IEC 62133-1:2017

IEC 62133-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2017-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
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 –
Part 1: Nickel systems
Accumulateurs alcalins et autres accumulateurs à électrolyte non acide –
Exigences de sécurité pour les accumulateurs portables étanches, et pour les
batteries qui en sont constituées, destinés à l'utilisation dans des applications
portables –
Partie 1: Systèmes au nickel
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IEC 62133-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2017-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
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 –

Part 1: Nickel systems
Accumulateurs alcalins et autres accumulateurs à électrolyte non acide –

Exigences de sécurité pour les accumulateurs portables étanches, et pour les

batteries qui en sont constituées, destinés à l'utilisation dans des applications

portables –
Partie 1: Systèmes au nickel
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.220.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-3909-4

– 2 – IEC 62133-1:2017 © IEC 2017
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Parameter measurement tolerances . 8
5 General safety considerations . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Insulation and wiring . 9
5.3 Venting . 9
5.4 Temperature, voltage and current management . 10
5.5 Terminal contacts . 10
5.6 Assembly of cells into batteries . 10
5.7 Quality plan . 10
6 Type test and sample size . 10
7 Specific requirements and tests . 11
7.1 Charging procedure for test purposes . 11
7.2 Intended use . 11
7.2.1 Continuous low-rate charging (cells) . 11
7.2.2 Vibration . 11
7.2.3 Case stress at high ambient temperature (batteries) . 12
7.2.4 Temperature cycling . 12
7.3 Reasonably foreseeable misuse . 13
7.3.1 Incorrect installation (cells) . 13
7.3.2 External short circuit . 13
7.3.3 Free fall . 14
7.3.4 Mechanical shock (crash hazard) . 14
7.3.5 Thermal abuse (cells) . 14
7.3.6 Crushing of cells . 15
7.3.7 Low pressure (cells) . 15
7.3.8 Overcharge . 15
7.3.9 Forced discharge (cells) . 15
8 Information for safety . 16
8.1 General . 16
8.2 Small cell and battery safety information . 16
9 Marking . 17
9.1 Cell marking . 17
9.2 Battery marking. 17
9.3 Caution for ingestion of small cells and batteries . 17
9.4 Other information . 18
10 Packaging . 18
Annex A (informative) Recommendations to equipment manufacturers and battery
assemblers . 19
Annex B (informative) Recommendations to the end-users . 20
Annex C (informative) Packaging . 21
Bibliography . 22

Figure 1 – Temperature profile for 7.2.4 – Temperature cycling test . 13
Figure 2 – Ingestion gauge . 17

Table 1 – Sample size for type tests . 11
Table 2 – Conditions for vibration test . 12

– 4 – IEC 62133-1:2017 © IEC 2017
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
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 –

Part 1: Nickel systems
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
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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
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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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
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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 62133-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 21A: Secondary
cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes, of IEC technical
committee 21: Secondary cells and batteries.
This first edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 62133 published in 2012. It
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
IEC 62133:2012:
– separation of lithium systems into a separate Part 2;

– inclusion of button cell requirements.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
21A/619/FDIS 21A/627/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 62133 series, published under the general title 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, can be found 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.
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 62133-1:2017 © IEC 2017
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 –

Part 1: Nickel systems
1 Scope
This part of IEC 62133 specifies requirements and tests for the safe operation of portable
sealed secondary nickel cells and batteries containing alkaline electrolyte, under intended use
and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
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 60050-482:2004, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 482: Primary and
secondary cells and batteries (available at http://www.electropedia.org)
IEC 61951-1, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes – Portable sealed rechargeable single cells – Part 1: Nickel-cadmium
IEC 61951-2, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes – Portable sealed rechargeable single cells – Part 2: Nickel-metal hydride
ISO/IEC Guide 51, Safety aspects – Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-482,
ISO/IEC Guide 51 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
safety
freedom from unacceptable risk
3.2
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm

