacity C RC shall be determined by discharging a battery with the
r,e e
constant current I = 25 A to U = 10,50 V (see 9.2). The resultant discharge time, in minutes,

f
is used for the verification of C RC .
r,n n
NOTE For the correlation (relationship) of C and C RC , see Annex A.
r,n
n n
7.1.3 The charge acceptance is expressed as the current I which a partially discharged
ca
battery accepts at 0 °C and a constant charging voltage of 14,40 V.
7.1.4 The charge retention is defined as rated by the cold cranking performance of the
charged and filled battery after storage on open circuit under defined conditions of
temperature and time (see 9.5).
7.1.5 The endurance test consists of two parts:
7.1.5.1 • the corrosion test represents the ability of a battery to perform repeated
overcharge/storage periods (see 9.6.1.1).
7.1.5.2 • the cycling test represents the ability of a battery to perform repeated
discharge/recharge cycles and long rest periods on open circuit. This ability shall be
tested by a series of cycles and rest periods under specified conditions after which the
cold cranking or the capacity performances shall be determined (see 9.6.1.2 or 9.6.2).
7.1.6 Water consumption: maintenance-free service of a battery requires a low rate of water
decomposition through overcharge (see 9.7).
Valve regulated batteries have a very low water consumption and are not intended to receive
additional water.
– 12 – IEC 60095-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
The water consumption test checks if the battery can keep its performance under extended
exposure to heat and overcharge conditions. It is measured as loss of weight during
overcharge of a fully charged battery and is defined as g/Ah C (see 9.7).
e
7.1.7 Dry charged battery (or conserved charge battery): a new battery may be designated
as dry charged (or conserved charge) if it can be activated ready for service just by filling it
with the appropriate electrolyte and if it then conforms to the requirements of 9.10.
7.2 Mechanical characteristics
7.2.1 Vibration resistance represents the ability of a battery to maintain service under
periodic or irregular acceleration forces. Minimum requirements shall be verified by a test (see
9.8).
7.2.2 Electrolyte retention is the ability of a battery to retain the electrolyte under specified
physical conditions (see 9.9).
8 General test conditions
8.1 Sampling of batteries
All tests shall be carried out on new battery samples. Samples shall be considered as "new"
not later than:
– 30 days after shipment date of the manufacturer in the case of filled batteries;
– 60 days after shipment date of the manufacturer in the case of dry-charged or charge-
conserved batteries.
Samples shall be tested not later than:
• 45 days after the production date of the manufacturer in the case of filled batteries;
• 60 days after the production date of the manufacturer in the case of dry-charged batteries.
8.2 Preparation of batteries prior to test Charging method – Definition of a fully
charged battery
All tests, except that in 9.10, shall commence with fully-charged batteries.
Vented batteries shall be considered as fully-charged if they have undergone one of the two
charging procedures of 8.2.1 or 8.2.2 carried out at 25 °C ± 10 °C. If necessary, an
appropriate temperature control system, for example a water bath, shall be used.
Valve regulated batteries shall be considered as fully-charged if they have undergone one of
the two charging procedures of 8.2.3 or 8.2.4 carried out at 25 °C ± 10 °C. If necessary, an
appropriate temperature control system, for example a water bath, shall be used.
8.2.1 Charging of vented batteries at constant current
The battery shall be charged:
– at a constant current of 2 I (see 7.1.2), until voltage stabilisation is established when
n
three consecutive voltage or specific density measurements, corrected for the battery
temperature, taken at 15 min intervals, remain constant.
8.2.2 Charging of vented batteries at constant voltage and constant current (two step
method)
The battery shall be charged:
– at a constant voltage of U Volt for 20 h with the maximum current limited to 5 In (see 7.1.2)
where U is related to the battery water loss level (as for cycling tests):
Normal water loss U = 14,80 V ± 0,10 V
Low water loss U = 15,20 V ± 0,10 V
Very low water loss U = 16,00 V ± 0,10 V
– then with a constant current charge of In for 4 h.
In the case of recharging after a test for cranking performance (according to 9.3) the charging
time at constant voltage may be limited to 10 h.
NOTE If neither complete knowledge of the battery construction nor a specification from the manufacturer is
available, then charging according to the present subclause (8.2.2) with U = 14,8V is recommended.
8.2.3 Charging of valve regulated batteries at constant current (two step method)
The battery shall be charged:
– at a constant current of 2 I (see 7.1.2), until the voltage reaches 14,40 V;
n
– then at a constant current of I for 4h.
n
8.2.4 Charging of valve regulated batteries at constant voltage and constant current
(two step method)
The battery shall be charged:
– at a constant voltage of 14,40V ± 0,10 V for 20 h with the maximum current limited to 5 I
n
(see 7.1.2),
– then with a constant current of 0,5 I for 4 h.
n
NOTE If neither complete knowledge of the battery construction nor a specification from the manufacturer is
available, then charging according to the present subclause (8.2.4), is recommended.
Batteries shall be considered as fully charged if they have undergone the charging procedures.
Prior to the first capacity test, the battery charge shall be limited to 16 h.
If not specified differently by the battery manufacturer, the batteries that will be tested
according to this document shall be charged according to Table 1.
Table 1 – Charging method
Battery type Voltage U Current Time Remarks
c
a
Flooded batteries with size in 16,00 V ± 0,05 V 5 I 24 h (16 h)
n
accordance with IEC 60095-2
a
Flooded batteries with size in 16,00 V ± 0,05 V 5 I 20 h (16 h) Step 1
n
accordance with IEC 60095-4
no limitation I 4 h Step 2
n
a
Valve-regulated batteries VRLA 14,80 V ± 0,05 V 5 I 24 h (16 h)
n
a
A charging time of 16 h is sufficient after a cranking performance test and prior to the first capacity check.

