Primary lithium batteries both for consumer and industrial applications are well-established safe and reliable products in the market, which is at least partly due to the existence of sa
Design
Lithium batteries are classified based on their chemical composition, including the anode, cathode, and electrolyte, as well as their internal construction, which can be bobbin or spiral They come in various configurations such as cylindrical, coin, and prismatic It is crucial to address all safety considerations during the battery design phase, as these factors can vary significantly depending on the specific lithium system, power capacity, and battery configuration.
Common design concepts for lithium battery safety include preventing abnormal temperature rises above manufacturer-defined critical values, controlling temperature increases by limiting current flow, and ensuring that lithium cells and batteries can relieve excessive internal pressure to avoid violent ruptures during transport, intended use, and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
See Annex A for guidelines for the achievement of safety of lithium batteries.
Quality plan
Manufacturers must develop and execute a quality plan that outlines the inspection procedures for materials, components, cells, and batteries throughout the manufacturing process of a specific battery type It is essential for manufacturers to comprehend their process capabilities and establish the necessary controls to ensure product safety.
General
Samples should be drawn from production lots in accordance with accepted statistical methods.
Test samples
Table 1 presents the number of test samples utilized in the study Tests A to E employ the same test cells and batteries sequentially, while tests F to M necessitate the use of new test cells and batteries for each individual test.
Table 1 – Number of test samples
Tests Discharge state Cells and single cell batteries a Multi-cell batteries
Test F or G Undischarged 5 5 component cells
Test H Fully discharged 10 10 component cells
75 % predischarged 20 (see Note 3) n/a 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
NOTE 1 Four batteries connected in series with one of the four batteries reversed (5 sets)
NOTE 2 Four batteries connected in series, one of which is 50 % predischarged (5 sets)
NOTE 3 Four batteries connected in series, one of which is 75 % predischarged (5 sets)
General
Test application matrix
Applicability of test methods to test cells and batteries is shown in Table 2
Intended use tests Reasonably foreseeable misuse tests Form
G: Crush H: Forced discharge I: Abnormal charging J: Free fall
K: Thermal abuse L: Incorrect installation M: Overdischarge s: cell or single cell battery m: multi cell battery Applicability x: applicable n/a: not applicable a Only one test shall be applied, test F or test G b Only applicable to CR17345, CR15H270 and similar type batteries of a spiral construction that could be installed incorrectly and charged c Only applicable to CR17345, CR15H270 and similar type batteries of a spiral construction that could be overdischarged d Test applies to the component cells.
Safety notice
WARNING: These tests call for the use of procedures which can result in injury if adequate precautions are not taken
It has been assumed in the drafting of these tests that their execution is undertaken by appropriately qualified and experienced technicians using adequate protection.
Ambient temperature
Unless otherwise specified, the tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature of
Parameter measurement tolerances
The accuracy of controlled or measured values must adhere to specific tolerances: ± 1% for voltage and current, ± 2°C for temperature, ± 0.1% for time, and ± 1% for both dimensions and 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.
Predischarge
For tests requiring predischarge, the test cells or batteries must be discharged to the specified depth of discharge using a resistive load that achieves the rated capacity, or at a current level defined by the manufacturer.
Additional cells
Where additional cells are required to perform a test, they shall be of the same type and, preferably, from the same production lot as the test cell.
Evaluation of test criteria
Short-circuit
A short-circuit is identified during testing when the open-circuit voltage of a cell or battery falls below 90% of its pre-test voltage This criterion does not apply to test cells and batteries that are fully discharged.
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.
Leakage
Leakage during a test is identified by the visible escape of electrolyte or other substances from the test cell or battery Additionally, it is defined by any loss of material, excluding the battery casing, handling devices, or labels, where the mass loss surpasses the limits specified in Table 3.
In order to quantify mass loss ∆m / m, the following equation is provided:
Where m 1 is the mass before a test; m 2 is the mass after that test
Mass of cell or battery m Mass loss limit
Venting
Venting occurs when excessive internal gas pressure in a cell or battery is released through a designated safety feature during testing, potentially including trapped materials.
Fire
A fire is considered to have occurred if, during a test, flames are emitted from the test cell or battery.
Rupture
A rupture occurs when a cell container or battery case mechanically fails during testing, leading to the release of gas, leakage of liquids, or the ejection of solid materials, without causing an explosion.
Explosion
An explosion is defined as the penetration of solid material from a cell or battery through a wire mesh screen during testing This screen, positioned over the cell or battery on a steel plate, must be constructed from annealed aluminum wire with a diameter of 0.25 mm and a grid density of 6 to 7 wires per cm.
