IEC 62133 pdf download – 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
Potential hazards which are the subject of this standard are:
a) fire,
b) burst/explosion,
c) leakage of cell electrolyte,
d) venting,
e) burns from excessively high external temperatures,
f) rupture of battery case with exposure of internal components.
Conformity with 2.1 to 2.6 is checked by inspection, by the tests of clause 4, and in accordance with the appropriate standard (see 1 .2).
2.1 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 d.c.
Internal wiring and its insulation shall be sufficient to withstand the maximum anticipated current, voltage and temperature requirements. The orientation of wiring shall be such that adequate clearances and creepage distances are maintained between connectors. The mechanical integrity of internal connections shall be sufficient to accommodate conditions of reasonably foreseeable misuse.
2.2 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.
2.3 Temperature/current management The design of batteries shall be such that abnormal temperature-rise conditions are prevented. NOTE Where necessary, means can be provided to limit current to safe levels during charge and discharge.
2.4 Terminal contacts Terminals shall have clear polarity marking on the external surface of the battery. 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.
2.5 Assembly of cells into batteries Cells used in the assembly of batteries shall have closely matched capacities, be of the same design, be of the same chemistry and be from the same manufacturer. Batteries that are designed for the selective discharge of a portion of their series connected cells shall incorporate separate circuitry to prevent the cell reversal caused by uneven discharges.
2.6 Quality plan The manufacturer shall prepare 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.
3 Type test conditions Tests are made with the number of cells or batteries specified in Table 1 , using cells or batteries that are not more than three 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 three months is introduced for consistency and does not imply that battery safety is reduced after three months.
4 Specific requirements and tests
4.1 Charging procedure for test purposes Unless otherwise stated in this standard, 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 t A down to a specified final voltage.
4.2 Intended use
4.2.1 Continuous low-rate charging
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
• Nickel systems: no fire, no explosion.
• Lithium systems: no fire, no explosion, no leakage.
4.2.2 Vibration
a) Requirements
Vibration encountered during transportation shall not cause leakage, fire or explosion.
IEC 62133 pdf download – 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