All charges shall be performed with batteries in a water bath at 25 °C ± 2 °C.

– 14 – IEC 60095-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
8.3 Activation of dry-charged or charge-conserved batteries
Dry charged batteries shall be filled with the appropriate electrolyte (according to 4.3) to
the maximum level indicated by internal or external marks of the battery or according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
8.3 Test equipment
8.3.1 Measuring instruments
8.4.1 Electrical measuring instruments
The range of instruments used shall be appropriate for the magnitude of the voltage or current
to be measured.
– Voltage measurement:
The instruments used for measuring voltages shall be digital voltmeters having an
accuracy of ±0,04V or better.
– Current measurement:
The instruments used for current measurement shall be digital ammeters having an
accuracy of 1,0 % or better. The assembly of ammeter, shunt and leads shall have an
overall accuracy of 1,0 % or better.
8.4.2 Temperature measurement
The thermometers used for measuring temperature shall have an appropriate range, and the
value of each scale division shall not be greater than 1 K. The accuracy of the calibration of
the instruments shall be not less than 0,5 K.
8.4.3 Density measurement
The density of the electrolyte shall be measured with hydrometers having either graduated
scale or digital displays that are able to register increments of 0,005 kg/l.
8.4.4 Time measurement
The instruments used for measuring time shall be graduated in hours, minutes or seconds.
They shall have an accuracy within ±0,1 % in all cases with the exception of cranking
performance tests where the times measured in seconds shall have an accuracy within
±1,0 %.
The range of instruments used shall be appropriate for the magnitude of the parameters to be
measured. The minimum accuracy of test equipment is given in Table 2.