NOTE The figure shows an aluminium wire mesh screen (1) of octagonal shape resting on a steel plate (2)
Tests and requirements – Overview
This standard provides safety tests for intended use (tests A to D) and reasonably foreseeable misuse (tests E to M)
Table 4 contains an overview of the tests and requirements for intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse
Intended use tests A Altitude NL, NV, NC, NR, NE, NF
B Thermal cycling NL, NV, NC, NR, NE, NF
C Vibration NL, NV, NC, NR, NE, NF
D Shock NL, NV, NC, NR, NE, NF
Reasonably foreseeable misuse tests E External short-circuit NT, NR, NE, NF
J Free fall NV, NE, NF
Tests A through E shall be conducted in sequence on the same cell or battery
Tests F and G are provided as alternatives Only one of them shall be conducted
NT: No excessive temperature rise
See 6.2 for a detailed description of the test criteria.
Tests for intended use
Test A: Altitude
This test simulates air transport under low pressure conditions b) Test procedure
Test cells and batteries shall be stored at a pressure of 11,6 kPa or less for at least 6 h at ambient temperature c) Requirements
There shall be no leakage, no venting, no short-circuit, no rupture, no explosion and no fire during this test.
Test B: Thermal cycling
This test assesses cell and battery seal integrity and that of their internal electrical connections The test is conducted using temperature cycling b) Test procedure
Test cells and batteries must be stored for a minimum of 6 hours at a temperature of 72 °C, followed by another 6 hours at –40 °C The transfer time to each temperature should not exceed 30 minutes, and this procedure is to be repeated 10 times After completing these cycles, the cells and batteries should be stored for at least 24 hours at ambient temperature.
NOTE Figure 2 shows one of ten cycles
For large cells and batteries the duration of exposure to the test temperatures shall be at least 12 h instead of 6 h
The test shall be conducted using the test cells and batteries previously subjected to the altitude test
Key t 1 ≤ 30 min t 2 ≥ 6 h (12 h for large cells and batteries)
Figure 2 – Thermal cycling procedure c) Requirements
There shall be no leakage, no venting, no short-circuit, no rupture, no explosion and no fire during this test.
Test C: Vibration
This test simulates vibration during transport The test condition is based on the range of vibrations as given by ICAO [2] b) Test procedure
Test cells and batteries must be securely attached to the vibration machine platform to ensure accurate vibration transmission without distortion They will undergo sinusoidal vibration as specified in Table 5, which outlines varying upper acceleration amplitudes for larger batteries This testing cycle is to be repeated 12 times, totaling 3 hours for each of the three mutually perpendicular mounting positions, with one direction being perpendicular to the terminal face.
The test shall be conducted using the test cells and batteries previously subjected to the thermal cycling test
Frequency range Amplitudes Duration of logarithmic sweep cycle
X 12 f 2 f 3 s = 0,8 mm Y 12 f 3 f 4 = 200 Hz a 2 Z 12 and back to f 1 = 7 Hz Total 36
NOTE Vibration amplitude is the maximum absolute value of displacement or acceleration For example, a displacement amplitude of 0,8 mm corresponds to a peak-to-peak displacement of 1,6 mm
Key f 1 , f 4 lower and upper frequency f 2 , f 3 cross-over frequencies; f 2 ≈ 17,62 Hz; and f 3 ≈ 49,84 Hz, except for large batteries, where f 3 ≈ 24,92 Hz a 1 , a 2 acceleration amplitude a 2 = 8 g n except for large batteries, where a 2 = 2 g n s displacement amplitude
There shall be no leakage, no venting, no short-circuit, no rupture, no explosion and no fire during this test.
Test D: Shock
This test simulates rough handling during transport b) Test procedure
Test cells and batteries must be firmly attached to the testing machine using a rigid mount that supports all surfaces of the test cell or battery Each test cell or battery undergoes a total of 18 shocks, with 3 shocks applied in each direction across three mutually perpendicular mounting positions The parameters specified in Table 6 will be utilized for each shock.
Waveform Peak acceleration Pulse duration Number of shocks per half axis
Cells or batteries except large ones Half sine 150 g n 6 ms 3
Large cells or batteries Half sine 50 g n 11 ms 3
The test shall be conducted using the test cells and batteries previously subjected to the vibration test c) Requirements
There shall be no leakage, no venting, no short-circuit, no rupture, no explosion and no fire during this test.
Tests for reasonably foreseeable misuse
Test E: External short-circuit
This test simulates conditions resulting in an external short-circuit b) Test procedure
The test cell or battery must be stabilized at an external case temperature of 55 °C before undergoing a short-circuit condition with total external resistance below 0.1 Ω This short-circuit condition should persist for a minimum of 1 hour after the external case temperature has stabilized back to 55 °C.
The test sample shall be observed for a further 6 h
The test shall be conducted using the test samples previously subjected to the shock test c) Requirements
There shall be no excessive temperature rise, no rupture, no explosion and no fire during this test and within the 6 h of observation.
