IEC 62281:2012
(Main)Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
IEC 62281:2012 specifies test methods and requirements for primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries to ensure their safety during transport other than for recycling or disposal. Requirements specified in this standard do not apply in those cases where special provisions given in the relevant regulations, listed in 7.3, provide exemptions. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2004, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- distinction between small and large cell or battery by gross mass rather than by lithium content or Watt-hour rating ("nominal" energy);
- combination of the no mass loss (NM) and no leakage (NL) criteria into one criteria (NL);
- extension of an acceptable mass loss of 0,2 % from 5 g to 75 g mass of a cell or battery;
- reduction of large batteries to be tested under tests T-1 to T-5 and T-8 from 4 to 2 samples;
- reduction of test samples required for small battery assemblies (5.2.2);
- reduction of the vibration amplitude to 2 g for large batteries in T-3 vibration test method;
- replacement of the impact test by the crush test for prismatic, pouch, button, and coin cells as well as cylindrical cells with no more than 20 mm in diameter. Keywords: safety during transportion, primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries
Sécurité des piles et des accumulateurs au lithium pendant le transport
L'IEC 62281:2012 spécifie les méthodes d'essai et les exigences pour les éléments et les batteries de piles et d'accumulateurs au lithium afin de s'assurer de leur sécurité pendant les opérations de transport autres que celles relatives à leur recyclage ou leur mise au rebut. Les exigences spécifiées dans cette norme ne s'appliquent pas aux cas pour lesquels des dispositions spéciales prévues dans les réglementations appropriées, énumérées en 7.3, accordent des exemptions. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2004, et constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- distinction entre petit et grand élément ou petite et grande batterie faite par la masse brute plutôt que par le contenu de lithium ou la valeur assignée en wattheure (énergie "nominale");
- regroupement des critères "pas de perte de masse" (NM) et "pas de fuite" (NF) en un seul critère (NL);
- extension d'une perte de masse acceptable de 0,2 % d'une masse de 5 g à 75 g d'un élément ou d'une batterie;
- réduction du nombre d'échantillons passant de 4 à 2 pour les grandes batteries à soumettre aux essais T-1 à T-5 et T-8;
- réduction du nombre d'échantillons d'essai requis pour les assemblages de petites batteries (5.2.2);
- réduction de l'amplitude de vibration à 2 g pour les grandes batteries dans la méthode d'essai de vibration T-3;
- remplacement de l'essai d'impact par l'essai d'écrasement pour les éléments parallélépipédiques, éléments en sachet et éléments bouton ainsi que pour les éléments cylindriques de diamètre inférieur à 20 mm. Mots clés: la sécurité pendant les opérations de transport, piles et d'accumulateurs au lithium penchant
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Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
IEC 62281:2012(E)
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THIS PUBLICATION IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
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All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
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IEC 62281
®
Edition 2.0 2012-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
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ICS 29.220.10 ISBN 978-2-83220-489-4
Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.
® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
– 2 – 62281 © IEC:2012(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Requirements for safety. 10
4.1 General considerations . 10
4.2 Quality plan . 11
4.3 Packaging . 11
5 Type testing, sampling and re-testing . 11
5.1 Type testing . 11
5.2 Battery assemblies . 12
5.2.1 Secondary batteries for use in battery assemblies . 12
5.2.2 Small battery assemblies . 12
5.2.3 Large battery assemblies . 12
5.3 Sampling . 12
5.4 Re-testing . 13
6 Test methods and requirements. 13
6.1 General . 13
6.1.1 Safety notice . 13
6.1.2 Ambient temperature . 14
6.1.3 Parameter measurement tolerances . 14
6.1.4 Pre-discharge and pre-cycling . 14
6.2 Evaluation of test criteria . 14
6.2.1 Shifting . 14
6.2.2 Distortion . 14
6.2.3 Short-circuit . 14
6.2.4 Excessive temperature rise . 14
6.2.5 Leakage . 14
6.2.6 Venting . 15
6.2.7 Fire. 15
6.2.8 Rupture . 15
6.2.9 Explosion. 15
6.3 Tests and requirements – Overview . 15
6.4 Transport tests . 16
6.4.1 Test T-1: Altitude . 16
6.4.2 Test T-2: Thermal cycling . 16
6.4.3 Test T-3: Vibration . 17
6.4.4 Test T-4: Shock . 17
6.4.5 Test T-5: External short-circuit. 18
6.4.6 Test T-6: Impact/crush . 18
6.5 Misuse tests . 20
6.5.1 Test T-7: Overcharge. 20
6.5.2 Test T-8: Forced discharge . 20
6.6 Packaging test . 20
Test P-1: Drop test . 20