Table 2 – Accuracy of test equipment
Parameter Accuracy of test equipment
Current for cold cranking tests 0,5 %
Current for other tests 1 % full-scale with a minimum accuracy of ±30 mA
Voltage ± 0,04 V
Temperature ± 1 °C
Time ± 1 s
Density of electrolyte ≤ 0,005 kg/l
Weight of battery ± 1 g below 30 kg
± 5 g above 30 kg
The instruments used for measuring time shall be graduated in hours, minutes and seconds.
8.3.2 Water bath
If a test needs to be carried out in a water bath, the following conditions shall be fulfilled. The
terminal base of the battery shall be at least 15 mm but not more than 25 mm above the water
surface level. If several batteries are in the same water bath then the distance between them
and also the distance to the walls of the bath shall be at least 25 mm.
Minimum soak time for batteries in the water bath is 4 h.
If not stated differently in the individual test description, the tolerance for the temperature of
the water bath is ±2 °C.
It is recommended to cover the surface of the water with floating elements using testing
temperatures of 40 °C or more. This improves the thermal isolation against air and avoids
evaporation of water.
8.3.3 Environmental chamber
If a test needs to be carried out in an environmental chamber, the batteries are placed in an
air gaseous phase at the requested temperature and tolerance; the wind velocity near the
battery shall not be more than 2,0 m/s.
Minimum time for batteries in the environmental chamber before the test beginning is 8 h.
8.4 Test sequence
8.4.1 Batteries filled and charged
a) Initially, the batteries are subjected to the following series of tests:
– first C or C RC check;
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– first cranking performance test;
– second C or C RC check;
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– second cranking performance test;
– third C or C RC check;
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– third cranking performance test.
For C or RC and the cranking performance, the specified values shall be met in at least
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one of the relevant discharges above.
It is not necessary to complete the sequence if the specified values are achieved on the
first or second test.
– 16 – IEC 60095-1:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
NOTE The choice between testing C or RC is the decision of the customer or user.
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b) The tests according to Table 3 shall be carried out only if batteries have complied with the
previous tests, and not later than one week after completion of the first part.

Table 3 – Test/Battery sequence
Test Battery
1 2 3 4 5 6
st
1 20 h capacity X X X
st
1 reserve capacity X X X
st
1 cranking
X X X X X X
performance
nd
2  20 h capacity X X X
nd
2 reserve capacity X X X
nd
2 cranking
X X X X X X
performance
rd
3  20 h capacity X X X
rd
3 reserve capacity X X X
rd
3 cranking
X X X X X X
performance
Corrosion test X
Endurance tests
(9.6)
Cycling test X
Charge retention
X
(9.5)
Charge acceptance
X
(9.4)
Electrolyte retention
X
(9.9)
Vibration resistance
X
(9.8)
Water consumption
X
(9.7)
NOTE The test for water consumption should be applied only to vented "low water loss" or
“very low water loss” batteries according to 6.3.

Step Test Battery
Reference
No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6
     
0 Cranking performance for dry charged 8.4.2 and 9.10
batteries
     
1 Initial charge prior to test 8.2
2 First 20 h capacity or 9.1 or 9.2    C   
First reserve capacity
3 First cranking performance according to 9.3.1      
Option 1 or Option 2
4 Second 20 h capacity 9.1 or 9.2 () ()  C () () ()
Second reserve capacity
5 Second cranking performance according to 9.3.1 () () () () () ()
Option 1 or Option 2
6 Third 20 h capacity 9.1 or 9.2 () ()  C () () ()
Third reserve capacity
7 Third cranking performance according to 9.3.1 () () () () () ()
Option 1 or Option 2

8 Cranking performance – very cold climate 9.3.2
9 Corrosion test 9.6.1.1 
10 Endurance in cycle test 9.6.1.2 or 
9.6.2

11 Charge retention 9.5

12 Charge acceptance 9.4
13 Electrolyte retention 9.9  
14 Vibration resistance 9.8   

15 Water consumption 9.7
Key
– : test to be fulfilled.
– (): test to be fulfilled only if the previous identical test carried out failed.
Battery no. 3 shall perform the full sequence of 3 tests with 20 h capacity before the charge acceptance test in
9.4.
8.4.2 Dry-charged or conserved-charge batteries
a) Initially, the batteries are subjected to:
– initial cranking performance after filling with electrolyte (see 9.10).
b) The tests according to Table 3 shall be carried out only if the batteries have complied with
the previous test mentioned in a) and no more than one weekafter the said test.
9 Tests methods
9.1 20 h capacity check C
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9.1.1 Throughout the duration of the tests, the battery shall be placed in a water bath at a
temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C, in accordance with 8.3.2. The terminal base of the battery shall
be at least 15 mm but no more than 25 mm above the level of the water. If several batteries
are in the same water bath then the distance between them and also the distance to the walls
of the bath shall be at least 25 mm.

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