Test F: Impact
This test simulates mechanical abuse from an impact that can result in an internal short circuit b) Test procedure
The impact test is applicable to cylindrical cells greater than 20 mm in diameter
The test cell or component cell is placed on a flat smooth surface A stainless steel bar (type 316 or equivalent) with a diameter of 15,8 mm ± 0,1 mm and a length of at least
A mass of 9.1 kg ± 0.1 kg is dropped from a specified height onto the center of the test sample, which measures 60 mm or the longest dimension of the cell, whichever is greater.
The experiment involves a controlled measurement of 61 cm ± 2.5 cm at the intersection of the bar and the test sample, utilizing a near frictionless vertical sliding track This setup minimizes drag on the falling mass, ensuring accurate results The vertical track is specifically designed to guide the falling mass effectively.
90 degrees from the horizontal supporting surface
The test sample will be impacted along its longitudinal axis, which is aligned parallel to the flat surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stainless steel bar positioned at the center of the test sample (refer to Figure 3).
The illustration depicts a flat, smooth surface (1) with a stainless steel bar (2) positioned at the center of the test sample (3) A mass (4) is precisely dropped at the intersection point through a vertical sliding channel (5).
Figure 3 – Example of a test set-up for the impact test
Each test cell or component cell shall be subjected to one impact only
The test sample shall be observed for a further 6 h
The test shall be conducted using test cells or component cells that have not been previously subjected to other tests c) Requirements
There shall be no excessive temperature rise, no explosion and no fire during this test and within the 6 h of observation.
Test G: Crush
This test simulates mechanical abuse from a crush that can result in an internal short circuit b) Test procedure
The crush test is applicable to prismatic, flexible 2 , coin cells and cylindrical cells not more than 20 mm in diameter
A cell, or component cell, is subjected to gradual crushing between two flat surfaces at a speed of approximately 1.5 cm/s upon initial contact The crushing process continues until one of three specified conditions is met.
1) The applied force reaches 13 kN ± 0,78 kN;
EXAMPLE: The force can be applied by a hydraulic ram with a 32 mm diameter piston until a pressure of
17 MPa is reached on the hydraulic ram
2) The voltage of the cell drops by at least 100 mV; or
3) The cell is deformed by 50 % or more of its original thickness
As soon as one of the above conditions has been obtained, the pressure shall be released
To effectively crush different types of battery cells, specific force application methods must be followed For prismatic or flexible cells, the force should be applied to the side with the largest surface area In contrast, coin cells require force to be applied on their flat surfaces For cylindrical cells, the crushing force must be directed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Refer to Figure 4 for visual representations of each cell type: a) Prismatic or flexible cell, b) Coin cell, c) Cylindrical cell.
NOTE Figures 4a) to 4c) show two flat surfaces (1 and 2) with batteries (3) of different shapes placed between them for crushing, using a piston (4)
Figure 4 – Examples of a test set-up for the crush test
Each test cell or component cell is to be subjected to one crush only
The test sample shall be observed for a further 6 h
The term "flexible cell" is utilized in this document as a substitute for "pouch cell," as referenced in [19] Additionally, it replaces the phrases "cell with a laminate film case" and "laminate film cell."
The test shall be conducted using test cells or component cells that have not previously been subjected to other tests c) Requirements
There shall be no excessive temperature rise, no explosion and no fire during this test and within the 6 h of observation.
Test H: Forced discharge
This test evaluates the ability of a cell to withstand a forced discharge condition b) Test procedure
To ensure proper testing, each cell must be force discharged at ambient temperature by connecting it in series with a 12 V direct current power supply, using an initial current that matches the maximum continuous discharge current specified by the manufacturer.
To achieve the specified discharge current, a resistive load of suitable size and rating must be connected in series with the test cell and the direct current power supply Each cell should undergo forced discharge for a duration equal to its rated capacity divided by the initial test current.
This test shall be conducted with fully discharged test cells or component cells that have not previously been subjected to other tests c) Requirements
There shall be no explosion and no fire during this test and within 7 days after the test.
Test I: Abnormal charging
This test evaluates the scenario where a battery is installed in a device and subjected to reverse voltage from an external power source, such as memory backup systems with a faulty diode, in accordance with UL 1642 standards The procedure for conducting this test is outlined in section 7.1.2.
Each test battery must undergo a charging current that is three times the abnormal charging current (\$I_c\$) specified by the manufacturer, achieved by connecting it in opposition to a direct current (d.c.) power supply If the power supply does not permit current adjustment, the required charging current can be attained by adding a suitably sized and rated resistor in series with the battery.
