IEC 62877-1:2023 ED2

Electrolyte and water for vented lead acid accumulators - Part 1: Requirements for electrolyte

IEC 62877-1:2023 is available as IEC 62877-1:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 62877-1:2023 applies to electrolytes and their components used for filling vented lead acid batteries with dry-charged cells and for electrolyte replenishment, replacement or electrolyte density adjustment of batteries in operation. This document defines the composition, purity and properties of electrolyte, for application where specific instructions from the battery manufacturer are not available. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- Addition of the concentration values of halogens in Table 4.

Electrolyte et eau pour accumulateurs plomb-acide ouverts - Partie 1: Exigences pour l'électrolyte

IEC 62877-1:2023 est disponible sous forme de IEC 62877-1:2023 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.L' IEC 62877-1:2023 s'applique aux électrolytes et à leurs composants utilisés pour le remplissage des batteries plomb-acide ouvertes avec éléments chargés secs et pour le réapprovisionnement, le remplacement de l'électrolyte ou le réglage de la densité de l'électrolyte des batteries en fonctionnement. Le présent document définit la composition, la pureté et les propriétés de l'électrolyte pour application en l'absence d'instructions spécifiques du fabricant de batteries. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2016. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- Ajout des valeurs de concentration des halogènes dans le Tableau 4.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Sep-2023
• ICS: 29.220.20 - Acid secondary cells and batteries
• Technical Committee: TC 21 - Secondary cells and batteries
• Drafting Committee: WG 3 - TC 21/WG 3
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 22-Sep-2023
• Completion Date: 13-Sep-2023

Relations

• Revises: IEC 62877-1:2016 ED1 - Electrolyte and water for vented lead acid accumulators - Part 1: requirements for electrolyte
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62877-1
®

Edition 2.0 2023-09
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE


Electrolyte and water for vented lead acid accumulators –
Part 1: Requirements for electrolyte

Electrolyte et eau pour accumulateurs plomb-acide ouverts –
Partie 1: Exigences pour l'électrolyte
IEC 62877-1:2023-09(en-fr)

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IEC 62877-1

®


Edition 2.0 2023-09




INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD




NORME



INTERNATIONALE











Electrolyte and water for vented lead acid accumulators –

Part 1: Requirements for electrolyte




Electrolyte et eau pour accumulateurs plomb-acide ouverts –

Partie 1: Exigences pour l'électrolyte















INTERNATIONAL

ELECTROTECHNICAL

COMMISSION


COMMISSION

ELECTROTECHNIQUE


INTERNATIONALE





ICS 29.220.20  ISBN 978-2-8322-7424-8




Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.

Attention! Veuillez vous assurer que vous avez obtenu cette publication via un distributeur agréé.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
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– 2 – IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Preparation of electrolyte for lead acid batteries . 7
5 Physical properties of diluted sulphuric acid as electrolyte . 8
5.1 Dependence of sulphuric acid electrolyte density on temperature . 8
5.2 Relationship of acid electrolyte density at 25 °C with the content of sulphuric
acid. 8
5.3 Electrolyte density in relation to the state of discharge . 9
6 Requirements for sulphuric acid used as electrolyte . 10
6.1 Impurities of sulphuric acid at high concentration . 10
6.2 Impurities limits of sulphuric acid electrolyte for first filling . 10
6.3 Impurities limits for sulphuric acid electrolyte in operation . 11
7 Storage of electrolyte . 11
8 Remedy in the event of damage due to the electrolyte . 12
Bibliography . 13

Table 1 – Correction factor to convert the acid electrolyte density found at the
measuring temperature to that at the specified reference temperature . 8
Table 2 – Acid electrolyte density at 25 °C versus percentage of sulphuric acid . 9
Table 3 – Maximum allowed impurities in diluted sulphuric acid in the density range
d ≤ 1,30 kg/l when used as filling electrolyte for lead acid batteries . 10
n
Table 4 – Maximum allowed impurities in diluted sulphuric acid in the density range
d ≤ 1,30 kg/l when this acid is acting as the operating electrolyte in lead acid batteries . 11
n

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IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________

ELECTROLYTE AND WATER FOR VENTED
LEAD ACID ACCUMULATORS –

Part 1: Requirements for electrolyte

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
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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.
IEC 62877-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 21: Secondary cells and batteries.
It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2016. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Addition of the concentration values of halogens in Table 4.

