IEC 62485-4:2015

IEC 62485-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2015-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations –
Part 4: Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries for use in portable appliances

Exigences de sécurité pour les batteries d’accumulateurs et les installations
de batteries –
Partie 4: Batteries au plomb à soupapes pour appareils portables

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IEC 62485-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2015-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations –

Part 4: Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries for use in portable appliances

Exigences de sécurité pour les batteries d’accumulateurs et les installations

de batteries –
Partie 4: Batteries au plomb à soupapes pour appareils portables

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.220.20; 29.220.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-2209-6

– 2 – IEC 62485-4:2015  IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Operating instructions . 7
5 Dimensions and interchangeability of cells and batteries . 7
6 Electrical safety . 7
6.1 Protection against incorrect polarity connection . 7
6.2 Design of battery and battery compartments . 7
7 Safe handling and protection against misuse . 8
7.1 Charging . 8
7.2 Thermal abuse . 8
7.3 Mechanical impact . 8
7.4 Protection against pole reversal in the event of deep discharge . 8
7.5 Protection against electrical overload . 8
7.6 Safe handling . 8
8 Battery compartments . 8
8.1 General . 8
8.2 Battery accommodation . 9
8.3 Replacement battery enclosures . 9
8.4 Battery terminals . 9
8.5 Protection against hazards caused by released gas . 9
9 Measures in the event of accidents with batteries by burns or poisoning . 9
10 Marking and disposal of batteries for use in portable appliances . 10
Annex A (informative) Instructions for use and recommendations to the end-users . 11
A.1 Instructions for use . 11
A.2 Recommendations to the end-users . 11
Bibliography . 13

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY BATTERIES
AND BATTERY INSTALLATIONS –
Part 4: Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries
for use in portable appliances

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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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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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62485-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 21:
Secondary cells and batteries.
This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC TR 61056-3 published in 1991. It
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the
IEC TR 61056-3:
a) updating of the requirements, and harmonisation of the text for consistency with the
IEC 62485 series.
– 4 – IEC 62485-4:2015  IEC 2015
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
21/848/FDIS 21/850/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 62485 series can be found, under the general title Safety
requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations, on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
INTRODUCTION
This standard provides information about the safety and health protection of persons when
using valve-regulated lead-acid batteries, which are used as a DC power supply systems in
portable appliances. Therefore the standard applies to commercially available valve-regulated
lead-acid batteries and battery systems.
IEC 62133 has preference for secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-
acid electrolytes.
In some portable appliances or toys the use of both primary and secondary cells or batteries
is possible. Where there is interchangeability of these cells or batteries, the standards for
primary batteries in the IEC 60086 series, Parts 1 to 5, have preference.

– 6 – IEC 62485-4:2015  IEC 2015
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY BATTERIES
AND BATTERY INSTALLATIONS –
Part 4: Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries
for use in portable appliances

1 Scope
This Part of IEC 62485 applies to the safety aspects associated with the accommodation, the
arrangements of circuits and the operation of secondary valve-regulated lead-acid cells and
batteries in portable appliances. Requirements are specified which oblige the manufacturers
of appliances and secondary batteries to prevent the misuse of batteries in the course of
operation to provide protective measures avoiding injury to persons in case of battery failure
and to provide sufficient information to users.
This standard does not apply to secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other
non-acid electrolytes.
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 60050-482:2004, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 482: Primary and
secondary cells and batteries
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment
IEC 61429:1995, Marking of secondary cells and batteries with the international recycling
symbol ISO 7000-1135
ISO 7000, Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Registered symbols
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-482, as well
as the following apply.
3.1
battery for use in portable appliances
battery mainly used for the power supply of the electrical equipment or parts of it forming an
integral, functional unit
Note 1 to entry: Batteries for use in portable equipment are usually maintenance-free types.
3.2
secondary cell
secondary battery
cell being designed to be electrically recharged, forming a basic functional unit providing a
source of electrical energy by direct conversion of chemical energy

Note 1 to entry: The cell (or battery) consists of an assembly of electrodes, separators, electrolyte, container and
terminals.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-03, modified – modification of the definition]
4 Operating instructions
Users of appliances shall be informed through operating instructions about the following items,
with specific reference to batteries:
a) proposed or applicable battery systems and battery dimensions according to the
applicable standard,
b) correct insertion of batteries into the equipment in terms of polarity,
c) charging instructions for secondary batteries,
d) temperature conditions during storage and operation,
e) maintenance instructions,
f) instructions for the prevention of hazard and measures to be taken following an accident,
g) instructions about disposal.
Operating instructions for batteries in portable appliances shall be provided and can be part of
the equipment instructions. Required information for safe operation, like polarity, voltage,
battery type, etc shall be repeated inside or close to the battery compartment.
5 Dimensions and interchangeability of cells and batteries
Cells and batteries with reverse polarity but identical dimensions shall not be sent into the
retail market. Compliance with the existing standards is required.
Interchangeability of cells and batteries with the same nominal voltage and identical
dimensions, but of different technologies is permitted, if stated by the appliance manufacturer.
Cells in a battery string shall be of identical design, type and brand. It is recommended to use
cells of same state of charge and same age.
6 Electrical safety
6.1 Protection against incorrect polarity connection
Manufacturers of appliances shall provide measures against incorrect polarity connections of
the battery to the device. Measures can be, e.g.:
• marking of the polarity of individual cells or batteries,
• polarity marked cables,
• plugs,
• design of compartments and contacts,
• electronics,
Where applicable the battery symbol according to IEC 60417 database shall be used.
6.2 Design of battery and battery compartments
Both the design of battery and of the battery compartment shall include provisions to minimize
the risk of the battery being reversed (connected the wrong way round) either during use or