The test duration, denoted as \$t_d\$, is determined by the formula \$t_d = \frac{2.5 \times C_n}{3 \times I_c}\$ To ensure efficiency, adjustments to the test parameters are allowed, provided that the duration does not surpass 7 days.
I c is the abnormal charging current declared by the manufacturer for this test c) Requirements
There shall be no explosion and no fire during this test.
Test J: Free fall
This test simulates the situation when a battery is accidentally dropped The test condition is based upon IEC 60068-2-31 [7] b) Test procedure
Test batteries will be dropped from a height of 1 meter onto a concrete surface, with each battery undergoing six drops A prismatic battery will be dropped once from each of its six faces, while a round battery will be dropped twice along each of the three axes depicted in Figure 5 After the drops, the test batteries will be stored for one hour.
The test shall be conducted with undischarged test cells and batteries
Figure 5 – Axes for free fall c) Requirements
There shall be no venting, no explosion and no fire during this test and within the 1 h of observation.
Test K: Thermal abuse
This test simulates the condition when a battery is exposed to an extremely high temperature b) Test procedure
A test battery shall be placed in an oven and the temperature raised at a rate of 5 °C/min to a temperature of 130 °C at which the battery shall remain for 10 min c) Requirements
There shall be no explosion and no fire during this test.
Test L: Incorrect installation
This test simulates the condition when one single cell battery in a set is reversed b) Test procedure
A test battery is connected in series with three undischarged single cell batteries of the same brand and type, ensuring the terminals of the test battery are reversed The resistance of the interconnecting circuit must not exceed 0.1 Ω The circuit should remain completed for 24 hours or until the battery case temperature returns to ambient levels.
Figure 6 – Circuit diagram for incorrect installation
There shall be no explosion and no fire during this test.
Test M: Overdischarge
This test replicates the scenario where a discharged single cell battery is connected in series with other fully charged single cell batteries It also simulates the operation of batteries in motor-powered appliances, which typically require currents exceeding 1 A.
NOTE CR17345 and CR15H270 batteries are widely used in motor powered appliances where currents over
1 A are required The current for non standardized batteries may be different b) Test procedure
Each test battery shall be predischarged to 50 % depth of discharge It shall then be connected in series with three undischarged additional single cell batteries of the same type
A resistive load R 1 is connected in series with the assembly of batteries in Figure 7 where
The test shall be continued for 24 h or until the battery case temperature has returned to ambient
The test shall be repeated with 75 % predischarged test batteries
Table 7 – Resistive load for overdischarge
NOTE Table to be modified or expanded when additional batteries of a spiral construction are standardized
EXAMPLE When CR17345 and CR15H270 batteries were standardized, R 1 was determined from the end voltage of the assembly in Figure 7, using the formula
2,0 V is the end voltage taken from the specification tables in IEC 60086-2; and 1 A is the test current
R 1 was then found by rounding R to the nearest value in Table 6 of
B 1 Test battery, 50 % predischarged and, in separate tests, 75 % predischarged
Figure 7 – Circuit diagram for overdischarge
There shall be no explosion and no fire during this test.
Information to be given in the relevant specification
When this standard is referred to in a relevant specification, the parameters given in Table 8 shall be given in so far as they are applicable:
Table 8 – Parameters to be specified
Item Parameters Clause and/or subclause a) Predischarge current or resistive load and end-point voltage specified by the manufacturer 6.1.5 b) Shape: prismatic, flexible, coin or cylindrical;
Diameter: not more than 20 mm or greater than 20 mm 6.5.2 and
6.5.3 c) Maximum continuous discharge current specified by the manufacturer for test H
NOTE Forced discharge of a cell can occur when it is connected in series with other cells and when it is not protected with a bypass diode
6.5.4 d) Rated capacity specified by the manufacturer for test H 6.5.4 e) Abnormal charging current declared by the manufacturer for test I
Abnormal charging of a cell can happen when it is connected in series with other cells and one cell is reversed, or when it is connected in parallel with a power supply and the protective devices fail to function properly.
6.5.5 f) Normal reverse current declared by the manufacturer which can be applied to the battery during its operating life
NOTE Normal reverse current flow through a cell can occur when it is connected in parallel with a power supply and the protective devices are operating properly
Evaluation and report
When issuing a report, it is essential to include the following items: the name and address of the test facility, the name and address of the applicant (if applicable), a unique test report identification, the date of the test report, design characteristics of the test cells or batteries, test descriptions and results with relevant parameters, the type of test sample (cell, component cell, battery, or battery assembly), the weight of the test sample, the lithium content of the sample, and a signature with the name and status of the signatory.
Safety precautions during design of equipment
General
See also Annex B for guidelines for designers of equipment using lithium batteries.
