Lead-acid starter batteries - General requirements, methods of test and numbering

Published in consolidated form with EN 50342:2001

Blei-Akkumulatoren-Starterbatterien - Allgemeine Anforderungen, Prüfungen und Kennzeichnung

Batteries d'accumulateurs de démarrage au plomb - Prescriptions générales, méthodes d'essais et numérotation

Lead-acid starter batteries - General requirements, methods of test and numbering

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Publication Date
05-Apr-2001
Drafting Committee
Parallel Committee
Current Stage
9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
Start Date
01-Dec-2007
Completion Date
01-Dec-2007

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SLOVENSKI SIST EN 50342:2002 + A1:2002
prva izdaja
STANDARD
september 2002
Lead-acid starter batteries - General requirements, methods of test and numbering
ICS 5HIHUHQþQDãWHYLOND
29.220.20
SIST EN 50342:2002 + A1:2002(en)
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---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50342 + A1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2001
ICS 01.080.20; 29.220.20 Supersedes EN 60095-1:1993 + A2:1995 + A11:1995 + A12:1999 + A13:1997
English version
Lead-acid starter batteries
General requirements, methods of test and numbering
Batteries d'accumulateurs de démarrage Blei-Akkumulatoren
au plomb Starterbatterien
Prescriptions générales, méthodes Allgemeine Anforderungen, Prüfungen
d'essais et numérotation und Kennzeichnung
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2000-08-01. The amendment to the European
Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2000-09-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the
CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
and its amendment the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any
other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own
language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels
© 2001 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001 E

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EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001 - 2 -
Foreword
This European Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 21X,
Secondary cells and batteries.
The text of the draft was submitted to the formal vote and was approved by CENELEC as
EN 50342 on 2000-08-01.
This European Standard supersedes EN 60095-1:1993 + A2:1995 + A11:1995 + A12:1999 +
A13:1997.
A draft for an amendment was submitted to the Unique Acceptance Procedure and was approved as
amendment A1 to EN 50342 on 2000-09-01.
In this document, the text of the amendment is indicated by a vertical line in the left margin of the
text.
The following dates were fixed :
- latest date by which the EN and the amendment have to
be implemented at national level by publication of an
identical national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2001-10-01
- latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN and the amendment have to be withdrawn (dow) 2003-04-01
Annexes designated "normative" are part of the body of the standard.
In this standard, annexes A, B, C and D are normative.
__________

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- 3 - EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001
Contents
Clause Page
1 General .4
1.1 Scope .4
1.2 Object.4
1.3 Designation of starter batteries - Electrolyte density and open circuit voltage .4
1.4 Condition on delivery .5
2 General requirements.5
2.1 Identification, labelling.5
2.2 Marking of the polarity .5
2.3 Additional designation.6
3 Functional characteristics .6
3.1 Electrical characteristics .6
3.2 Mechanical characteristics .7
4 General test conditions.7
4.1 Sampling of batteries.7
4.2 Preparation of batteries prior to test - Definition of a fully-charged battery.7
4.3 Activation of dry-charged batteries .8
4.4 Measuring instruments.8
4.5 Test sequence.9
5 Tests/methods and requirements.10
5.1 Capacity check C .10
e
5.2 Reserve capacity check C .10
r,e
5.3 Cranking performance test .10
5.4 Charge acceptance test.11
5.5 Charge retention test .12
5.6 Endurance test .12
5.7 Water consumption test .14
5.8 Vibration resistance test.15
5.9 Electrolyte retention test .16
5.10 Cranking performance for dry-charged batteries after activation .17
Annex A (normative) European type number for starter batteries.18
Annex B (normative) Safety labelling – Definition of the six coloured symbols.21
Annex C (normative) Correlation between C et C .22
n r,n
Annex D (normative) Normative references .23