– 8 – IEC 62485-4:2015  IEC 2015
during charging. The design of terminals and the method of connecting them to the equipment
or to the charger shall inhibit incorrect connection of the battery.
7 Safe handling and protection against misuse
7.1 Charging
The charging instructions which apply to the batteries and chargers shall be observed. Where
replacement of batteries by the end user is foreseen, the equipment manufacturer shall
provide clear instructions about the replacement battery.
7.2 Thermal abuse
Battery systems for portable appliances shall not be overheated. Overheating due to service
conditions will destroy the battery and, in individual cases, the equipment as well. Corrosive
and/or toxic liquids or gases may be released. Therefore batteries shall be inserted into the
appliances in such a way that their permissible temperature range, is not exceeded as
declared by the manufacturer.
7.3 Mechanical impact
Batteries shall be protected from mechanical damage which may cause leakage of hazardous
chemicals causing short-circuits which may result in overheating and subsequent rupturing of
further cells.
7.4 Protection against pole reversal in the event of deep discharge
Secondary batteries shall be charged / discharged, so that each cell gets charged or
discharged to the same extent (taps in the battery string lead to uneven discharge condition).
Only cells and/or batteries of the same designation, manufacturer and age shall be connected
in series.
The maximum number of cells specified by the battery manufacturer and any required
protective measure for series connection shall be observed in order to avoid pole reversal of
individual cells in the event of deep discharge of the battery bank. Pole reversal can destroy
the battery, damage the appliance, and expose the user to danger e.g. due to battery leakage.
If deep discharge can cause any cell reversal, resulting in damage to the appliance or
persons using it, then a low voltage protection device is recommended, for disconnection of
the equipment from the load before any damage takes place.
7.5 Protection against electrical overload
Appliances and batteries shall be protected by short-circuit and overload protection devices, if
the available battery power may cause damage to equipment or persons.
7.6 Safe handling
For safe handling during transport, installation and replacement of the battery, its terminals
and the connecting cables shall be designed so that short circuits are prevented.
8 Battery compartments
8.1 General
Secondary batteries in portable appliances may be integral and permanently fixed within the
appliance. Alternatively, they may be removable for recharging separately outside of the

appliance. If batteries are charged separate to the appliance, the requirements 8.2 to 8.5
apply.
Where watertight equipment is used safety precautions are required to prevent or limit the
generation of hydrogen.
8.2 Battery accommodation
Battery enclosures for accommodation of batteries in electrical equipment shall be designed,
where necessary, to be separate from the functional parts of the equipment and accessible
from the outside.
Preferably, the housing and securing of batteries within the compartments of portable
appliances shall be able to withstand shock acceleration.
NOTE Cells or batteries can leak electrolyte. Both secondary valve-regulated cells and batteries have a safety
device (valve) which release gas when operated.
8.3 Replacement battery enclosures
Battery enclosures should be accessible, so that batteries can be replaced, and the enclosure
and the contacts can be cleaned.
8.4 Battery terminals
Terminals shall be designed to minimize voltage drop and associated heat generation. The
terminals inside the battery compartments shall consist of material resistant against corrosion
from battery electrolyte.
8.5 Protection against hazards caused by released gas
Batteries can release gas, which may be flammable or explosive.
The amount of gas released can increase abnormally in the event of a malfunctioning battery
or charger.
The gas can be ignited by energy sources, such as sparks, heat or electrostatic discharge
when the limits of gas concentration and volume are exceeded.
Different measures can be applied to protect the user from hazards, e.g.
• sparking shall be prevented,
• no sparking devices shall be present inside battery enclosures,
• appropriate ventilation of the battery enclosure shall be provided, e.g. by natural or forced
ventilation,
• reduce gas concentration inside the compartment by use of catalysts.
9 Measures in the event of accidents with batteries by burns or poisoning
If in cases batteries start to leak, the release of electrolyte or gases could be experienced. To
prevent burns or possibly poisoning, the users of the appliances should be informed of this
potential hazard, and actions to take, in the operating instructions.
If some abnormal event, additional to the ones previously mentioned, such as corrosion of
battery terminals, leakage of electrolyte, deformation of container or heat generation, is
observed, then battery should not be used.