3.3
harm
physical injury or damage to the health of people or damage to property or to the environment
3.4
hazard
potential source of harm
3.5
intended use
use of a product, process or service in accordance with specifications, instructions and
information provided by the supplier
3.6
reasonably foreseeable misuse
use of a product, process or service in a way which is not intended by the supplier, but which
may result from readily predictable human behaviour
3.7
secondary cell
basic manufactured unit providing a source of electrical energy by direct conversion of
chemical energy, that consists of electrodes, separators, electrolyte, container and terminals,
and that is designed to be charged electrically
3.8
secondary battery
assembly of secondary cell(s) ready for use as a source of electrical energy characterized by
its voltage, size, terminal arrangement, capacity and rate capability
Note 1 to entry: Includes single cell batteries.
3.9
leakage
unplanned, visible escape of liquid electrolyte
3.10
venting
release of excessive internal pressure from a cell or battery in a manner intended by design to
preclude rupture or explosion
3.11
rupture
mechanical failure of a cell container or battery case induced by an internal or external cause,
resulting in exposure or spillage but not ejection of materials
3.12
explosion
failure that occurs when a cell container or battery case opens violently and major
components are forcibly expelled
3.13
fire
emission of flames from a cell or battery
3.14
portable battery
battery for use in a device or appliance which is conveniently hand-carried

– 8 – IEC 62133-1:2017 © IEC 2017
3.15
portable cell
cell intended for assembly in a portable battery
3.16
rated capacity
capacity value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The rated capacity is the quantity of electricity C Ah (ampere-hours) declared by the
manufacturer which a single cell can deliver when discharged at the reference test current of 0,2 I A to a specified
t
final voltage, after charging, storing and discharging under specified conditions.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-15, modified – In the definition, "battery" has been
replaced with "cell or battery". Note 1 to entry has been added.]
3.17
reference test current
I
t
charge or discharge current, expressed as a multiple of I A, where I A = C Ah/1 h, as
t t 5
defined in IEC 61434, and based on the rated capacity (C Ah) of the cell or battery
3.18
button cell
coin cell
cell with a cylindrical shape in which the overall height is less than the diameter, e.g. in the
shape of a button or a coin
Note 1 to entry: In practice, the term coin is used exclusively for non-aqueous lithium cells.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-40]
3.19
cylindrical cell
cell with a cylindrical shape in which the overall height is equal to or greater than the diameter
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-39]
3.20
prismatic cell
cell having the shape of a parallelepiped whose faces are rectangular
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-38, modified – The source term is "prismatic" (adj.).
In the definition, "qualifies a cell or a battery" has been replaced with "cell".]
4 Parameter measurement tolerances
The overall accuracy of controlled or measured values, relative to the specified or actual
parameters, shall be within these 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.
The details of the instrumentation used shall be provided in any report of results.
5 General safety considerations
5.1 General
The safety of secondary cells and batteries requires the consideration of two sets of applied
conditions:
1) intended use;
2) reasonably foreseeable misuse.
Cells and batteries shall be so designed and constructed that they are safe under conditions
of both intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. It is expected that cells or batteries
subjected to misuse may fail to function following such experience. They shall not however
present significant hazards. It may also be expected that cells and batteries subjected to
intended use shall not only be safe but shall continue to be functional in all respects.
Potential hazards which are the subject of this document are:
• fire,
• burst/explosion,
• leakage of cell electrolyte,
• venting,
• burns from excessively high external temperatures,
• rupture of battery case with exposure of internal components.
Conformity with 5.2 to 5.7 for cells and batteries other than button cells is checked by
inspection, by the tests of Clauses 7, and in accordance with the appropriate standard (see
Clause 2 and Table 1).
5.2 Insulation and wiring
The insulation resistance between the positive terminal and externally exposed metal surfaces
of the battery excluding electrical contact surfaces shall be not less than 5 MΩ at 500 V DC
when measured 60 s after applying the voltage.
Internal wiring and insulation should be sufficient to withstand the maximum anticipated
current, voltage and temperature requirements. The orientation of wiring should be such that
adequate clearances and creepage distances are maintained between conductors. The
mechanical integrity of internal connections should be sufficient to accommodate conditions of
reasonably foreseeable misuse (i.e. solder alone is not considered a reliable means of
connection).
5.3 Venting
Battery cases and cells shall incorporate a pressure relief mechanism or shall be so
constructed that they will relieve excessive internal pressure at a value and rate that will
preclude rupture, explosion and self-ignition. If encapsulation is used to support cells within
an outer case, the type of encapsulant and the method of encapsulation shall neither cause
the battery to overheat during normal operation nor inhibit pressure relief.