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62281 © IEC:2012(E) – 3 –
6.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 21
6.8 Evaluation and report . 21
7 Information for safety . 22
7.1 Packaging . 22
7.2 Handling of battery cartons . 22
7.3 Transport . 22
7.3.1 General . 22
7.3.2 Air transport . 22
7.3.3 Sea transport . 22
7.3.4 Land transport . 22
7.3.5 Classification . 22
7.4 Display and storage . 22
8 Instructions for packaging and handling during transport – Quarantine . 23
9 Marking . 23
9.1 Marking of primary and secondary (rechargeable) cells and batteries . 23
9.2 Marking of the packaging and shipping documents . 23
Bibliography . 25
Figure 1 – Example of a test set-up for the impact test. 19
Figure 2 – Example for the marking of packages with primary or secondary
(rechargeable) lithium cells or batteries . 24
Table 1 – Number of primary test cells and batteries for type testing . 12
Table 2 – Number of secondary test cells and batteries for type testing . 13
Table 3 – Number of packages with primary or secondary test cells and batteries. 13
Table 4 – Mass loss limits . 15
Table 5 – Transport and packaging tests and requirements . 16
Table 6 – Vibration profile (sinusoidal) . 17
Table 7 – Shock parameters . 18
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SAFETY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LITHIUM CELLS
AND BATTERIES DURING TRANSPORT
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
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
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
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
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 62281 has been prepared jointly by IEC technical committee 35:
Primary cells and batteries and by subcommittee 21A: Secondary cells and batteries
containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes, of IEC technical committee 21: Secondary
cells and batteries.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2004, and constitutes
a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) distinction between small and large cell or battery by gross mass rather than by lithium
content or Watt-hour rating (“nominal” energy);
b) combination of the no mass loss (NM) and no leakage (NL) criteria into one criteria (NL);
c) extension of an acceptable mass loss of 0,2 % from 5 g to 75 g mass of a cell or battery;
d) reduction of large batteries to be tested under tests T-1 to T-5 and T-8 from 4 to 2
samples;
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62281 © IEC:2012(E) – 5 –
e) reduction of test samples required for small battery assemblies (5.2.2);
f) reduction of the vibration amplitude to 2 g for large batteries in T-3 vibration test method;
g) replacement of the impact test by the crush test for prismatic, pouch, button, and coin
cells as well as cylindrical cells with no more than 20 mm in diameter.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
35/1303/FDIS 35/1307/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.
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.
A bilingual version of this standard may be issued at a later date.
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.
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– 6 – 62281 © IEC:2012(E)
INTRODUCTION
Primary lithium cells and batteries were first introduced in military applications in the 1970s.
At that time, little commercial interest and no industrial standards existed. Consequently, the
United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, although
usually referring to industrial standards for testing and criteria, introduced a sub-section in the
Manual of tests and criteria concerning safety tests relevant to transport of primary lithium
cells and batteries. Meanwhile, commercial interest in primary and secondary (rechargeable)
lithium cells and batteries has grown and several industrial standards exist. However, the
existing IEC standards are manifold, not completely harmonized, and not necessarily relevant
to transport. They are not suitable to be used as a source of reference in the UN Model
Regulations. Therefore this group safety standard has been prepared to harmonize the tests
and requirements relevant to transport.
This International Standard applies to primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and
batteries containing lithium in any chemical form: lithium metal, lithium alloy or lithium-ion.
Lithium-metal and lithium alloy primary electrochemical systems use metallic lithium and
lithium alloy, respectively, as the negative electrode. Lithium-ion secondary electrochemical
systems use intercalation compounds (intercalated lithium exists in an ionic or quasi-atomic
form within the lattice of the electrode material) in the positive and in the negative electrodes.
This International Standard also applies to lithium polymer cells and batteries, which are
considered either as primary lithium-metal cells and batteries or as secondary lithium-ion cells
and batteries, depending on the nature of the material used in the negative electrode.