– 10 – IEC 62485-4:2015  IEC 2015
10 Marking and disposal of batteries for use in portable appliances
All cells and batteries containing the electro-chemically active substances (lead) shall be
marked with the recycling symbol ISO 7000-1135 according to IEC 61429, respectively with
the crossed-out waste bin and the ISO symbol in accordance with IEC 61429:1995.
When used cells or batteries are subjected to disposal and recycling, the local regulation shall
be followed.
Annex A
(informative)
Instructions for use and recommendations to the end-users
A.1 Instructions for use
The following represents a list of instructions for use to be provided by the equipment
manufacturer to the end-user.
a) Always select the correct size and grade of battery most suitable for the intended use.
Information provided with the equipment to assist correct battery selection should be
retained for reference
b) Replace all batteries of a set at the same time.
c) Clean the battery contacts and also those of the equipment prior to battery installation.
d) Ensure that the batteries are installed correctly with regard to polarity (+ and –).
e) Remove batteries from equipment which is not to be used for an extended period of time.
f) Remove exhausted batteries promptly.
g) If the appliance comprises parts which may develop heat in normal use, then the battery
compartments shall be shielded so that batteries do not attain a temperature beyond the
permissible temperature range set by the manufacturer.
h) If valve-regulated lead-acid cells or batteries are to be charged within the appliance, the
per cell per Ah.
compartment shall have openings of at least 1 mm
i) Electric connections of the battery terminals to the circuits shall be detachable, but not by
welding or soldering.
j) Such precautions shall be called upon by using the instruction manual, various labels, etc.
that the battery will not be used beyond its replacing period.
k) To prevent forming of leakage circuit between the valve-regulated lead-acid batteries and
the appliance, such countermeasures that an insulating sheet is put under the battery
shall be taken. A sheet of soft polyvinyl chloride including plasticizer, etc. shall not be
used.
A.2 Recommendations to the end-users
The following represents a list of good advice to be provided by the equipment manufacturer
and/or battery manufacturer to the end-user.
a) Do not dismantle, modify, open or shred cells or batteries.
b) Do not expose cells or batteries to heat or fire. Avoid storage in direct sunlight.
c) Do not short-circuit a cell or a battery. Do not store cells or batteries haphazardly in a box
or drawer where they may short-circuit each other or be short-circuited by other metal
objects.
d) Do not remove a cell or battery from its original packaging until required for use.
e) Do not subject cells or batteries to mechanical shock.
f) If electrolyte has leaked, the battery shall be removed from the appliance with protection
of hands, eyes and clothes. Contact to skin and eyes, etc. shall be strictly avoided (means
for cleaning the battery and the battery compartment from traces of electrolyte may be
indicated.)
If the electrolyte contacts to the skin, hair, clothes, etc. the electrolyte shall be
immediately washed away with copious amounts of clean water.
In case that electrolyte comes in contact with the eyes, they shall be immediately washed
with copious amounts of clean water, then a doctor shall consulted.

– 12 – IEC 62485-4:2015  IEC 2015
g) Do not use any charger other than that specifically provided for use with the equipment.
h) Do not incline valve-regulated lead-acid cells or batteries beyond 90° from the upright
position, in any direction, while charging.
i) Observe the plus (+) and minus (–) marks on the cell, battery and equipment and ensure
correct use.
j) Do not use any cell or battery which is not designed for use with the equipment.
k) Do not mix cells of different manufacture, capacity, size, type or age within a device.
l) Keep cells and batteries out of the reach of children.
m) Seek medical advice immediately if a cell or a battery has been swallowed.
n) Always use the correct cell or battery for the equipment.
o) Keep cells and batteries clean and dry.
p) Wipe the cell or battery terminals with a clean dry cloth if they become dirty. When
cleaning surfaces of plastic material, like containers or lids, only a moist cloth may be
used. Never use cleaning agents.
q) Do not allow cells or batteries to contact organic solvents, such as thinner, benzene,
alcohol, gasoline, oil, and anti-rusting treatments or surface-active agents such as
detergents.
r) Secondary cells and batteries need to be charged before use. Always use the correct
charger and refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or equipment manual for proper
charging instructions.
s) Do not leave a battery on prolonged charge when not in use.
t) After extended periods of storage, it may be necessary to charge and discharge the cells
or batteries several times to recover their performance.
u) Secondary cells and batteries give their best performance when they are operated at
normal room temperature (20 °C ± 5 K).
v) Retain the original product literature for future reference.
w) Use only the cell or battery in the application for which it was intended.
x) When possible, remove the battery from the equipment when not in use.
y) Specific disposal instructions for the battery system(s) fitted should be followed.
z) The battery shall be changed new one by the replacing period described in the instruction
manual or on the appliance. If the battery is used beyond the replacing period, leakage,
fire, explosion, etc. may be caused.
aa) For the maintenance inspection, operation shall be performed with safety
...