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EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001 - 4 -
1 General
1.1 Scope
This standard is applicable to lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V, used
primarily as a power source for the starting of internal combustion engines, lighting and also
for auxiliary equipment of internal combustion engine vehicles. These batteries are
commonly called "starter batteries". Batteries with a nominal voltage of 6 V are also
included within the scope of this standard. All referenced voltages have to be divided by
two for 6 V batteries.
This standard is applicable to batteries for the following purposes :
− batteries for passenger cars,
− batteries for commercial and industrial vehicles for normal use,
− batteries for commercial and industrial vehicles for severe use.
This standard is not applicable to batteries for other purposes, for example the starting of
railcar internal combustion engines.
1.2 Object
The object of this standard is to specify :
− general requirements;
− certain essential functional characteristics, the relevant test methods and results
required, for several classes and types of starter batteries.
1.3 Designation of starter batteries - Electrolyte density and open circuit voltage
1.3.1 Batteries are classified according to their types :
− vented (flooded) battery : a secondary battery having a cover provided with one or more
openings through which gaseous products may escape ;
− valve regulated (with gas recombination) battery : a secondary battery which is closed
under normal conditions but which has an arrangement which allows the escape of gas if
the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value. The battery cannot receive
addition to the electrolyte.
In this type of battery, the electrolyte is immobilised.
1.3.2 Electrolyte density and open circuit voltage
The density of the electrolyte in all vented batteries, when fully charged shall be in the
range 1,27 kg/l to 1,30 kg/l at 25 °C unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
The open circuit voltage (OCV), when fully charged, but after a minimum 24 h stand on
open circuit, shall be in the range 12,70 V to 12,90 V for vented batteries and 12,80 V
minimum for valve regulated batteries at 25 °C unless otherwise specified by the
manufacturer.
Either the manufacturer shall specify the electrolyte density (or OCV) and tolerance, or if
such information is not available, vented battery testing shall be carried out with a density
of 1,28 kg/l ± 0,01 kg/l at 25 °C or an OCV of 12,76 V ± 0,06 V at 25 °C and valve regulated
battery testing shall be carried out with a minimum OCV of 12,80 V.

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- 5 - EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001
1.4 Condition on delivery
New vented batteries may be supplied either :
− in a state ready for use, filled with the appropriate electrolyte to the maximum level.
After an initial charge (according to 4.2.1), the electrolyte density or OCV shall be within
the ranges specified in 1.3 ;
− in a dry-charged state not filled with electrolyte. The density of the acid to fill such
batteries before use shall be in the range 1,27 kg/l to 1,30 kg/l at 25 °C unless otherwise
specified by the manufacturer.
Valve regulated batteries are normally supplied in a state ready for use. For these batteries
the electrolyte is not accessible and therefore its density cannot be checked.
2 General requirements
2.1 Identification, labelling
Batteries according to this standard shall bear the following characteristics on at least one
of their sides or on the top surface :
a) the European Type Number (see annex A),
b) identification of manufacturer or supplier,
c) the nominal voltage, i.e. 12 V or 6 V,
d) the capacity:
− either nominal capacity C (Ah) (see 3.1.2),
n
− or nominal reserve capacity C (min) (see 3.1.2),
r,n
The values of C or C for all batteries shall correspond to the electrolyte density or
n r,n
OCV given in 1.3,
e) the nominal cranking current I (see 3.1.1),
cc
f) Safety labelling : batteries shall be marked with six coloured symbols as described in
annex B,
g) the marking for the separate collection and recycling according to EN 61429,
h) valve regulated batteries shall bear a special indication.
NOTE  Batteries may be marked with other information such as the filling and charging date (see 4.1).
2.2 Marking of the polarity
According to EN 60095-2 (section 5, clause 14) the positive terminal shall be identified by a
+ mark on the lid or on the terminal itself.

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EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001 - 6 -
2.3 Additional designation
Vented starter batteries may be designated as "low water loss" according to this European
Standard if they comply with the requirements of 5.7.1 and the requirement in 5.5.2.
3 Functional characteristics
For general definitions of terms see Chapter 486 of the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary (IEV) (IEC 60050-486)
3.1 Electrical characteristics
3.1.1 The cranking current is the discharge current I to be indicated by the
cc
manufacturer which a battery can supply at –18 °C for 10 s to a minimum voltage
U = 7,50 V and complying with requirements of 5.3.
f
3.1.2 The capacity of a starter battery is defined for the temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C.
It may be indicated by the manufacturer either as :
− nominal capacity C (Ah), or as
n
− nominal reserve capacity C (min).
r,n
The nominal capacity C is the electric charge (in Ah) which a battery can supply with a
n
current :
C
n
I =
n
20
to a final voltage U = 10,50 V.
f
The effective capacity C shall be determined by discharging a battery with constant current
e
I to U = 10,50 V (see 5.1).
n f
The nominal reserve capacity C is the period of time (in minutes) for which a battery can
r,n
maintain a discharge of 25 A to a cut-off voltage U = 10,50 V.
f
The effective reserve capacity C shall be determined by discharging a battery with the
r,e
constant current I = 25 A to U = 10,50 V (see 5.2).
f
NOTE  For the correlation (relationship) of C and C see annex C.
n r,n
3.1.3 The charge acceptance is expressed as the current I which a partially discharged
ca
battery takes up at 0 °C and at a constant voltage of 14,4 V (see 5.4).
3.1.4 Charge retention is defined as the cold cranking performance of the charged and
filled battery after storage on open circuit under defined conditions (temperature, time - see
5.5).
3.1.5 Endurance in cycles represents the ability of a battery to perform repeated
discharge/recharge cycles and long rest periods on open circuit. This ability shall be tested
by a series of cycles and rest periods under specified conditions after which the cold
cranking performance shall be determined (see 5.6).