The history of transporting primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries is worth noting.
Since the 1970s, over ten billion primary lithium cells and batteries have been transported,
and since the early 1990s, over one billion secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and
batteries utilizing a lithium-ion system have been transported. As the number of primary and
secondary lithium cells and batteries to be transported is increasing, it is appropriate to also
include in this standard the safety testing of packaging used for the transportation of these
products.
This International Standard specifically addresses the safety of primary and secondary lithium
cells and batteries during transport and also the safety of the packaging used.
1
The UN Manual of Tests and Criteria [1] distinguishes between lithium metal and lithium alloy
cells and batteries on the one hand, and lithium ion and lithium polymer cells and batteries on
the other hand. While it defines that lithium metal and lithium alloy cells and batteries can be
either primary (non-rechargeable) or rechargeable, it always considers lithium ion cells and
batteries as rechargeable. However, test methods in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria are
the same for both secondary lithium metal and lithium alloy cells and batteries and lithium ion
and lithium polymer cells and batteries. The concept is only needed to distinguish between
small and large battery assemblies. Battery assemblies assembled from (primary or
secondary) lithium metal and lithium alloy batteries are distinguished by the aggregate lithium
content of all anodes (measured in grams), while battery assemblies assembled from lithium
ion or lithium polymer batteries are distinguished by their “nominal” energy (measured in
Watt-hours).
___________
1
Numbers in square brackets refer to the Bibliography
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62281 © IEC:2012(E) – 7 –
SAFETY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LITHIUM CELLS
AND BATTERIES DURING TRANSPORT
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies test methods and requirements for primary and
secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries to ensure their safety during transport
other than for recycling or disposal. Requirements specified in this standard do not apply in
those cases where special provisions given in the relevant regulations, listed in 7.3, provide
exemptions.
NOTE Different standards may apply for lithium-ion traction battery systems used for electrically propelled road
vehicles.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 61960, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications
IEC 62133, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them,
for use in portable applications
IEC 62660-1, Secondary lithium-ion cells for the propulsion of electric road vehicles – Part 1:
Performance testing
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
aggregate lithium content
total lithium content of the cells comprising a battery
3.2
battery
one or more cells electrically connected and fitted in a case, with terminals, markings and
protective devices etc., as necessary for use
Note 1 to entry: This definition is different from the definition used in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria [1]. The
standard was, however, carefully prepared so that the test set-up for each test is harmonized with the UN Manual.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004 [2], 482-01-04, modified – reference to "electrically
connected" has been added]
3.3
battery assembly
battery comprising two or more batteries
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– 8 – 62281 © IEC:2012(E)
3.4
button (cell or battery)
coin (cell or battery)
small round cell or battery where the overall height is less than the diameter, e.g. in the shape
of a button or a coin
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-40, modified – the term "small round cell or battery"
replaces the original "cell with a cylindrical shape""]
3.5
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]
3.6
component cell
cell contained in a battery
3.7
cycle (of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery)
set of operations that is carried out on a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery and is
repeated regularly in the same sequence
Note 1 to entry: These operations may consist of a sequence of a discharge followed by a charge or a charge
followed by a discharge under specified conditions. This sequence may include rest periods.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-05-28, modified – the words "secondary (rechargeable"
have been added]
3.8
cylindrical (cell or battery)
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 – the words "round cell or battery"
replace the original "cell with a cylindrical shape"]
3.9
depth of discharge
DOD
percentage of rated capacity discharged from a battery
3.10
first cycle
initial cycle of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery following completion of all
manufacturing, formation and quality control processes
3.11
fully charged
state of charge of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery corresponding to 0 % depth of
discharge
3.12
fully discharged
state of charge of a cell or battery corresponding to 100 % depth of discharge
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62281 © IEC:2012(E) – 9 –
3.13
large battery
battery with a gross mass of more than 12 kg
3.14
large cell
cell with a gross mass of more than 500 g
3.15
lithium cell (primary or secondary (rechargeable))
cell containing a non-aqueous electrolyte and a negative electrode of lithium or containing
lithium
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the design features chosen, a lithium cell may be primary or secondary
(rechargeable).
