IEC 60086-4:2019
(Main)Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
IEC 60086-4:2019 specifies tests and requirements for primary lithium batteries to ensure their safe operation under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. NOTE Primary lithium batteries that are standardized in IEC 60086-2 are expected to meet all applicable requirements herein. It is understood that consideration of this part of IEC 60086 might also be given to measuring and/or ensuring the safety of non-standardized primary lithium batteries. In either case, no claim or warranty is made that compliance or non-compliance with this standard will fulfil or not fulfil any of the user’s particular purposes or needs. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Revised criteria for an explosion;
b) Addition of test parameters for the overdischarge test of battery types FR14505 and FR10G445;
c) Addition of a new subclause 5.1 Validity of Testing;
d) revised pictogram E in Table D.1;
e) Addition of Annex E with requirements for child resistant packaging of coin cells;
f) Addition of Annex F with recommendations on the use of the KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN safety sign.
Keywords: lithium batteries
The contents of the corrigendum of October 2019 and April 2020 and the Interpretation sheet of May 2020 have been included in this copy.
Piles électriques - Partie 4: Sécurité des piles au lithium
IEC 60086-4:2019 spécifie les essais et les exigences pour les piles électriques au lithium afin d’assurer leur fonctionnement en toute sécurité dans les conditions d’utilisation prévue et en cas de mauvais usage raisonnablement prévisible. NOTE Les piles électriques au lithium qui sont normalisées dans l'IEC 60086-2 sont prévues pour satisfaire à toutes les exigences applicables ci-dessous. Il est entendu que la présente partie de l’IEC 60086 pourrait également être prise en compte pour mesurer les piles électriques au lithium non normalisées et/ou s'assurer qu'elles sont sures. Dans les deux cas, il n’existe aucune déclaration ou garantie que la conformité ou la non-conformité à la présente norme répondra ou ne répondra pas aux objectifs ou aux besoins particuliers de l'utilisateur. Cette cinquième édition annule et remplace la quatrième édition parue en 2014 dont elle constitue une révision technique. La présente édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) Mise à jour des critères pour une explosion;
b) Ajout de paramètres pour l'essai de décharge excessive des piles des types FR14505 et FR10G445;
c) Ajout d'un nouveau paragraphe 5.1 Validité des essais;
d) mise à jour du pictogramme E dans le Tableau D.1;
e) Ajout de l'Annexe E avec des exigences relatives aux emballages à l'épreuve des enfants d'éléments de type bouton;
f) Ajout de l'Annexe F avec des recommandations sur l'utilisation du signal de sécurité TENIR HORS DE PORTEE DES ENFANTS.
Mots-clés: piles électriques
Le contenu du corrigendum d'octobre 2019 et d'avril 2020 ainsi que la feuille d'interprétation de mai 2020 a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.
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IEC 60086-4 ®
Edition 5.0 2019-04
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Primary batteries –
Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
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IEC 60086-4 ®
Edition 5.0 2019-04
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Primary batteries –
Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.220.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-6891-9
IEC 2020
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
IEC 60086-4
Edition 5.0 2019-04
PRIMARY BATTERIES –
Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
INTERPRETATION SHEET 1
This interpretation sheet has been prepared by IEC technical committee 35: Primary cells and
batteries.
The text of this interpretation sheet is based on the following documents:
DISH Report on voting
35/1445/DISH 35/1448/RVDISH
Full information on the voting for the approval of this interpretation sheet can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.
___________
Question 1
In looking at IEC 60086-4 Edition 5.0 2019-04, I thought it was difficult to understand all of the
marking requirements for swallowable batteries as well as the purpose of those requirements.
Could you provide a detailed explanation?
Answer 1
The following list of statements reflects the intention of Table 9 and presents an interpretation
of certain parts of Clause 9, and Annex F:
a) Table 9 is intended to summarize requirements that are found in the text, namely in 7.2 a),
9.1 and 9.2, and in Annex F.
ICS 29.220.10
– 2 – IEC 60086-4:2019/ISH1:2020
IEC 2020
b) The structure of table 9 is similar to the list in 9.1 (items "a)" to "f)") and 9.2 (items "a)" thru
"b)").
c) From item a) in 9.2 it is not clear what exactly is required to appear on the packaging and
what on the battery: the safety sign alone (Table D.1 item E, or Figure F.1) or the complete
product safety label (Figure 9).
The purpose of measures to prevent accidental ingestion of batteries is to eliminate the
opportunity for children to get stuck batteries in the oesophagus.
The battery that requires measures to prevent accidental ingestion is a swallowable battery size
which fits within the limits of the ingestion gauge and is applied to direct sale in consumer-
replaceable applications in which children have opportunity to contact swallowable batteries.
There is no description requiring the marking of Caution for ingestion on battery/cell with a
diameter of 20 mm or more in the text. However, due to the consideration of measures to
prevent accidental ingestion, it was determined that the marking of Caution for ingestion on a
battery/cell with a diameter of 20 mm or more is needed and its requirement is shown in Table 9.
Therefore, a pictogram must be engraved as a substitute of Caution for ingestion due to a
battery/cell with a diameter of 20 mm or more having no space to display the marking.
The type of "caution for ingestion" that is required on the immediate packaging of swallowable
batteries is one of the safety signs as shown in Figure F.1. Where there is enough space on
the packaging, additional information per Figure 9 (the safety label or only its text) can be
printed on the packaging or accompanying safety information about battery handling.