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------

- 7 - EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001
3.1.6 Water consumption is defined as g/Ah C or g/min C (see 3.1.2 and 5.7).
e r,e
Valve regulated batteries have a very low water consumption and are not intended to
receive addition to the electrolyte (see 5.7.2).
3.1.7 Dry-charged battery : A new battery may be designated as dry-charged if it can be
activated -ready for service- by filling it with the defined electrolyte (see 1.3 and 1.4) and in
accordance with any specific instructions from the manufacturer and if it then conforms to
the requirements of 5.10.
3.2 Mechanical characteristics
3.2.1 Vibration resistance represents the ability of a battery to maintain service under
acceleration forces. Requirements are verified by the test defined in 5.8.
3.2.2 Electrolyte retention is the ability of a battery to retain electrolyte under specified
mechanical conditions (see 5.9). Valve regulated batteries are submitted to a special test
(see 5.9.2).
4 General test conditions
4.1 Sampling of batteries
All tests shall be carried out on new battery samples. Samples shall be considered as new
not later than :
− 30 days after the acid filling and formation date in the case of filled and charged
batteries ;
− 60 days after shipment date of the manufacturer in the case of dry-charged batteries.
4.2 Preparation of batteries prior to test - Definition of a fully-charged battery
All tests -except that in 5.10- shall commence with fully-charged batteries.
Batteries shall be considered as fully-charged if they have undergone the charging
procedures of 4.2.1 for vented batteries or 4.2.2 for valve regulated batteries.
4.2.1 Charging of vented batteries
The battery shall be charged at a voltage of 16,00 V ± 0,10 V for 24 h with the maximum
current limited to 5I (see 3.1.2). The battery temperature shall be maintained in the range
n
25 °C to 35 °C. If necessary, an appropriate environmental control system shall be used,
e.g. a water bath.
In the case of recharging after a test for cranking performance (according to 5.3) the
charging time may be limited to 16 h.

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EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001 - 8 -
4.2.2 Charging of valve regulated batteries
Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer, the battery shall be charged :
− at a constant voltage of 14,4 V for 20 h with the maximum current limited to 5 I (see
n
3.1.2) and
− then with a constant current of 0,5 I for 4 h.
n
The temperature shall be maintained in the range 25 °C to 35 °C. If necessary an
appropriate environmental control system shall be used e.g. a water bath.
4.3 Activation of dry-charged batteries
Dry-charged batteries shall be filled with the defined electrolyte (according to 1.4) to the
maximum level indicated by internal or external marks or according to the manufacturer's
activation instructions. Any additional manufacturer's recommended activation instructions
shall be complied with.
4.4 Measuring instruments
4.4.1 Electrical measuring instruments
The range of instruments used shall be appropriate for the magnitude of the voltage or
current to be measured.
For analogue instruments the readings shall be taken in the top third of the scale.
− Voltage measurement
The instruments used for measuring voltages shall be voltmeters having an accuracy class
of 1 or better. The resistance of the voltmeters shall be at least 300 Ω/V.
− Current measurement
The instruments used for current measurement shall be ammeters having an accuracy class
of 1 or better. The assembly of ammeter, shunt and leads shall have an overall accuracy of
class 1 or better.
4.4.2 Temperature measurement
The thermometers used for measuring temperatures shall have an appropriate range, and
the value of each scale division shall not be greater than 1 K. The accuracy of the
calibration of the instruments shall be not less than 0,5 K.
4.4.3 Density measurement
The density of the electrolyte shall be measured with hydrometers furnished with a
graduated scale, the value of each division of which is equal at most to 0,005 kg/l. The
accuracy of calibration shall be to 0,005 kg/l or better.
4.4.4 Time measurement
The instruments used for measuring time shall be graduated in hours, minutes, seconds, or
1
in hours and centihours ch (= h) . They shall have an accuracy of at least ± 1 %.
100