Charge protection
When integrating a primary lithium battery into a circuit with an independent power source, it is essential to use protective devices to prevent the battery from being charged by the main power source Options include using a blocking diode with a current limiting resistor, two series blocking diodes, or similar circuits with multiple protective devices The first protective device must limit the charging current to the normal reverse current specified by the battery manufacturer, while the second must restrict it to the abnormal charging current used during testing Additionally, the circuit design should ensure that at least one protective device remains functional even if one component fails.
Figure 8 – Examples of safety wiring for charge protection
Parallel connection
Parallel connection should be avoided when designing battery compartments However, if required, the battery manufacturer shall be contacted for advice.
Safety precautions during handling of batteries
Lithium batteries are a reliable and safe power source when handled properly, but misuse can lead to serious hazards such as leakage, venting, or even explosions and fires It is crucial to keep batteries out of children's reach to prevent accidents.
To ensure child safety, keep swallowable batteries out of reach, especially those that fit within the ingestion gauge limits shown in Figure 9 If a cell or battery is ingested, seek medical help immediately, as swallowing lithium coin cells or batteries can lead to serious injuries, including chemical burns and tissue perforation, and may even result in death Immediate removal of the swallowed battery is crucial Refer to Figure 10 for an example of suitable warning text.
NOTE Refer to [14] for general information on hazards from batteries
NOTE This gauge defines a swallowable component and is defined in ISO 8124-1 [16]
Keep this product away from children, as ingestion can result in serious consequences such as chemical burns, soft tissue perforation, and even death Severe burns may develop within just two hours of swallowing It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs.
Warning against the swallowing of lithium coin cell batteries is crucial Children should never replace batteries without adult supervision Always ensure that batteries are inserted correctly, paying attention to the polarity markings (+ and -) on both the battery and the device.
Inserting batteries in reverse can lead to serious hazards such as short-circuiting, overheating, leakage, venting, rupture, explosion, fire, and personal injury It is crucial to avoid short-circuiting batteries to ensure safety.
Short-circuiting occurs when the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals of a battery come into contact, which can happen with loose batteries in pockets alongside keys or coins This dangerous situation can lead to venting, leakage, explosions, fires, and personal injuries It is crucial to avoid charging batteries in such conditions.
Attempting to charge a non-rechargeable (primary) battery can cause internal gas and/or heat generation resulting in leakage, venting, explosion, fire and personal injury f) Do not force discharge batteries
Force discharging batteries with an external power source can lower their voltage beyond design limits, leading to gas generation inside the battery This poses risks such as leakage, venting, explosions, fires, and potential personal injury Additionally, it is crucial to avoid mixing new and used batteries or combining different types or brands.
When replacing batteries, it is crucial to replace all of them simultaneously with new batteries of the same brand and type Mixing different brands or types, or combining new and used batteries, can lead to over-discharging or forced discharging due to voltage or capacity differences This poses serious risks, including leakage, venting, explosion, or fire, which can result in personal injury Therefore, exhausted batteries should be promptly removed from equipment and disposed of properly.
When discharged batteries are kept in the equipment for a long time, electrolyte leakage can occur causing damage to the equipment and/or personal injury i) Do not heat batteries
When a battery is exposed to heat, leakage, venting, explosion or fire can occur and cause personal injury j) Do not weld or solder directly to batteries
The heat from welding or soldering directly to a battery can cause leakage, venting, explosion or fire, and can cause personal injury k) Do not dismantle batteries
When a battery is dismantled or taken apart, contact with the components can be harmful and can cause personal injury or fire l) Do not deform batteries
Batteries must be handled with care and should never be crushed, punctured, or damaged, as this can lead to leakage, venting, explosions, or fires, posing a risk of personal injury Additionally, it is crucial to avoid disposing of batteries in fire.
Improper disposal of batteries, such as incineration, can lead to dangerous explosions, fires, and personal injuries It is crucial to only use approved disposal methods in controlled incinerators Additionally, lithium batteries with damaged containers should never be exposed to water to prevent hazardous reactions.
Lithium metal in contact with water can produce hydrogen gas, fire, explosion and/or cause personal injury o) Do not encapsulate and/or modify batteries
Modifying a battery, including encapsulation, can obstruct safety vent mechanisms, leading to potential explosions and personal injuries It is crucial to consult the battery manufacturer before making any modifications Additionally, unused batteries should be stored in their original packaging and kept away from metal objects If batteries have already been unpacked, they should not be mixed or jumbled together.
To prevent the risks associated with unpacked batteries, such as short-circuiting, leakage, or even explosions, it is crucial to store unused batteries in their original packaging Additionally, remove batteries from devices that will not be used for an extended period, except in emergency situations.
To ensure optimal performance and safety, it is important to remove batteries from equipment that is not functioning properly or will not be used for an extended period, such as camcorders and digital cameras While most lithium batteries are designed to be leak-resistant, exhausted batteries are more likely to leak compared to unused ones.
