SIST EN 50342-1:2016/A2:2021

Overview

EN 50342-1:2015/A2:2021 is a CENELEC amendment for lead‑acid starter batteries specifying general requirements and standardized methods of test. Prepared by CLC/TC 21X (working group 3), this amendment updates the original EN 50342‑1:2015 (and A1:2018) to refine test sequencing and protect high‑power starter batteries during cranking performance testing. It was approved 2021‑08‑17 and is for national implementation by 2022‑08‑17 (ICS 29.220.20).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: general requirements and test methods for lead‑acid starter batteries (starter battery testing, battery performance).
• Deletion of the high current discharge after water consumption test from Table 3 (test sequence). Rationale: a dedicated corrosion test covers the same objective, so the high current discharge step was removed to avoid redundancy.
• Limitation in the cranking performance test:
  • Recognizes that some high‑power batteries can be harmed by prolonged discharge down to the 6.0 V cut‑off.
  • New rule: if battery voltage remains greater than 6 V after 180 seconds in stage 2, the discharge current must be cut off (maximum discharge time = 180 s).
• Administrative edits: removal and renumbering of subclauses (6.9.6 deleted; subsequent renumbering).
• Notes on compliance: CENELEC members must adopt the amendment as a national standard; the document exists in English, French, and German.

Practical applications

• Ensures consistent, repeatable starter battery testing and safer test procedures for modern, high‑power lead‑acid batteries.
• Prevents test‑induced damage to high‑output starter batteries by enforcing a maximum discharge time.
• Removes redundant or potentially harmful test steps by relying on a dedicated corrosion test instead of a high current discharge.
• Useful for:
  • Battery manufacturers implementing quality control and type approval procedures.
  • Automotive OEMs specifying starter battery performance and supplier compliance.
  • Independent test laboratories and certification bodies conducting EN 50342 series tests.
  • Regulatory and standards teams ensuring conformity with CENELEC national implementations.

Related standards and keywords

• Related: EN 50342 series (starter battery standards), corrosion test methods referenced within EN 50342‑1.
• SEO keywords: lead‑acid starter batteries, EN 50342‑1, cranking performance test, high current discharge, battery testing standards, CENELEC, starter battery performance, water consumption test, corrosion test, battery test methods.

This amendment refines test safety and clarity for starter battery testing while aligning test sequences with dedicated corrosion assessment methods.