Table 1 of this Interpretation Sheet summarizes the requirements for marking of lithium button
cells.
Table 1 – Marking requirements for swallowable batteries
Diameter Requirement(s)
d < 16 mm Cautionary advice in the form of the words KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN or the
safety symbol E of Table D.1 on the immediate packaging.
16 mm ≤ d < 20 mm Child resistant packaging and cautionary advice in the form of the words KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF CHILDREN or the safety symbol E of Table D.1 on the immediate packaging.
d ≥ 20 mm Child resistant packaging, cautionary advice in the form of the words KEEP OUT OF REACH
OF CHILDREN or the safety symbol E of Table D.1 on the immediate packaging, and the
safety symbol E of Table D.1 on the positive side of the battery.
NOTE If applicable, the cautionary advice in the form of words should appear in one or more languages as
appropriate for the market on which the cells and batteries are placed.
Question 2
From 9.2 and in particular 9.2 a), it is not clear which kind of batteries are intended for direct
sale in consumer-replaceable applications?
Answer 2
The kind of batteries that are included are those with general packaging such as blister packs
sold in stores and on the internet, batteries packed with equipment and batteries which are
contained in equipment and can be replaced by the consumer.
Question 3
Annex F is marked as "Informative", however "requirements" is stated in the title of Table 9.
When referring to Table 9, do we have to consider Annex F as "normative" ?
IEC 2020
Answer 3
Annex F contains supplementary material, the main text in the body of the standard takes
priority over it. Therefore, even if Annex F is informative, the content listed in Table 9 has to be
considered as requirements.
Question 4
In E.3.2 b), it is difficult to understand the test method of the torsion test. It is not clear how to
twist "three times in both directions".
Answer 4
Following is an explanation how and how many times to twist the packaging and in which order
to proceed.
① First time – Hold the packaging with the fingers of one hand on each of its shorter sides from
the state of 0 degrees (neutral state without torsion). Twist it diagonally with a torsion angle of
45° in opposite directions as shown in Figure E.2.
② Second time – Twist it diagonally 90° (45° back + 45° opposite direction) in opposite
directions to the direction twisted at the first time
③ Third time – Return to neutral state without torsion (45° back)
④ Movements ①, ② and ③ are counted as 1 time (1 reciprocation) and are repeated 25 times
(25 reciprocations).
Figure 1 of this Interpretation Sheet shows the movements of the torsion test. The red and blue
lines represent the left and right edge of the packaging. The triangles and circles were added
to keep track of the orientation during movements.
– 4 – IEC 60086-4:2019/ISH1:2020
IEC 2020
Figure 1 – Torsion test
Question 5
From 9.2 b), Table 9, and Annex E, it is not clear what the transition period is for the requirement
of "Child resistant package" ?
Answer 5
The transition period is the same as Marking and packaging requirements, namely 2 years from
the publication date of the fifth edition of IEC 60086-4.
– 2 – IEC 60086-4:2019 RLV IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 2
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Requirements for safety . 11
4.1 Design . 11
4.2 Quality plan . 11
5 Type testing and sampling . 11
5.1 Validity of Testing . 11
5.2 Test samples . 12
6 Testing and requirements . 12
6.1 General . 12
6.1.1 Test application matrix . 12
6.1.2 Safety Cautionary notice . 13
6.1.3 Ambient temperature . 13
6.1.4 Parameter measurement tolerances . 13
6.1.5 Predischarge . 14
6.1.6 Additional cells . 14
6.2 Evaluation of test criteria . 14
6.2.1 Short-circuit . 14
6.2.2 Excessive temperature rise . 14
6.2.3 Leakage . 14
6.2.4 Venting . 14
6.2.5 Fire . 15
6.2.6 Rupture . 15
6.2.7 Explosion . 15
6.3 Tests and requirements – Overview . 15
6.4 Tests for intended use . 16
6.4.1 Test A: Altitude . 16
6.4.2 Test B: Thermal cycling . 16
6.4.3 Test C: Vibration . 17
6.4.4 Test D: Shock . 18
6.5 Tests for reasonably foreseeable misuse . 19
6.5.1 Test E: External short-circuit. 19
6.5.2 Test F: Impact . 19
6.5.3 Test G: Crush . 20
6.5.4 Test H: Forced discharge . 21
6.5.5 Test I: Abnormal charging . 21
6.5.6 Test J: Free fall . 22
6.5.7 Test K: Thermal abuse. 22
6.5.8 Test L: Incorrect installation . 22
6.5.9 Test M: Overdischarge. 23
6.6 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 25
6.7 Evaluation and report . 25
7 Information for safety . 25
7.1 Safety precautions during design of equipment . 25
7.1.1 General . 25
7.1.2 Charge protection . 26
7.1.3 Parallel connection . 26
7.2 Safety Precautions during handling of batteries . 26
7.3 Packaging . 29
7.4 Handling of battery cartons . 29
7.5 Transport . 29
7.5.1 General . 29
7.5.2 Air transport. 29
7.5.3 Sea transport . 29
7.5.4 Land transport . 29
7.6 Display and storage . 30
7.7 Disposal . 30
8 Instructions for use . 31
9 Marking and packaging . 31
9.1 General . 31
9.2 Small Swallowable batteries. 31
9.3 Safety pictograms . 31
Annex A (informative) Guidelines for the achievement of safety of lithium batteries . 33
Annex B (informative) Guidelines for designers of equipment using lithium batteries . 34
Annex C (informative) Additional information on display and storage . 36
Annex D (informative) Safety pictograms . 37
D.1 General . 37
D.2 Pictograms . 37
D.3 Instruction for use . 38
Annex E (normative) Child resistant packaging of coin cells . 40
E.1 General . 40
E.2 Applicability . 40
E.3 Packaging tests . 40
E.3.1 General . 40
E.3.2 Test items . 41
E.3.3 Test procedure . 42
E.3.4 Criteria . 42
Annex F (informative) Use of the KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN safety sign . 43
F.1 General . 43
F.2 Safety sign . 43
F.3 Best practices for marking the packaging . 43
F.4 Best practices for marking the cell . 43
Bibliography . 44
Figure – Mesh screen .