Packaging
Proper packaging is essential to prevent mechanical damage during transport, handling, and stacking The selection of materials and packaging design must ensure that unintentional electrical contact, short-circuits, terminal corrosion, and environmental exposure are effectively mitigated.
Handling of battery cartons
Battery cartons should be handled with care Rough handling might result in batteries being short-circuited or damaged This can cause leakage, explosion, or fire.
Transport
General
Tests and requirements for the transport of lithium cells or batteries are given in IEC 62281 [12]
Regulations concerning international transport of lithium batteries are based on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods [18]
Regulations for transport are subject to change For the transport of lithium batteries, the latest editions of the following regulations should be consulted.
Air transport
Regulations for the air transport of lithium batteries are outlined in the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Dangerous Goods Regulations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Sea transport
Regulations concerning sea transport of lithium batteries are specified in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) [13].
Land transport
Transport regulations for road and railroad are established at national or multilateral levels Although many regulators are adopting the UN Model Regulations, it is advisable to refer to specific transport regulations of each country prior to shipping.
Display and storage
a) Store batteries in well ventilated, dry and cool conditions
High temperature or high humidity can cause deterioration of the battery performance and/or surface corrosion b) Do not stack battery cartons on top of each other exceeding a specified height
Stacking excessive battery cartons can lead to deformation of the batteries in the lower cartons and may cause electrolyte leakage Additionally, it is important to avoid storing or displaying batteries in direct sunlight or in areas exposed to rain.
When batteries get wet, their insulation resistance might be impaired and self-discharge and corrosion can occur Heat can cause deterioration d) Store and display batteries in their original packing
When batteries are unpacked and mixed they can be short-circuited or damaged
See Annex C for additional details.
Disposal
Batteries may be disposed of via communal refuse arrangements provided no local rules to the contrary exist
During transport, storage and handling for disposal, the following safety precautions should be considered: a) Do not dismantle batteries
Lithium batteries contain certain ingredients that can be flammable or hazardous, posing risks of injury, fire, rupture, or explosion It is crucial to avoid disposing of batteries in fire, except in approved and controlled incineration conditions.
Lithium is highly flammable and can ignite explosively, especially in battery form In the event of a fire, lithium batteries pose a risk of explosion, and their combustion products can be both toxic and corrosive To ensure safety, it is crucial to store collected batteries in a clean, dry place, shielded from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Dirt and moisture can lead to short-circuits and overheating, which may cause flammable gas leaks, potentially resulting in fires, ruptures, or explosions It is essential to store collected batteries in a well-ventilated area to mitigate these risks.
Used batteries can retain a residual charge, posing risks if short-circuited, overcharged, or forcefully discharged, which may lead to the leakage of flammable gas and potential fire, rupture, or explosion It is crucial to avoid mixing collected batteries with other materials.
Used batteries can retain residual charge, posing a fire risk if short-circuited, overcharged, or forcefully discharged The heat generated in these situations can ignite flammable materials like oily rags, paper, or wood It is essential to protect battery terminals to prevent such hazards.
To ensure safety, it is crucial to insulate terminals, especially for high-voltage batteries Unprotected terminals can lead to short-circuits, irregular charging, and forced discharges, which may cause leakage, fire, rupture, or even explosions.
To ensure optimal performance and safety, always choose the appropriate size and type of battery for your device, retaining any provided information for future reference Replace all batteries in a set simultaneously, and clean both the battery contacts and the device's contacts before installation Make sure to install the batteries with the correct polarity (+ and -), and promptly remove any exhausted batteries.
General
All batteries, except for small ones, must display specific information, including their designation (IEC or common), the expiration date or the year and month/week of manufacture (which may be coded), the polarity of the positive (+) terminal, the nominal voltage, the manufacturer's name or trademark, cautionary advice, and a warning regarding the ingestion of swallowable batteries.
Small batteries
Batteries that fit within the Ingestion Gauge must have the designation and polarity marked directly on them, while other markings can be placed on the packaging Additionally, for batteries sold in consumer-replaceable applications, a caution for ingestion must be included on the immediate package.
Safety pictograms
Safety pictograms that could be considered for use as an alternative to written cautionary advice are provided in Annex D
Guidelines for the achievement of safety of lithium batteries
The guidelines given in Figure A.1 were followed during the development of high power batteries for consumer use They are given here for information
Design Prevent abnormal temperature rise of the battery by incorporating a current limitation
High current drain can lead to a swift rise in temperature within lithium batteries Designers must ensure that current drain is effectively managed through design strategies A successful approach involves using a resettable PTC, which quickly activates when the battery experiences a current drain that surpasses its specified limits.