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– 4 – IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
21/1169/FDIS 21/1172/RVD

Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts of the IEC 62877 series can be found, under the general title Electrolyte and
water for vented lead acid accumulators, on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

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IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023 – 5 –
ELECTROLYTE AND WATER FOR VENTED
LEAD ACID ACCUMULATORS –

Part 1: Requirements for electrolyte



1 Scope
This part of IEC 62877 applies to electrolytes and their components used for filling vented lead
acid batteries with dry-charged cells and for electrolyte replenishment, replacement or
electrolyte density adjustment of batteries in operation. This document defines the composition,
purity and properties of electrolyte, for application where specific instructions from the battery
manufacturer are not available.
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 62877-2, Electrolyte and water for vented lead acid accumulators – Part 2: Requirements
for water
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
lead dioxide lead battery
lead acid battery
secondary battery with an aqueous electrolyte based on dilute sulphuric acid, a positive
electrode of lead dioxide and a negative electrode of lead
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-05-01, modified – Note 1 deleted and the term "lead acid
battery" added.]
3.2
electrolyte
dilute solution of sulphuric acid (H SO ) in purified water
2 4
Note 1 to entry: The electrolyte is prepared by mixing concentrated sulphuric acid or sulphuric acid with high density
of d > 1,30 kg/l and purified water to achieve the density values specified by the battery manufacturer or specified in
standards related to the type and battery design in question for a defined state of charge. Its purity meets the
requirements laid down in Table 3.
Note 2 to entry: Concentrated sulphuric acid is a colourless and highly corrosive liquid with a density d > 1,82 kg/l.

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– 6 – IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023
3.3
water
purified water (H O) used for the preparation of electrolyte for
2
batteries and for the replacement (topping up) of water loss in the operating electrolyte due to
decomposition of water by overcharge and evaporation
Note 1 to entry: The requirements for purified water are specified in IEC 62877-2.
3.4
filling electrolyte
diluted sulphuric acid used for the first filling of dry-charged
batteries or for the replenishment, density adjustment or replacement of contaminated operating
electrolyte
3.5
first filling
original filling of a dry-charged battery carried out by the user
in accordance with the applicable manufacturer's instructions
3.6
operating electrolyte
electrolyte present in the battery following electrolyte filling and
first use in the application
Note 1 to entry: The density and the degree of purity of the operating electrolyte can deviate from the values of the
filling electrolyte due to electrolysis, evaporation, introduction of impurities with the replacement water and leaching
from separators, active material and electrode grids.
3.7
density
value for the mass per unit volume expressed in kg/l
Note 1 to entry: The density varies with the battery's state of charge, the electrolyte volume variation due to water
loss and the temperature.
Note 2 to entry: The density value is not to be confounded with that of specific gravity (SG). Specific gravity or
relative density is the ratio of the density of a substance e.g., the electrolyte, to the density of a given reference
material e.g., water, and is dimensionless.
3.8
specified density
density of the electrolyte of the battery declared by the manufacturer
when being at the maximum upper electrolyte level, at a state of full charge and at the reference
temperature
Note 1 to entry: The value is related to the design and application of the battery.
3.9
reference temperature
temperature of the substance for which the analysis results are
applicable
Note 1 to entry: Electrolyte density values measured at temperatures deviating from the reference temperature of
25 °C, are adjusted accordingly.
3.10
density measurement
determination of the mass per unit volume of the electrolyte with appropriate
tools such as aerometers, hydrometers, diffractometers or vibration-type densitometers
Note 1 to entry: The accuracy of such instruments is typically ± 0,001 kg/l.

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IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023 – 7 –
3.11
electrolyte level
position of the electrolyte surface in the cell during operation
Note 1 to entry: The recommended level heights are indicated by the maximum and minimum electrolyte level marks
on the cell or filling plug.
Note 2 to entry: Level adjustments such as water replenishment are carried out only when the cell reaches, under
charge current flow and gas evolution, a fully charged state so as to avoid spillage due to overflowing electrolyte.
3.12
reference temperature
temperature at which properties, such as the electrolyte density, the
maximum electrolyte level and the capacity of the battery are specified by the battery
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The value of the reference temperature for the indication of parameters can differ depending on
battery type and application.
3.13
additive
compound which, added deliberately to the electrolyte, modifies certain
properties of the cell
Note 1 to entry: Additives and their level are specified by the battery manufacturer. Non-specified additives can
result in damages to the cell and voiding the terms of warranty.
Note 2 to entry: Examples of electrolyte additives are alkaline metal sulphates or phosphoric acid.
3.14
impurity
constituent in the electrolyte impairing the performance and life of a cell
Note 1 to entry: The type and maximum permissible quantity of impurities are specified in Table 3 and Table 4.
4 Preparation of electrolyte for lead acid batteries
The electrolyte shall be prepared from sulphuric acid of high concentration by pouring it into
purified water and not the reverse. Purified water as specified in IEC 62877-2 shall be used.
Concentrated and diluted sulphuric acid has a highly irritating and burning effect on skin and a
corrosive effect on clothes and many materials. The electrolyte shall be prepared by the battery
manufacturer or by skilled personnel only. Adequate personal protection equipment such as
goggles, face shields, rubber gloves, aprons and similar shall be used.
The mixing of sulphuric acid of high concentrations with water releases a great amount of heat.
To avoid splashing of hot acid, sulphuric acid shall be always poured into water and not the
reverse. The relevant material safety data sheets (MSDS) shall be consulted.
The density measurement of the electrolyte can be carried out with appropriate tools such as
aerometers, hydrometers, diffractometers or vibration-type densitometers. The obtained values
shall be normalized to the specified reference temperature.