Figure 1 – Thermal cycling procedure . 17
Figure 2 – Example of a test set-up for the impact test. 20
Figure 3 – Examples of a test set-up for the crush test. 21
Figure 4 – Axes for free fall . 22
Figure 5 – Circuit diagram for incorrect installation . 23
– 4 – IEC 60086-4:2019 RLV IEC 2019
Figure 6 – Circuit diagram for overdischarge . 24
Figure 7 – Examples of safety wiring for charge protection . 26
Figure 8 – Ingestion gauge . 27
Figure 9 – Example for warning against swallowing, particularly lithium coin cell
batteries . 27
Figure E.1 – Bending test . 41
Figure E.2 – Torsion test. 41
Figure E.3 – Tearing test . 41
Figure E.4 – Pushing test . 42
Figure E.5 – Maximum packaging opening . 42
Figure F.1 – Recommended safety signs for use on coin cells . 43
Table 1 – Number of test samples . 12
Table 2 – Test application matrix . 13
Table 3 – Mass loss limits . 14
Table 4 – Tests and requirements . 16
Table 5 – Vibration profile (sinusoidal) . 18
Table 6 – Shock parameters . 18
Table 7 – Resistive load for overdischarge . 24
Table 8 – Parameters to be specified . 25
Table 9 – Marking and packaging requirements . 32
Figure Table A.1 – Battery design guidelines . 33
Table B.1 – Equipment design guidelines . 34
Table D.1 – Safety pictograms . 37
Table E.1 – Test procedure . 42
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
_____________
PRIMARY BATTERIES –
Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
FOREWORD
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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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.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
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– 6 – IEC 60086-4:2019 RLV IEC 2019
International Standard IEC 60086-4 has been prepared by technical committee 35: Primary
cells and batteries.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2014. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Revised criteria for an explosion;
b) Addition of test parameters for the overdischarge test of battery types FR14505 and
FR10G445;
c) Addition of a new subclause 5.1 Validity of Testing;
d) revised pictogram E in Table D.1;
e) Addition of Annex E with requirements for child resistant packaging of coin cells;
f) Addition of Annex F with recommendations on the use of the KEEP OUT OF REACH OF
CHILDREN safety sign.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
35/1420/FDIS 35/1423/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
NOTE The following print types are used:
– instructions/warnings for consumers: in italic type.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60086 series, under the general title Primary batteries, can be
found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
The contents of the corrigendum of October 2019 and Interpretation sheet of May 2020
have been included in this copy. The contents of the corrigendum of April 2020 apply to the
French version only.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
INTRODUCTION
The concept of safety is closely related to safeguarding the integrity of people and property.
This document specifies tests and requirements for lithium batteries and has been prepared in
accordance with ISO/IEC guidelines, taking into account all relevant national and international
standards which apply.
Lithium batteries are different from conventional primary batteries using aqueous electrolyte
in that they contain flammable materials.
Consequently, it is important to carefully consider safety during design, production,
distribution, use, and disposal of lithium batteries. Based on such special characteristics,
lithium batteries for consumer applications were initially small in size and had low power
output. There were also lithium batteries with high power output which were used for special
industrial and military applications and were characterized as being “technician replaceable”.
The first edition of this document was drafted to accommodate this situation.
However, from around the end of the 1980s, lithium batteries with high power output started to
be widely used in the consumer replacement market, mainly as a power source in camera
applications. Since the demand for such lithium batteries with high power output significantly
increased, various manufacturers started to produce these types of lithium batteries. As a
consequence of this situation, the safety aspects for lithium batteries with high power output
were included in the second edition of this document.
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 safety
standards such as this document and, for transport, IEC 62281. The fourth edition of this
document therefore reflects only minor changes which became necessary in order to keep it
harmonized with IEC 62281 and to continuously improve the user information about safety
related matters.
Guidelines addressing safety issues during the design of lithium batteries are provided in
Annex A. Annex B provides guidelines addressing safety issues during the design of
equipment where lithium batteries are installed. Both Annex A and B reflect experience with
lithium batteries used in camera applications and are based on [23] .
Safety is freedom from unacceptable risk. There can be no absolute safety: some risk will
remain. Therefore a product, process or service can only be relatively safe. Safety is achieved
by reducing risk to a tolerable level determined by the search for an optimal balance between
the ideal of absolute safety and the demands to be met by a product, process or service, and
factors such as benefit to the user, suitability for purpose, cost effectiveness, and conventions
of the society concerned.