– 10 – IEC 62133-1:2017 © IEC 2017
5.4 Temperature, voltage and current management
The design of batteries shall be such that abnormal temperature-rise conditions are
prevented. Batteries shall be designed to be within temperature, voltage and current limits
specified by the cell manufacturer. Batteries shall be provided with specifications and
charging instructions for equipment manufacturers so that associated chargers are designed
to maintain charging within the temperature, voltage and current limits specified.
Where necessary, applicable means can be provided to limit current to safe levels during
charge and discharge.
5.5 Terminal contacts
The size and shape of the terminal contacts shall ensure that they can carry the maximum
anticipated current. External terminal contact surfaces shall be formed from conductive
materials with good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Terminal contacts shall be
arranged so as to minimize the risk of short circuits.
5.6 Assembly of cells into batteries
If there is more than one battery housed in a single battery case, cells used in the assembly
of each battery shall have closely matched capacities, be of the same design, be of the same
chemistry and be from the same manufacturer. The battery shall have some type of safety
device or feature for charging.
Manufacturers of cells shall specify current, voltage and temperature limits so that the battery
manufacturer/designer may ensure proper design and assembly.
Batteries that are designed for the selective discharge of a portion of their series connected
cells shall incorporate circuitry to prevent operation of cells outside the limits specified by the
cell manufacturer.
Protective circuit components should be added as appropriate and consideration given to the
end-device application. When testing a battery, the manufacturer of the battery should provide
a test report confirming the compliance according to this document.
5.7 Quality plan
The manufacturer shall prepare and implement a quality plan that defines procedures for the
inspection of materials, components, cells and batteries and which covers the whole process
of producing each type of cell or battery. Manufacturers should understand their process
capabilities and should institute the necessary process controls as they relate to product
safety.
6 Type test and sample size
Tests are made with the number of cells or batteries specified in Table 1 using cells or
batteries that are not more than six months old. Unless otherwise specified, tests are carried
out in an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C.
NOTE Test conditions are for type tests only and do not imply that intended use includes operation under these
conditions. Similarly, the limit of six months is introduced for consistency and does not imply that battery safety is
reduced after six months.
Table 1 – Sample size for type tests
a
Test Battery
Cell
7.2.1 Low rate charging 5 –
7.2.2 Vibration 5 5
7.2.3 Case stress – 3
7.2.4 Temperature cycling 5 5
7.3.1 Incorrect installation 5 sets of 4 –
7.3.2 External short circuit 5 per temperature 5 per temperature
7.3.3 Free fall 3 3
7.3.4 Mechanical shock 5 5
7.3.5 Thermal abuse 5 –
7.3.6 Crush 5 (10 for prismatic) –
7.3.7 Low pressure 3 –
7.3.8 Overcharge 5 5
7.3.9 Forced discharge 5
−
a
– not applicable to button cells