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-06, modified – the notion of "primary or secondary
(rechargeable" has been added]
3.16
lithium content
mass of lithium in the negative electrode of a lithium metal or lithium alloy cell or battery in the
undischarged or fully charged state
3.17
lithium ion cell or battery
rechargeable non-aqueous cell or battery in which the positive and negative electrodes are
both intercalation compounds constructed with no metallic lithium in either electrode
Note 1 to entry: Intercalated lithium exists in an ionic or quasi-atomic form with the lattice of the electrode
material.
Note 2 to entry: A lithium polymer cell or battery that uses lithium ion chemistries, as described herein, is
considered as a lithium ion cell or battery.
3.18
nominal energy
energy value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The nominal energy is calculated by multiplying the nominal voltage by rated capacity.
Note 2 to entry: The term “rated energy” could be more appropriate.
3.19
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]
3.20
open-circuit voltage
voltage across the terminals of a cell or battery when no external current is flowing
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-32, modified – "when no external current is flowing"
replaces "when the discharge current is zero"]
3.21
primary (cell or battery)
cell or battery that is not designed to be electrically recharged
---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
– 10 – 62281 © IEC:2012(E)
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-02, modified – addition of "or battery"]
3.22
prismatic (cell or battery)
cell or battery having rectangular sides and bases
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-38, modified – omission of "having the shape of a
parallelepiped"]
3.23
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
3.24
rated capacity
capacity value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The following IEC standards provide guidance and methodology for determining the rated
capacity: IEC 61960, IEC 62133, IEC 62660-1.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-15, modified – inclusion of "a cell or battery",
addition of Note to entry]
3.25
secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery
cell or battery which is designed to be electrically recharged
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-01-03, modified – addition of "rechargeable" and "or
battery"]
3.26
small battery
battery with a gross mass of not more than 12 kg
3.27
small cell
cell with a gross mass of not more than 500 g
3.28
type (for cells or batteries)
particular electrochemical system and physical design of cells or batteries
3.29
undischarged
state of charge of a primary cell or battery corresponding to 0 % depth of discharge
4 Requirements for safety
4.1 General considerations
Lithium cells and batteries are categorized by their chemical composition (electrodes,
electrolyte) and internal construction (bobbin, spiral). They are available in various shapes. It
is necessary to consider all relevant safety aspects at the battery design stage, recognizing
the fact that they may differ considerably, depending on the specific lithium system, power
output and battery configuration.
----------------------
...
IEC 62281
®
Edition 2.0 2012-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
Sécurité des piles et des accumulateurs au lithium pendant le transport
IEC 62281:2012-12(EN-FR)
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
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About the IEC
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International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
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IEC 62281
®
Edition 2.0 2012-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
Sécurité des piles et des accumulateurs au lithium pendant le transport
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX T
ICS 29.220.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-1333-9
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
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
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– 2 – 62281 © IEC:2012
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Requirements for safety. 10
4.1 General considerations . 10
4.2 Quality plan . 11
4.3 Packaging . 11
5 Type testing, sampling and re-testing . 11
5.1 Type testing . 11
5.2 Battery assemblies . 12
5.2.1 Secondary batteries for use in battery assemblies . 12
5.2.2 Small battery assemblies . 12
5.2.3 Large battery assemblies . 12
5.3 Sampling . 12
5.4 Re-testing . 13
6 Test methods and requirements. 13
6.1 General . 13
6.1.1 Safety notice . 13
6.1.2 Ambient temperature . 14
6.1.3 Parameter measurement tolerances . 14
6.1.4 Pre-discharge and pre-cycling . 14
6.2 Evaluation of test criteria . 14
6.2.1 Shifting . 14
6.2.2 Distortion . 14
6.2.3 Short-circuit . 14
6.2.4 Excessive temperature rise . 14
6.2.5 Leakage . 14
6.2.6 Venting . 15
6.2.7 Fire. 15
6.2.8 Rupture . 15
6.2.9 Explosion. 15
6.3 Tests and requirements – Overview . 15
6.4 Transport tests . 16
6.4.1 Test T-1: Altitude . 16
6.4.2 Test T-2: Thermal cycling . 16
6.4.3 Test T-3: Vibration . 17
6.4.4 Test T-4: Shock . 17
6.4.5 Test T-5: External short-circuit. 18
6.4.6 Test T-6: Impact/crush . 18
6.5 Misuse tests . 20
6.5.1 Test T-7: Overcharge. 20
6.5.2 Test T-8: Forced discharge . 20
6.6 Packaging test . 20