As safety will pose different problems, it is impossible to provide a set of precise provisions
and recommendations that will apply in every case. However, this document, when followed
on a judicious “use when applicable” basis, will provide reasonably consistent standards for
safety.
__________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the bibliography.
– 8 – IEC 60086-4:2019 RLV IEC 2019
PRIMARY BATTERIES –
Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60086 specifies tests and requirements for primary lithium batteries to ensure
their safe operation under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
NOTE Primary lithium batteries that are standardized in IEC 60086-2 are expected to meet all applicable
requirements herein. It is understood that consideration of this part of IEC 60086 might also be given to measuring
and/or ensuring the safety of non-standardized primary lithium batteries. In either case, no claim or warranty is
made that compliance or non-compliance with this standard will fulfil or not fulfil any of the user’s particular
purposes or needs.
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 60086-1:2011, Primary batteries – Part 1: General
IEC 60086-2, Primary batteries – Part 2: Physical and electrical specifications
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
NOTE Certain definitions taken from IEC 60050-482, IEC 60086-1, and ISO/IEC Guide 51 are repeated below for
convenience.
3.1
battery
one or more cells electrically connected and fitted in a case, with terminals, markings and
protective devices etc., as necessary for use
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-04, modified ("fitted with devices necessary for use,
for example case" replaced by "electrically connected and fitted in a case", addition of "etc.,
as necessary for use")]
3.2
cell
basic functional unit, consisting of an assembly of electrodes, electrolyte, container, terminals
and usually separators, that is a source of electric energy obtained by direct conversion of
chemical energy
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-01]
3.3
coin
lithium button
small round cell or battery where the overall height is less than the diameter, containing non-
aqueous electrolyte.
Note 1 to entry: In English, the term “coin (cell or battery)” is used for lithium batteries only while the term “button
(cell or battery)” is only used for non-lithium batteries. In languages other than English, the terms “coin” and
“button” are often used interchangeably, regardless of the electrochemical system.
Note 1 to entry: The nominal voltage of lithium batteries is typically greater than 2 V.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-40, modified (terms “button” deleted modified, NOTE
“In practice terms, the term coin is used exclusively for non-aqueous lithium cells.” replaced
with a different note)]
3.4
component cell
cell contained in a battery
3.5
cylindrical
round cell or battery in which the overall height is equal to or greater than the diameter
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-39, modified ("cell with a cylindrical shape" replaced
by "round cell or battery")]
3.6
depth of discharge
DOD
percentage of rated capacity discharged from a battery
3.7
fully discharged
state of charge of a cell or battery corresponding to at 100 % depth of discharge
3.8
harm
physical injury or damage to the health of people, or damage to property or the environment
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999 2014, 3.3 3.1]
3.9
hazard
potential source of harm
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999 2014, 3.5, modified (removal of NOTE) 3.2]
3.10
intended use
use of a product, process or service in accordance with information provided by the supplier
use in accordance with information provided with a product or system, or, in the absence of
such information, by generally understood patterns of usage
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999 2014, 3.13 3.6]
– 10 – IEC 60086-4:2019 RLV IEC 2019
3.11
large battery
battery with a gross mass of more than 12 kg
3.12
large cell
cell with a gross mass of more than 500 g
3.13
lithium cell
cell containing a non-aqueous electrolyte and a negative electrode of lithium or containing
lithium
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004 482-01-06, modified (removal of NOTE)]
3.14
nominal voltage
suitable approximate value of the voltage used to designate or identify a cell, a battery or an
electrochemical system
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-31]
3.15
open circuit voltage
OCV, U , off-load voltage
OC
voltage across the terminals of a cell or battery when no external current is flowing
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-32, modified (alternative terms “OCV, U , off-load
OC
voltage” added, “across the terminals” added, “when the discharge current is zero” replaced
with “when no external current is flowing”)]
3.16
prismatic
qualifies a cell or a battery having the shape of a parallelepiped whose faces are rectangular
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-38]
3.17
protective devices
devices such as fuses, diodes or other electric or electronic current limiters designed to
interrupt the current flow, block the current flow in one direction or limit the current flow in an
electrical circuit
3.18
rated capacity
capacity value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-15, modified ("cell or" added)]
3.19
reasonably foreseeable misuse
use of a product, process or service system in a way not intended by the supplier, but which
may result from readily predictable human behaviour
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999 2014, 3.14 3.7, modified (removal of NOTES)]
3.20
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999 2014, 3.2 3.9, modified (removal of NOTE)]
3.21
safety
freedom from unacceptable risk which is not tolerable
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999 2014, 3.1 3.14]
3.22
undischarged
state of charge of a primary cell or battery corresponding to at 0 % depth of discharge
4 Requirements for safety
4.1 Design
Lithium batteries are categorized by their chemical composition (anode, cathode, electrolyte),
internal construction (bobbin, spiral) and are available in cylindrical, coin and prismatic
configurations. It is necessary to consider all relevant safety aspects at the battery design
stage, recognizing the fact that they can differ considerably, depending on the specific lithium
system, power capability and battery configuration.
The following design concepts for safety are common to all lithium batteries:
a) Abnormal temperature rise above the critical value defined by the manufacturer shall be
prevented by design.
b) Temperature increases in the battery shall be controlled by a design which limits current
flow.
c) Lithium cells and batteries shall be designed to relieve excessive internal pressure or to
preclude a violent rupture under conditions of transport, intended use and reasonably
foreseeable misuse.