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- 9 - EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001
4.5 Test sequence
4.5.1 Batteries filled and charged
Initially the batteries are subjected to the following series of tests :
st
1 C or C check,
e r,e
st
1 Cranking performance test ;
nd
2 C or C check,
e r,e
nd
2 Cranking performance test ;
rd
3 C or C check,
e r,e
rd
3 Cranking performance test.
For both C or C and the cranking performance the specified values shall be met in at
e r,e
least one of the relevant discharges above.
NOTE  It is not necessary to complete the sequence if the specified values are achieved on the first or second test
other than for batteries which will subsequently be tested for charge acceptance.
If, and only if, the initial capacity and cranking tests are successful, the batteries shall be
tested in accordance with the remainder of the test sequence given in Table 1.
These tests shall commence not later than one week after completion of the initial tests.
Table 1 – Test sequence
Battery Subclause 1234 5
st
1 C or C 5.1 or 5.2 XXXX X
e r,e
st
1 Cranking performance test 5.3 XXXX X
nd
2 C or C 5.1 or 5.2 (X) (X) X (X) (X)
e r,e
nd
2 Cranking performance test 5.3 (X) (X) X (X) (X)
rd
3 C or C 5.1 or 5.2 (X) (X) X (X) (X)
e r,e
rd
3 Cranking performance test 5.3 (X) (X) X (X) (X)
Endurance 5.6 X
Charge retention 5.5 X
Charge acceptance 5.4 X
Electrolyte retention 5.9 X
Vibration resistance 5.8 X
Water consumption 5.7 X
NOTE  The test for water consumption should be applied only to “low water loss” vented batteries
according to 2.3 and to valve regulated batteries.

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EN 50342:2001 + A1:2001 - 10 -
4.5.2 Dry-charged batteries
− Initial cranking performance after filling electrolyte (see 5.10).
− Capacity test (see 5.1) or reserve capacity test (see 5.2).
− Subsequent testing following the sequence defined in 4.5.1.
5 Tests/methods and requirements
5.1 Capacity check C
e
5.1.1 Throughout the duration of the tests, the battery shall be placed in a water bath at
a temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C. The terminal base of the battery shall be at least 15 mm but
not more than 25 mm above the level of the water. If several batteries are in the same
water bath then the distance between them and also the distance to the walls of the bath
shall be at least 25 mm.
5.1.2 The battery shall be discharged with the current I (calculated according to 3.1.2)
n
kept constant at ± 2 % of the nominal value until the terminal voltage falls to
10,50 V ± 0,05 V. The duration t(h) of this discharge shall be recorded. The beginning of the
discharge shall take place within a period of 1 h to 5 h from the time of the end of charging.
5.1.3 The capacity C is C = t x I (Ah)
e e n
5.2 Reserve capacity check C
r,e
5.2.1 The battery shall be placed in a water bath according to 5.1.1.
5.2.2 Within a 1 h to 5 h period after the end of charging according to 4.2, the battery
shall be discharged with a current of 25 A ± 1 % until the terminal voltage falls to
10,50 V ± 0,05 V. The duration t(min) of the discharge shall be recorded.
5.3 Cranking performance test
5.3.1 After a rest period of up to 24 h after preparation according to 4.2, the battery shall
be placed in a cooling chamber with (forced) air circulation at a temperature of
–18 °C ± 1 °C until the temperature of the middle cells has reached –18 °C ± 1 °C.
NOTE  It is generally accepted that the required temperature will be achieved after a minimum period of 24 h in the
cooling chamber.
5.3.2 The battery shall then be discharged - either within or outside the cooling chamber
-within 2 min after the end of the cooling period with a current I (see 3.1.1). This current
cc
shall be kept constant to within ± 0,5 % during the discharge.
5.3.3 After 10 s di
...

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