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– 8 – IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023
5 Physical properties of diluted sulphuric acid as electrolyte
5.1 Dependence of sulphuric acid electrolyte density on temperature
The value of sulphuric acid electrolyte density obtained at the measuring temperature shall be
converted to the value of sulphuric acid electrolyte density at the reference temperature of 25 °C
with the following equation:
d = d + f (T – T )
n T d n
where
d is the acid electrolyte density at 25 °C;
n
d is the acid electrolyte density at measuring temperature T;
T
f is the correction factor according to Table 1;
d
T is the measuring temperature;
T is the reference temperature of 25 °C.
n
Table 1 – Correction factor to convert the acid electrolyte density found at the
measuring temperature to that at the specified reference temperature
a
Acid electrolyte density d
Correction factor f
n
d
kg/l
kg/l per K
1,10 0,000 50
1,15 0,000 60
1,20 0,000 70
1,30 0,000 75
a
The correction factor is applicable for a temperature range from 0 °C to 55 °C.

5.2 Relationship of acid electrolyte density at 25 °C with the content of sulphuric acid
Table 2 presents the relationship between the density and the content of sulphuric acid in the
electrolyte.

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IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023 – 9 –
Table 2 – Acid electrolyte density at 25 °C versus percentage of sulphuric acid
Sulphuric acid content (H SO )
2 4
Acid electrolyte density Mass fraction Amount of Concentration
at 25 °C H SO H SO H SO
2 4 2 4 2 4
kg/l
% mol/l g/l
1,100 15,18 1,704 166,98
1,110 16,45 1,863 182,60
1,120 17,80 2,034 199,36
1,130 19,15 2,208 216,40
1,140 20,47 2,381 233,36
1,150 21,81 2,558 250,70
1,160 23,11 2,735 268,07
1,170 24,39 2,911 285,36
1,180 25,63 3,086 302,43
1,190 26,90 3,266 320,11
1,200 28,12 3,443 337,44
1,210 29,34 3,622 355,01
1,220 30,55 3,803 372,71
1,230 31,78 3,989 390,89
1,240 32,98 4,173 408,95
1,250 34,18 4,360 427,25
1,260 35,40 4,551 446,04
1,270 36,60 4,743 464,82
1,280 37,81 4,938 483,97
1,290 38,93 5,124 502,20
1,300 40,10 5,319 521,30
Similar tabulations of concentration vs. density values can be found in:
H. Bode, Lead-Acid Batteries, Translated by R.J. Brodd, K. Kordesch, The Electrochemical Society Series,
John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1977, p. 42.
rd
D. Berndt, Maintenance-Free Batteries, 3 Edition, Research Studies Press Ltd., Baldock, England, 2003, p.109

When additives are present in the sulphuric acid electrolyte, the density measurement value
will not reveal the true content of sulphuric acid (H SO ) therein.
2 4
5.3 Electrolyte density in relation to the state of discharge
The electrolyte density decreases during discharge of a battery. Therefore, the specified density
of the electrolyte relates to that in a fully charged battery.
The permissible limit values of the densities in operation are specified by the battery
manufacturer for each of the various battery types, applications and specific reference
temperatures.