See Annex A for guidelines for the achievement of safety of lithium batteries.
4.2 Quality plan
The manufacturer shall prepare and implement a quality plan defining the procedures for the
inspection of materials, components, cells and batteries during the course of manufacture, to
be applied to the total process of producing a specific type of battery. Manufacturers should
understand their process capabilities and should institute the necessary process controls as
they relate to product safety.
5 Type testing and sampling
5.1 Validity of Testing
Lithium cells or batteries shall be subjected to the tests, as required in this standard. Testing
remains valid until a design change or requirement revision has been made. Retesting is
required when:
a) a battery specification changes by more than 0,1 g or 20 % mass, whichever is greater,
for the cathode, anode or electrolyte;
b) a battery specification change would lead to a failure of any of the tests;
– 12 – IEC 60086-4:2019 RLV IEC 2019
c) there is an addition of new tests or requirements; or
d) there is a requirement change that would lead to a failure of any of the tests.
5.2 Test samples
Samples should be drawn from production lots in accordance with accepted statistical
methods. The number of test samples is given in Table 1. The same test cells and batteries
are used for tests A to E in sequence. New test cells and batteries are required for each of
tests F to M.
Table 1 – Number of test samples
Cells and
Tests Discharge state Multi-cell batteries
a
single cell batteries
Undischarged 10 4
Tests A to E
Fully discharged 10 4
Undischarged 5 5 component cells
Test F or G
Fully discharged 5 5 component cells
Test H Fully discharged 10 10 component cells
Tests I to K Undischarged 5 5
Test L Undischarged 20 (see Note 1) n/a
50 % predischarged 20 (see Note 2) n/a
Test M
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.
Key:
n/a: not applicable
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).
6 Testing and requirements
6.1 General
6.1.1 Test application matrix
Applicability of test methods to test cells and batteries is shown in Table 2.
Table 2 – Test application matrix
Applicable tests
Form
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
a a b c
s x x x x x x x x x x x x x
a, d a, d d
m x x x x x x x x x x x n/a n/a
Test description: Key:
Intended use tests Reasonably foreseeable misuse tests Form
A: Altitude E: External short-circuit s: cell or single cell battery
B: Thermal cycling F: Impact m: multi cell battery
C: Vibration G: Crush
D: Shock H: Forced discharge
Applicability
I: Abnormal charging
x: applicable
J: Free fall
n/a: not applicable
K: Thermal abuse
L: Incorrect installation
M: Overdischarge
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
...
IEC 60086-4 ®
Edition 5.0 2019-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Primary batteries –
Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
Piles électriques –
Partie 4: Sécurité des piles au lithium
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IEC 60086-4 ®
Edition 5.0 2019-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Primary batteries –
Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
Piles électriques –
Partie 4: Sécurité des piles au lithium
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.220.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-6808-7
– 2 – IEC 60086-4:2019 IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Requirements for safety . 11
4.1 Design . 11
4.2 Quality plan . 11
5 Type testing and sampling . 11
5.1 Validity of Testing . 11
5.2 Test samples . 12
6 Testing and requirements . 12
6.1 General . 12
6.1.1 Test application matrix . 12
6.1.2 Cautionary notice. 13
6.1.3 Ambient temperature . 13
6.1.4 Parameter measurement tolerances . 13
6.1.5 Predischarge . 14
6.1.6 Additional cells . 14
6.2 Evaluation of test criteria . 14
6.2.1 Short-circuit . 14
6.2.2 Excessive temperature rise . 14
6.2.3 Leakage . 14
6.2.4 Venting . 14
6.2.5 Fire . 15
6.2.6 Rupture . 15
6.2.7 Explosion . 15
6.3 Tests and requirements – Overview . 15
6.4 Tests for intended use . 16
6.4.1 Test A: Altitude . 16
6.4.2 Test B: Thermal cycling . 16
6.4.3 Test C: Vibration . 17
6.4.4 Test D: Shock . 18
6.5 Tests for reasonably foreseeable misuse . 19
6.5.1 Test E: External short-circuit. 19
6.5.2 Test F: Impact . 19
6.5.3 Test G: Crush . 20
6.5.4 Test H: Forced discharge . 21
6.5.5 Test I: Abnormal charging . 21
6.5.6 Test J: Free fall . 22
6.5.7 Test K: Thermal abuse. 22
6.5.8 Test L: Incorrect installation . 22
6.5.9 Test M: Overdischarge. 23
6.6 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 25
6.7 Evaluation and report . 25
7 Information for safety . 25
7.1 Safety precautions during design of equipment . 25
7.1.1 General . 25
7.1.2 Charge protection . 26
7.1.3 Parallel connection . 26
7.2 Precautions during handling of batteries . 26
7.3 Packaging . 29
7.4 Handling of battery cartons . 29
7.5 Transport . 29
7.5.1 General . 29
7.5.2 Air transport. 29
7.5.3 Sea transport . 29
7.5.4 Land transport . 29
7.6 Display and storage . 29
7.7 Disposal . 30
8 Instructions for use . 30
9 Marking and packaging . 31
9.1 General . 31
9.2 Swallowable batteries . 31
9.3 Safety pictograms . 31
Annex A (informative) Guidelines for the achievement of safety of lithium batteries . 33
Annex B (informative) Guidelines for designers of equipment using lithium batteries . 34
Annex C (informative) Additional information on display and storage . 36
Annex D (informative) Safety pictograms . 37
D.1 General . 37
D.2 Pictograms . 37
D.3 Instruction for use . 38
Annex E (normative) Child resistant packaging of coin cells . 39
E.1 General . 39
E.2 Applicability . 39
E.3 Packaging tests . 39
E.3.1 General . 39
E.3.2 Test items . 40
E.3.3 Test procedure . 41
E.3.4 Criteria . 41
Annex F (informative) Use of the KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN safety sign . 42
F.1 General . 42