7 Specific requirements and tests
7.1 Charging procedure for test purposes
Unless otherwise stated in this document, the charging procedure for test purposes is carried
out in an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C, using the method declared by the
manufacturer.
Prior to charging, the battery shall have been discharged at 20 °C ± 5 °C at a constant current
of 0,2 I A down to a specified final voltage.
t
Warning: THESE TESTS USE PROCEDURES WHICH MAY RESULT IN HARM IF ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS
ARE NOT TAKEN. TESTS SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED
TECHNICIANS USING ADEQUATE PROTECTION. TO PREVENT BURNS, CAUTION SHOULD BE
TAKEN FOR THOSE CELLS OR BATTERIES WHOSE CASINGS MAY EXCEED 75 °C AS A
RESULT OF TESTING.
7.2 Intended use
7.2.1 Continuous low-rate charging (cells)
a) Requirement
A continuous low-rate charge shall not cause fire or explosion.
b) Test
Fully charged cells are subjected for 28 days to a charge as specified by the
manufacturer.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion.
7.2.2 Vibration
a) Requirements
Vibration encountered during transportation shall not cause leakage, fire or explosion.

– 12 – IEC 62133-1:2017 © IEC 2017
b) Test
Fully charged cells or batteries are vibration-tested under the following test conditions and
the sequence in Table 2. A simple harmonic motion is applied to the cells or batteries with
an amplitude of 0,76 mm, and a total maximum excursion of 1,52 mm. The frequency is
varied at the rate of 1 Hz/min between the limits of 10 Hz and 55 Hz. The entire range of
frequencies (10 Hz to 55 Hz) and return (55 Hz to 10 Hz) is traversed in 90 min ± 5 min for
each mounting position (direction of vibration). The vibration is applied in each of three
mutually perpendicular directions, in the sequence specified below.
Table 2 – Conditions for vibration test
Step Axes of Frequency Vibration time Rest time Visual
vibration examination
Hz min h
1 − − − − Pre-test
2 X 10 to 55 –
90 ± 5 −
3 Y 10 to 55 90 ± 5 − –
4 Z 10 to 55 90 ± 5 − –
5 − − − 1 Post-test
NOTE The sequence of Step 2 through Step 4 can be interchanged.

Step 1: Verify that the measured voltage is typical of the charged product being
tested.
Steps 2 to 4: Apply the vibration as specified in Table 2.
Step 5: Rest cell for 1 h, and then make a visual inspection.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion, no leakage.
7.2.3 Case stress at high ambient temperature (batteries)
a) Requirement
Internal components of batteries shall not be exposed during use at high temperature.
This requirement only applies to batteries with a moulded case.
b) Test
Fully charged batteries are exposed to a moderately high temperature to evaluate case
integrity. The battery is placed in an air circulating oven at a temperature of 70 °C ± 2 °C.
The batteries remain in the oven for 7 h, after which they are removed and allowed to
return to room temperature.
c) Acceptance criteria
No physical distortion of the battery case resulting in exposure of internal protective
components and cells.
7.2.4 Temperature cycling
a) Requirements
Repeated exposure to high and low temperatures shall not cause leakage, fire or
explosion.
b) Test according to the following procedure and the profile shown in Figure 1.
Fully charged cells or batteries are subjected to temperature cycling (−20 °C, +75 °C),
in forced draught chambers, according to the following procedure.
Step 1: Place the cells or batteries in an ambient temperature of +75 °C ± 2 °C for 4 h.