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– 10 – IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023
6 Requirements for sulphuric acid used as electrolyte
6.1 Impurities of sulphuric acid at high concentration
The purity of sulphuric acid at high concentration shall be such that after the subsequent dilution
with water to values of d ≤ 1,30 kg/l and use as filling electrolyte, the values given in Table 3
n
are not exceeded.
6.2 Impurities limits of sulphuric acid electrolyte for first filling
The sulphuric acid used for filling lead acid batteries shall be clear and colourless.
The appropriate electrolyte filling levels shall be observed in order to avoid electrolyte spillage
and associated corrosion damages and hazards.
The impurities present in the filling electrolyte shall not exceed any value in Table 3.
This level of purity is required also for acid used for an electrolyte with density higher than
1,30 kg/l, e.g., for adjustment of the electrolyte density in batteries where an electrolyte loss
has occurred.
Table 3 – Maximum allowed impurities in diluted sulphuric acid in the density range
d ≤ 1,30 kg/l when used as filling electrolyte for lead acid batteries
n
Item Impurities mg/l max.
1 Palladium (Pd), Platinum (Pt), Rhenium (Re) 0,05
2 Copper (Cu)  0,5
3 Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), Bismuth (Bi), Tin (Sn), Selenium (Se), Tellurium
(Te), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg),

– each individually
1,0
– total (all together)
2,0
4 Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Titanium (Ti), Nickel (Ni),
– each individually 0,2
5 Iron (Fe) 30
6 Cobalt (Co), Zinc (Zn)
– each individually 1,0
– a total (all together) 2,0
7 Halogens calculated as chloride 5
8 Nitrogen in the form of nitrate 10
9 Nitrogen in other form, e.g., as ammonia 50
10 Volatile organic acids calculated as acetic acid 20
11 Oxidable organic substances calculated as KMnO consumption 30
4
12 Dry residue after heating 250
The limit values are applicable if no equivalent manufacturer specifications are available.
The analysis results pertain to an electrolyte at the reference temperature of 25 °C.

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IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023 – 11 –
6.3 Impurities limits for sulphuric acid electrolyte in operation
The impurities present in the operating electrolyte shall not exceed any value in Table 4.
Table 4 – Maximum allowed impurities in diluted sulphuric acid in the density range
d ≤ 1,30 kg/l when this acid is acting as the operating electrolyte in lead acid batteries
n
b
Item Impurities
mg/l max.
a
1 Palladium (Pd), Platinum (Pt), Rhenium (Re)
n.m.
Copper (Cu)
2 Tellurium (Te) and Selenium (Se) individually 1,0
3 Arsenic (As), Bismuth (Bi) , Cadmium (Cd), Tin (Sn)
– individually 3
– total (all together) 6
4 Antimony (Sb)
– stationary cells with Planté or flat plates 3
– stationary cells with tubular plates and traction cells 10
5 Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Titanium (Ti), Nickel (Ni)
– Individually 0,2
6 Iron (Fe) 100
7 Cobalt (Co), Zinc (Zn)
– individually 1,0
– total (all together) 2,0
8 Halogens calculated as chloride:
– stationary cells with Planté plates 30
– other stationary cells 100
– traction cells and vented starter batteries 200
9 Nitrogen in the form of nitrate 10
10 Nitrogen in other form e.g., as ammonia 50
11 Volatile organic acids calculated as acetic acid 30
12 Oxidable organic substances calculated as KMnO consumption 50
4
Key
n.m. = not measurable
a
These metals remain deposited virtually completely on the negative plate. The elements cause an elevated
self-discharge, i.e., capacity loss on stand in open circuit of the cells.
b
It is not possible to specify valid limit values for metals in general. The levels of impurities which are harmful
to the batteries depend strongly on other parameters such as type, age and operating conditions of the cell.
The limit values are applicable if no equivalent manufacturer specifications are available.
The analysis results pertain to an electrolyte at the reference temperature of 25 °C.

7 Storage of electrolyte
The electrolyte shall be stored in closable vessels, appropriately marked and resistant to
chemical corrosion (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene or similar plastic materials).

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– 12 – IEC 62877-1:2023 © IEC 2023
8 Remedy in the event of damage due to the electrolyte
When parts of skin, eyes or mucous membranes have been exposed to the harmful effect of the
sulphuric acid electrolyte, immediate measures shall be taken in all these cases by carefully
rinsing the affected parts with plenty of water. In addition, medical attention is to be sought.
Appliances, installations and clothes can be cleaned by using neutralization agents and by
rinsing them out with water.
Sodium carbonate or bicarbonate solutions in water with a concentration of 5 % in weight or
solid soda (NaCO ) can be used as neutralizing agents in order to reduce the effect of
3
electrolyte on appliances, the human body and clothes.
Commercial acid neutralizing and absorbent powders with inco
...