F.2 Safety sign . 42
F.3 Best practices for marking the packaging . 42
F.4 Best practices for marking the cell . 42
Bibliography . 43
Figure 1 – Thermal cycling procedure . 17
Figure 2 – Example of a test set-up for the impact test. 20
Figure 3 – Examples of a test set-up for the crush test. 21
Figure 4 – Axes for free fall . 22
Figure 5 – Circuit diagram for incorrect installation . 23
Figure 6 – Circuit diagram for overdischarge . 24
– 4 – IEC 60086-4:2019 IEC 2019
Figure 7 – Examples of wiring for charge protection . 26
Figure 8 – Ingestion gauge . 27
Figure 9 – Example for warning against swallowing, particularly coin cell batteries . 27
Figure E.1 – Bending test . 40
Figure E.2 – Torsion test. 40
Figure E.3 – Tearing test . 40
Figure E.4 – Pushing test . 41
Figure E.5 – Maximum packaging opening . 41
Figure F.1 – Recommended safety signs for use on coin cells . 42
Table 1 – Number of test samples . 12
Table 2 – Test application matrix . 13
Table 3 – Mass loss limits . 14
Table 4 – Tests and requirements . 16
Table 5 – Vibration profile (sinusoidal) . 18
Table 6 – Shock parameters . 18
Table 7 – Resistive load for overdischarge . 24
Table 8 – Parameters to be specified . 25
Table 9 – Marking and packaging requirements . 32
Table A.1 – Battery design guidelines . 33
Table B.1 – Equipment design guidelines . 34
Table D.1 – Safety pictograms . 37
Table E.1 – Test procedure . 41
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
_____________
PRIMARY BATTERIES –
Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
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 co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
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.
International Standard IEC 60086-4 has been prepared by technical committee 35: Primary
cells and batteries.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2014. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Revised criteria for an explosion;
b) Addition of test parameters for the overdischarge test of battery types FR14505 and
FR10G445;
c) Addition of a new subclause 5.1 Validity of Testing;
d) revised pictogram E in Table D.1;
e) Addition of Annex E with requirements for child resistant packaging of coin cells;
– 6 – IEC 60086-4:2019 IEC 2019
f) Addition of Annex F with recommendations on the use of the KEEP OUT OF REACH OF
CHILDREN safety sign.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
35/1420/FDIS 35/1423/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
NOTE The following print types are used:
– instructions/warnings for consumers: in italic type.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60086 series, under the general title Primary batteries, can be
found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
t contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
that i
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
The contents of the corrigendum of October 2019 have been included in this copy
INTRODUCTION
The concept of safety is closely related to safeguarding the integrity of people and property.
This document specifies tests and requirements for lithium batteries and has been prepared in
accordance with ISO/IEC guidelines, taking into account all relevant national and international
standards which apply.
Lithium batteries are different from conventional primary batteries using aqueous electrolyte
in that they contain flammable materials.
Consequently, it is important to carefully consider safety during design, production,
distribution, use, and disposal of lithium batteries. Based on such special characteristics,
lithium batteries for consumer applications were initially small in size and had low power
output. There were also lithium batteries with high power output which were used for special
industrial and military applications and were characterized as being “technician replaceable”.
The first edition of this document was drafted to accommodate this situation.
However, from around the end of the 1980s, lithium batteries with high power output started to
be widely used in the consumer replacement market, mainly as a power source in camera
applications. Since the demand for such lithium batteries with high power output significantly
increased, various manufacturers started to produce these types of lithium batteries. As a
consequence of this situation, the safety aspects for lithium batteries with high power output
were included in the second edition of this document.
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 safety
standards such as this document and, for transport, IEC 62281. The fourth edition of this
document therefore reflects only minor changes which became necessary in order to keep it
harmonized with IEC 62281 and to continuously improve the user information about safety
related matters.
Guidelines addressing safety issues during the design of lithium batteries are provided in
Annex A. Annex B provides guidelines addressing safety issues during the design of
equipment where lithium batteries are installed. Both Annex A and B reflect experience with
lithium batteries used in camera applications and are based on [23] .
Safety is freedom from unacceptable risk. There can be no absolute safety: some risk will
remain. Therefore a product, process or service can only be relatively safe. Safety is achieved
by reducing risk to a tolerable level determined by the search for an optimal balance between
the ideal of absolute safety and the demands to be met by a product, process or service, and
factors such as benefit to the user, suitability for purpose, cost effectiveness, and conventions
of the society concerned.
As safety will pose different problems, it is impossible to provide a set of precise provisions
and recommendations that will apply in every case. However, this document, when followed
on a judicious “use when applicable” basis, will provide reasonably consistent standards for
safety.