Step 2: Change the ambient temperature to 20 °C ± 5 °C within 30 min and maintain
at this temperature for a minimum of 2 h.
Step 3: Change the ambient temperature to −20 °C ± 2 °C within 30 min and maintain
at this temperature for 4 h.
Step 4: Change the ambient temperature to 20 °C ± 5 °C within 30 min and maintain
at this temperature for a minimum of 2 h.
Step 5: Repeat steps 1 to 4 for a further four cycles. Transition from Step 4 to Step 1
within 30 min.
Step 6: After the fifth cycle, store the cells or batteries and conduct a visual check after
a rest period of at least 24 h.
NOTE This test can be performed in a single chamber whose temperature is changed or in three separate
chambers at three different test temperatures.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion, no leakage.
–20
–40
–60
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Time (h)
IEC
Figure 1 – Temperature profile for 7.2.4 –
Temperature cycling test
7.3 Reasonably foreseeable misuse
7.3.1 Incorrect installation (cells)
a) Requirements
The incorrect installation of a single cell in a multi-cell application shall not cause fire or
explosion.
b) Test
Fully charged cells are evaluated under conditions in which one of the cells is incorrectly
installed. Four fully charged single cells of the same brand, type, size and age are
connected in series with one of the four cells reversed. The resultant assembly is
connected across a resistor of 1 Ω until the vent opens or until the temperature of the
reversed cell returns to ambient temperature. Alternatively, a stabilized DC power supply
can be used to simulate the conditions imposed on the reversed cell.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion.
7.3.2 External short circuit
a) Requirements
Short-circuiting of the positive and negative terminals shall not cause fire or explosion.

Temperature  (°C)
– 14 – IEC 62133-1:2017 © IEC 2017
b) Test
Two sets of fully charged cells or batteries are stored in an ambient temperature of
20 °C ± 5 °C and 55 °C ± 5 °C, respectively, when the samples reach temperature balance
with the ambient temperature. The cell or battery is then short-circuited by connecting the
positive and negative terminals with a total external resistance of 80 mΩ ± 20 mΩ. The
cells or batteries remain on test for 24 h or until the case temperature declines by 20 % of
the maximum temperature rise, whichever is the sooner.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion.
7.3.3 Free fall
a) Requirements
Dropping a cell or battery (for example, from a bench top) shall not cause fire or
explosion.
b) Test
Each fully charged cell or battery is dropped three times from a height of 1,0 m onto a
concrete floor. The cells or batteries are dropped so as to obtain impacts in random
orientations. After the test, the sample shall be put on rest for a minimum of 1 h and then
a visual inspection shall be performed.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion.
7.3.4 Mechanical shock (crash hazard)
a) Requirements
Shocks encountered during handling or transportation shall not cause fire, explosion or
leakage.
b) Test
The fully charged cell or battery is secured to the testing machine by means of a rigid
mount which will support all mounting surfaces of the cell or battery. The cell or battery is
subjected to a total of three shocks of equal magnitude. The shocks are applied in each of
three mutually perpendicular directions. At least one of them shall be perpendicular to a
flat face.
For each shock the cell or battery is accelerated in such a manner that during the initial