To ensure safety in battery design, it is crucial to implement intrinsic current limitation that activates when the battery temperature exceeds its specified criteria A successful approach involves integrating a separator system that significantly decreases its current-passing capability at elevated temperatures.
Prevent explosion of the battery by a means to release internal pressure when temperature rises excessively
Lithium batteries are designed with tight seals to prevent leakage, necessitating a mechanism for releasing excessive internal pressure This pressure release must occur within a temperature range that aligns with the battery's design specifications.
Pilot production Confirm that actual batteries can be produced according to design quality Establish necessary safety precautions
Mass production Mass production of batteries according to design quality Request equipment manufacturers to carefully observe the safety precautions
Reject defects in the production process Make this information available to end users
Inspection Confirm that batteries meet design quality
Reject defects by the inspection
Guidelines for designers of equipment using lithium batteries
Table B.1 sets out the guidelines to be used by designers of equipment which employs lithium batteries (see also IEC 60086-5:2011 [8], Annex B, for guidelines for the design of battery compartments)
Table B.1 – Equipment design guidelines (1 of 3)
Item Sub-item Recommendations Possible consequences if the recommendations are not observed
(1) When a lithium battery is used as main power source
(1.1) Selection of a suitable battery Select most suitable battery for the equipment, taking note of its electrical characteristics
(1.2) Number of batteries (series connection or parallela connection) to be used and method of use a) Multicell batteries (2CR5, CR-P2, 2CR13252 and others); one piece only
Using batteries of different capacities in series can lead to overdischarge of the lower-capacity battery, potentially causing electrolyte leakage, overheating, rupture, explosion, or fire For cylindrical batteries like CR17345, it is recommended to use fewer than three pieces Similarly, for coin-type batteries such as CR2016, CR2025, and CR11108, it is advisable to limit usage to less than three pieces Additionally, different battery types should not be mixed within the same compartment, and when batteries are connected in parallel, a charging protection mechanism must be implemented.
When connecting batteries in parallel, differing voltages can lead to the lower voltage battery becoming charged, which poses risks such as electrolyte leakage, overheating, rupture, explosion, or fire To ensure safety, the design of the battery circuit must include isolation from any other power sources.
Battery might be charged This can result in electrolyte leakage, overheating, rupture, explosion or fire b) Protective devices such as fuses shall be incorporated in the circuit
Short-circuiting a battery can result in electrolyte leakage, overheating, rupture, explosion or fire a See 7.1.3
Item Sub-Item Recommendations Possible consequences if the recommendations are not observed
(2) When a lithium battery is used as back-up power source
(2.1) Design of battery circuit The battery should be used in separate circuit so that it is not force discharged or charged by the main power source
Battery might be over- discharged to reverse polarity or charged This can result in electrolyte leakage, overheating, rupture, explosion or fire
(2.2) Design of battery circuit for memory back-up application
To ensure safe charging of a battery connected to a main power source, it is essential to implement a protective circuit that includes both a diode and a resistor This setup should limit the leakage current of the diode to less than 2% of the battery's capacity throughout its expected lifespan.
Battery might be charged This can result in electrolyte leakage, overheating, rupture, explosion or fire
(3) Battery holder and battery compartment a) Battery compartments should be designed so that if a battery is reversed, open circuit is achieved
Battery compartments should be clearly and permanently marked to show the correct orientation of batteries
To prevent damage to equipment from battery reversal, it is essential to implement protective measures against electrolyte leakage, overheating, rupture, explosion, or fire Additionally, battery compartments must be designed to ensure that only batteries of the specified size can be inserted and make contact.
Equipment might be damaged or might not operate c) Battery compartments should be designed to allow generated gases to escape
Battery compartments must be designed to withstand high internal pressure caused by gas generation, ensuring they are waterproof and explosion-proof when sealed Additionally, these compartments should be isolated from heat produced by the equipment to maintain safety and functionality.
Battery might be deformed and leak electrolyte due to excessive heat g) Battery compartments should be designed so that they cannot easily be opened by children
Children might remove batteries from the compartment and swallow them
Item Sub-Item Recommendations Possible consequences if the recommendations are not observed
(4) Contacts and terminals a) Material and shape of contacts and terminals should be selected so that effective electric contact is maintained
Heat might generate at the contact due to insufficient connection b) Auxiliary circuit should be designed to prevent reverse installation of batteries
Equipment might be damaged or might not operate c) Contact and terminal should be designed to prevent reverse installation of batteries
Equipment might be damaged Battery might cause electrolyte leakage, overheating, rupture, explosion or fire d) Direct soldering or welding to a battery should be avoided
Battery might leak, overheat, rupture, explode or catch fire
(5) Indication of necessary precautions (5.1) On the equipment Orientation of batteries
(polarity) should be clearly indicated at the battery compartment
When a battery is inserted reverse and charged, it can result in electrolyte leakage, overheating, rupture, explosion or fire
(5.2) In the instruction manual Precautions for the proper handling of batteries should be indicated
Batteries might be mishandled and cause accidents
Additional information on display and storage
This annex provides additional details concerning display and storage of lithium batteries to those already given in 7.6
The storage area should be clean, cool, dry, ventilated and weatherproof
For optimal storage, maintain a temperature range of +10 °C to +25 °C, avoiding any temperatures exceeding +30 °C It is crucial to prevent prolonged exposure to extreme humidity levels, specifically above 95% or below 40% relative humidity, as these conditions can harm both batteries and their packaging Additionally, batteries should not be stored near heat sources like radiators or boilers, nor should they be placed in direct sunlight.