__________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the bibliography.
– 8 – IEC 60086-4:2019 IEC 2019
PRIMARY BATTERIES –
Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60086 specifies tests and requirements for primary lithium batteries to ensure
their safe operation under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
NOTE Primary lithium batteries that are standardized in IEC 60086-2 are expected to meet all applicable
requirements herein. It is understood that consideration of this part of IEC 60086 might also be given to measuring
and/or ensuring the safety of non-standardized primary lithium batteries. In either case, no claim or warranty is
made that compliance or non-compliance with this standard will fulfil or not fulfil any of the user’s particular
purposes or needs.
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 60086-1, Primary batteries – Part 1: General
IEC 60086-2, Primary batteries – Part 2: Physical and electrical specifications
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
NOTE Certain definitions taken from IEC 60050-482, IEC 60086-1, and ISO/IEC Guide 51 are repeated below for
convenience.
3.1
battery
one or more cells electrically connected and fitted in a case, with terminals, markings and
protective devices etc., as necessary for use
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-04, modified ("fitted with devices necessary for use,
for example case" replaced by "electrically connected and fitted in a case", addition of "etc.,
as necessary for use")]
3.2
cell
basic functional unit, consisting of an assembly of electrodes, electrolyte, container, terminals
and usually separators, that is a source of electric energy obtained by direct conversion of
chemical energy
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-01]
3.3
coin
lithium button
small round cell or battery where the overall height is less than the diameter, containing non-
aqueous electrolyte.
Note 1 to entry: The nominal voltage of lithium batteries is typically greater than 2 V.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004 482-02-40, modified (terms modified, NOTE “In practice
terms, the term coin is used exclusively for non-aqueous lithium cells.” replaced with a
different note)]
3.4
component cell
cell contained in a battery
3.5
cylindrical
round cell or battery in which the overall height is equal to or greater than the diameter
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-39, modified ("cell with a cylindrical shape" replaced
by "round cell or battery")]
3.6
depth of discharge
DOD
percentage of rated capacity discharged from a battery
3.7
fully discharged
state of a cell or battery at 100 % depth of discharge
3.8
harm
injury or damage to the health of people, or damage to property or the environment
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:2014, 3.1]
3.9
hazard
potential source of harm
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:2014, 3.2]
3.10
intended use
use in accordance with information provided with a product or system, or, in the absence of
such information, by generally understood patterns of usage
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:2014, 3.6]
– 10 – IEC 60086-4:2019 IEC 2019
3.11
large battery
battery with a gross mass of more than 12 kg
3.12
large cell
cell with a gross mass of more than 500 g
3.13
lithium cell
cell containing a non-aqueous electrolyte and a negative electrode of lithium or containing
lithium
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004 482-01-06, modified (removal of NOTE)]
3.14
nominal voltage
suitable approximate value of the voltage used to designate or identify a cell, a battery or an
electrochemical system
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-31]
3.15
open circuit voltage
OCV, U , off-load voltage
OC
voltage across the terminals of a cell or battery when no external current is flowing
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-32, modified (alternative terms “OCV, U , off-load
OC
voltage” added, “across the terminals” added, “when the discharge current is zero” replaced
with “when no external current is flowing”)]
3.16
prismatic
qualifies a cell or a battery having the shape of a parallelepiped whose faces are rectangular
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-38]
3.17
protective devices
devices such as fuses, diodes or other electric or electronic current limiters designed to
interrupt the current flow, block the current flow in one direction or limit the current flow in an
electrical circuit
3.18
rated capacity
capacity value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-15, modified ("cell or" added)]
3.19
reasonably foreseeable misuse
use of a product, process or system in a way not intended by the supplier, but which may
result from readily predictable human behaviour
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:2014, 3.7, modified (removal of NOTES)]
3.20
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:2014, 3.9, modified (removal of NOTE)]
3.21
safety
freedom from risk which is not tolerable
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:2014, 3.14]
3.22
undischarged
state of a primary cell or battery at 0 % depth of discharge
4 Requirements for safety
4.1 Design
Lithium batteries are categorized by their chemical composition (anode, cathode, electrolyte),
internal construction (bobbin, spiral) and are available in cylindrical, coin and prismatic
configurations. It is necessary to consider all relevant safety aspects at the battery design
stage, recognizing the fact that they can differ considerably, depending on the specific lithium
system, power capability and battery configuration.
The following design concepts for safety are common to all lithium batteries:
a) Abnormal temperature rise above the critical value defined by the manufacturer shall be
prevented by design.
b) Temperature increases in the battery shall be controlled by a design which limits current
flow.
c) Lithium cells and batteries shall be designed to relieve excessive internal pressure or to
preclude a violent rupture under conditions of transport, intended use and reasonably
foreseeable misuse.
See Annex A for guidelines for the achievement of safety of lithium batteries.
4.2 Quality plan
The manufacturer shall prepare and implement a quality plan defining the procedures for the
inspection of materials, components, cells and batteries during the course of manufacture, to
be applied to the total process of producing a specific type of battery. Manufacturers should
understand their process capabilities and should institute the necessary process controls as
they relate to product safety.