3 ms the minimum average acceleration is 735 m/s (75 g ). The peak acceleration shall
n
2 2
be between 1 226 m/s (125 g ) and 1 716 m/s (175 g ). Cells or batteries are tested in
n n
an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C. After the test, the sample shall be put on rest for
a minimum of 1 h and then a visual inspection shall be performed.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion, no leakage.
7.3.5 Thermal abuse (cells)
a) Requirements
An extremely high temperature shall not cause fire or explosion.
b) Test
Each fully charged cell, stabilized in an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C, is placed in
a gravity or circulating air-convection oven. The oven temperature is raised at a rate
of 5 °C/min ± 2 °C/min to a temperature of 130 °C ± 2 °C. The cell remains at this
temperature for 30 min before the test is terminated.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion.
7.3.6 Crushing of cells
a) Requirements
Severe crushing of a cell (for example, during disposal in a waste compactor) shall not
cause fire or explosion.
b) Test
Each fully charged cell is crushed between two flat surfaces. The force for the crushing is
applied by a device exerting a force of 13 kN ± 0,78 kN. The crushing is performed in a
manner that will cause the most adverse result. Once the maximum force has been
applied, or an abrupt voltage drop of one-third of the original voltage has been obtained,
the force is released.
A cylindrical or prismatic cell is crushed with its longitudinal axis parallel to the flat
surfaces of the crushing apparatus. To test both wide and narrow sides of prismatic cells,
a second set of cells is tested, rotated 90° around their longitudinal axes compared to the
first set.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion.
7.3.7 Low pressure (cells)
Low pressure testing of cells
a) Requirements
Low pressure (for example, during transportation in an aircraft cargo hold) shall not cause
fire or explosion.
b) Test
Each fully charged cell is placed in a vacuum chamber, in an ambient temperature
of 20 °C ± 5 °C. Once the chamber has been sealed, its internal pressure is gradually
reduced to a pressure equal to or less than 11,6 kPa (this simulates an altitude of
15 240 m) and held at that value for 6 h.
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion, no leakage.
7.3.8 Overcharge
a) Requirements
Charging for longer periods and at a higher rate than specified by the manufacturer shall
not cause fire or explosion.
b) Test
A discharged cell or battery is subjected to a high-rate charge of 2,5 times the
recommended charging current for a time that produces a 250 % charge input (250 % of
rated capacity).
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion.
7.3.9 Forced discharge (cells)
a) Requirements
A cell in a multi-cell application shall withstand polarity reversal without causing fire or
explosion.
b) Test
A for 90 min.
A discharged cell is subjected to a reverse charge at 1 I
t
c) Acceptance criteria
No fire, no explosion.
– 16 – IEC 62133-1:2017 © IEC 2017
8 Information for safety
8.1 General
The use, and particularly abuse, of portable sealed secondary cells and batteries containing
alkaline or other non-acid electrolyte may result in the creation of hazards and may cause
harm. Manufacturers of secondary cells shall ensure that information is provided about
current, voltage and temperature limits of their products. Manufacturers of batteries shall
ensure that equipment manufacturers and, in the case of direct sales, end-users are provided
with information to minimize and mitigate hazards.
It is the equipment manufacturer’s responsibility to inform end-users of the potential hazards
arising from the use of equipment containing secondary cells and batteries. Systems analyses
should be performed by device manufacturers to ensure that a particular battery design
prevents hazards from occurring during use of a product. As appropriate, any information
relating to hazard avoidance resulting from a system analysis should be provided to the end
user.
Guidance is provided in IEC TR 62188 on the design and manufacture of portable batteries,
and non-exhaustive lists of good advice are provided for information in Annex A and Annex B.
Conformity can be checked by examination of manufacturer's documentation.
8.2 Small cell and battery safety information
Small cells and batteries and equipment using small cells and batteries are to be provided
with information regarding ingestion hazards. Small cells and batteries that may pose an
ingestion hazard are those that can fit within the limits of the ingestion gauge shown
in Figure 2.
The following warning language is to be provided with the information packaged with the small
cells and batteries or equipment using them:
• Keep small cells and batteries which are considered swallowable out of the reach of
children.
• Swallowing may lead to burns, perforation of soft tissue, and death. Severe burns can
occur within 2 h of ingestion.
• In case of ingestion of a cell or battery, seek medical assistance promptly.

Dimensions in millimetres
+0,1
ø31,7  0
IEC
NOTE This gauge defines a swallowable component and is defined in ISO 8124-1.
Figure 2 – Ingestion gauge
9 Marking
9.1 Cell marking
Cells shall be marked as specified in the following applicable cell standards: IEC 61951-1 or
IEC 61951-2.
By agreement between the cell manufacturer and the battery and/or end product
manufacturer, component cells used in the manufacture of a battery need not be marked.
However, the cell marking can be indicated with the battery, the instructions and/or the
specifications.
Conformity is checked by inspection.
9.2 Battery marking
Batteries shall be marked as specified in IEC 61951-1 or IEC 61951-2. Batteries shall also be
marked with an appropriate caution statement.
Terminals shall have clear polarity marking on the external surface of the battery.
Batteries with keyed external connectors designed for connection to specific end products
need not be marked with polarity markings if the design of the external connector prevents
reverse polarity connections.
Conformity is checked by inspection.
9.3
...