Batteries have a long storage life at room temperature, but their longevity can be enhanced at lower temperatures with proper precautions It is essential to keep batteries in protective packaging, like sealed plastic bags, to prevent condensation as they warm to room temperature Rapid warming should be avoided, as it can damage the batteries.
Batteries which have been cold-stored may be put into use after return to ambient temperature
Batteries may be stored fitted in equipment or packages, if determined suitable by the battery manufacturer
The height to which batteries may be stacked is clearly dependent on the strength of the packaging As a general rule, this height should not exceed 1,5 m for cardboard packages or
To ensure optimal storage conditions during extended transit, batteries must be kept away from ship engines and should not be left for extended periods in unventilated metal containers during the summer months.
Batteries will be quickly dispatched following production, ensuring a rotation system to distribution centers and end users To facilitate effective stock rotation (first in, first out), it is essential to design storage areas and displays appropriately, with clear markings on packaging.
General
Historically, cautionary advice for meeting marking requirements has been provided through written text However, there is an increasing trend in recent years towards using pictograms as a complementary or alternative method for communicating product safety information.
This annex aims to create standardized pictogram recommendations linked to established written text, reduce the variety of safety pictogram designs, and promote the use of pictograms over written text for conveying product safety and cautionary information.
Pictograms
The pictogram recommendations and cautionary advice are given in Table D.1
B DO NOT DEFORM OR DAMAGE
DO NOT DISPOSE OF IN FIRE
NOTE The grey shading highlights a white margin appearing when the pictogram is printed on coloured or black background
NOTE Under consideration to replace pictogram E in
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
NOTE See 7.2a) for critical safety information
F DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT TYPES
G DO NOT MIX NEW AND USED
H DO NOT OPEN OR DISMANTLE
NOTE The grey shading highlights a white margin appearing when the pictogram is printed on coloured or black background.
Instruction for use
When using pictograms, ensure they are clearly legible and that any colors used do not obscure the information presented If colors are incorporated, the background of pictogram J should be blue, while the circle and diagonal bar of other pictograms should be red Additionally, it is not necessary to use all pictograms together for a specific type or brand of battery.
In particular, pictogram D and J are meant as alternatives for a similar purpose
[1] IATA, International Air Transport Association, Quebec: Dangerous Goods Regulations
[2] ICAO, International Civil Aviation Organization, Montreal: Technical Instructions for the
Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (revised biennially)
[3] IEC 60050-482:2004, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 482: Primary and secondary cells and batteries
[4] IEC 60027-1:1992, Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology – Part 1: General
[5] IEC 60068-2-6:1995, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration
[6] IEC 60068-2-27:1987, Environmental testing – Part 2-27: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock
[7] IEC 60068-2-31:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks, primarily for equipment-type specimens
[8] IEC 60086-5:2011, Primary batteries – Part 5: Safety of batteries with aqueous electrolyte
[9] IEC 60617 (all parts), Graphical symbols for diagrams (avaiable at http://std.iec.ch/iec60617)
IEC 62133 outlines the safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells and batteries that contain alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes This standard is crucial for ensuring the safe use of these batteries in portable applications.
[11] IEC 61960, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes – Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications
[12] IEC 62281, Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
[13] IMO, International Maritime Organization, London: International Maritime Dangerous
Goods (IMDG) Code (revised biennially)
[14] ISO/IEC GUIDE 50:2002, Safety aspects – Guidelines for child safety
[15] ISO/IEC GUIDE 51:1999, Safety aspects – Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
[16] ISO 8124-1, Safety of toys – Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
[17] UL 1642, Underwriters Laboratories, Standard for Lithium batteries
[18] United Nations, New York and Geneva: Recommendations on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (revised biennially)
[19] United Nations, New York and Geneva: 2011, Recommendations on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria, Chapter 38.3
[20] Battery Association of Japan: Guideline for the design and production of safe Lithium batteries for camera application, 2nd edition, March 1998