5 Type testing and sampling
5.1 Validity of Testing
Lithium cells or batteries shall be subjected to the tests, as required in this standard. Testing
remains valid until a design change or requirement revision has been made. Retesting is
required when:
a) a battery specification changes by more than 0,1 g or 20 % mass, whichever is greater,
for the cathode, anode or electrolyte;
b) a battery specification change would lead to a failure of any of the tests;
– 12 – IEC 60086-4:2019 IEC 2019
c) there is an addition of new tests or requirements; or
d) there is a requirement change that would lead to a failure of any of the tests.
5.2 Test samples
Samples should be drawn from production lots in accordance with accepted statistical
methods. The number of test samples is given in Table 1. The same test cells and batteries
are used for tests A to E in sequence. New test cells and batteries are required for each of
tests F to M.
Table 1 – Number of test samples
Cells and
Tests Discharge state Multi-cell batteries
a
single cell batteries
Undischarged 10 4
Tests A to E
Fully discharged 10 4
Undischarged 5 5 component cells
Test F or G
Fully discharged 5 5 component cells
Test H Fully discharged 10 10 component cells
Tests I to K Undischarged 5 5
Test L Undischarged 20 (see Note 1) n/a
50 % predischarged 20 (see Note 2) n/a
Test M
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.
Key:
n/a: not applicable
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).
6 Testing and requirements
6.1 General
6.1.1 Test application matrix
Applicability of test methods to test cells and batteries is shown in Table 2.
Table 2 – Test application matrix
Applicable tests
Form
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
a a b c
s x x x x x x x x x x x x x
a, d a, d d
m x x x x x x x x x x x n/a n/a
Test description: Key:
Intended use tests Reasonably foreseeable misuse tests Form
A: Altitude E: External short-circuit s: cell or single cell battery
B: Thermal cycling F: Impact m: multi cell battery
C: Vibration G: Crush
D: Shock H: Forced discharge
Applicability
I: Abnormal charging
x: applicable
J: Free fall
n/a: not applicable
K: Thermal abuse
L: Incorrect installation
M: Overdischarge
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.
6.1.2 Cautionary 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.
6.1.3 Ambient temperature
Unless otherwise specified, the tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature of
20 °C ± 5 °C.
6.1.4 Parameter measurement tolerances
The overall accuracy of controlled or measured values, relative to the specified or actual
parameters, shall be within the following tolerances:
a) ± 1 % for voltage;
b) ± 1 % for current;
c) ± 2 °C for temperature;
d) ± 0,1 % for time;
e) ± 1 % for dimensions;
f) ± 1 % for 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.
– 14 – IEC 60086-4:2019 IEC 2019
6.1.5 Predischarge
Where a test requires predischarge, the test cells or batteries shall be discharged to the
respective depth of discharge on a resistive load with which the rated capacity is obtained or
at a current specified by the manufacturer.
6.1.6 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.
6.2 Evaluation of test criteria
6.2.1 Short-circuit
A short-circuit is considered to have occurred during a test if the open-circuit voltage of the
cell or battery immediately after the test is less than 90 % of its voltage prior to the test. This
requirement is not applicable to test cells and batteries in fully discharged states.
6.2.2 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.
6.2.3 Leakage
Leakage is considered to have occurred during a test if there is visible escape of electrolyte
or other material from the test cell or battery, or the loss of material (except battery casing,
handling devices or labels) from the test cell or battery such that the mass loss exceeds the
limits in Table 3.
In order to quantify mass loss ∆m / m, the following equation is provided:
m - m
1 2
Δm / m = × 100 %
m
where
m is the mass before a test;
m is the mass after that test.
Table 3 – Mass loss limits
Mass loss limit
Mass of cell or battery
m ∆m / m
m < 1 g 0,5 %
0,2 %
1 g ≤ m ≤ 75 g
m > 75 g 0,1 %
6.2.4 Venting
Venting is considered to have occurred if, during a test, an excessive build up of internal gas
pressure escapes from a cell or battery through a pressure relief feature designed for this
purpose. This gas may include entrapped materials.
6.2.5 Fire
A fire is considered to have occurred if, during a test, flames are emitted from the test cell or
battery.
6.2.6 Rupture
A rupture is considered to have occurred if a cell container or battery case has mechanically
failed, resulting in expulsion of gas or spillage of liquids but not forcible ejection of solid
materials.
6.2.7 Explosion
An explosion is considered to have occurred if a cell container or battery case opens violently
and solid components are forcibly ejected.
During cell or component cell testing, ejection of internal components is acceptable. Energy of
ejected components shall be limited. If required, it may be measured as follows:
a) It will not penetrate a wire mesh screen (annealed aluminium wire with a diameter of 0,25
mm and grid density of 6 to 7 wires per cm) placed 25 cm away from the cell; or
b) It can be measured by a method demonstrated to be equivalent to the one described in a).
6.3 Tests and requirements – Overview
This document 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.
– 16 – IEC 60086-4:2019 IEC 2019
Table 4 – Tests and requirements
Test number Designation Requirements
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 E External short-circuit NT, NR, NE, NF
tests
F Impact NT, NE, NF
G Crush NT, NE, NF
H Forced discharge NE, NF
I Abnormal charging NE, NF
J Free fall NV, NE, NF
K Thermal abuse NE, NF
Incorrect installation NE, NF
L
M Overdischarge 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.
Key
NC: No short-circuit
NE: No explosion
NF: No fire
NL: No leakage
NR: No rupture
NT: No excessive temperature rise
NV: No venting
See 6.2 for a detailed description of the test criteria.
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