Test P-1: Drop test . 20
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62281 © IEC:2012 – 3 –
6.7 Information to be given in the relevant specification . 21
6.8 Evaluation and report . 21
7 Information for safety . 22
7.1 Packaging . 22
7.2 Handling of battery cartons . 22
7.3 Transport . 22
7.3.1 General . 22
7.3.2 Air transport . 22
7.3.3 Sea transport . 22
7.3.4 Land transport . 22
7.3.5 Classification . 22
7.4 Display and storage . 22
8 Instructions for packaging and handling during transport – Quarantine . 23
9 Marking . 23
9.1 Marking of primary and secondary (rechargeable) cells and batteries . 23
9.2 Marking of the packaging and shipping documents . 23
Bibliography . 25
Figure 1 – Example of a test set-up for the impact test. 19
Figure 2 – Example for the marking of packages with primary or secondary
(rechargeable) lithium cells or batteries . 24
Table 1 – Number of primary test cells and batteries for type testing . 12
Table 2 – Number of secondary test cells and batteries for type testing . 13
Table 3 – Number of packages with primary or secondary test cells and batteries. 13
Table 4 – Mass loss limits . 15
Table 5 – Transport and packaging tests and requirements . 16
Table 6 – Vibration profile (sinusoidal) . 17
Table 7 – Shock parameters . 18
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– 4 – 62281 © IEC:2012
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SAFETY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LITHIUM CELLS
AND BATTERIES DURING TRANSPORT
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
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
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
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
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 62281 has been prepared jointly by IEC technical committee 35:
Primary cells and batteries and by subcommittee 21A: Secondary cells and batteries
containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes, of IEC technical committee 21: Secondary
cells and batteries.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2004, and constitutes
a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) distinction between small and large cell or battery by gross mass rather than by lithium
content or Watt-hour rating (“nominal” energy);
b) combination of the no mass loss (NM) and no leakage (NL) criteria into one criteria (NL);
c) extension of an acceptable mass loss of 0,2 % from 5 g to 75 g mass of a cell or battery;
d) reduction of large batteries to be tested under tests T-1 to T-5 and T-8 from 4 to 2
samples;
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62281 © IEC:2012 – 5 –
e) reduction of test samples required for small battery assemblies (5.2.2);
f) reduction of the vibration amplitude to 2 g for large batteries in T-3 vibration test method;
g) replacement of the impact test by the crush test for prismatic, pouch, button, and coin
cells as well as cylindrical cells with no more than 20 mm in diameter.
This bilingual version (2014-01) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2012-12.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
35/1303/FDIS 35/1307/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.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
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
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.
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– 6 – 62281 © IEC:2012
INTRODUCTION
Primary lithium cells and batteries were first introduced in military applications in the 1970s.
At that time, little commercial interest and no industrial standards existed. Consequently, the
United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, although
usually referring to industrial standards for testing and criteria, introduced a sub-section in the
Manual of tests and criteria concerning safety tests relevant to transport of primary lithium
cells and batteries. Meanwhile, commercial interest in primary and secondary (rechargeable)
lithium cells and batteries has grown and several industrial standards exist. However, the
existing IEC standards are manifold, not completely harmonized, and not necessarily relevant
to transport. They are not suitable to be used as a source of reference in the UN Model
Regulations. Therefore this group safety standard has been prepared to harmonize the tests
and requirements relevant to transport.
This International Standard applies to primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and
batteries containing lithium in any chemical form: lithium metal, lithium alloy or lithium-ion.
Lithium-metal and lithium alloy primary electrochemical systems use metallic lithium and
lithium alloy, respectively, as the negative electrode. Lithium-ion secondary electrochemical
systems use intercalation compounds (intercalated lithium exists in an ionic or quasi-atomic
form within the lattice of the electrode material) in the positive and in the negative electrodes.
This International Standard also applies to lithium polymer cells and batteries, which are
considered either as primary lithium-metal cells and batteries or as secondary lithium-ion cells
and batteries, depending on the nature of the material used in the negative electrode.
The history of transporting primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries is worth noting.
Since the 1970s, over ten billion primary lithium cells and batteries have been transported,
and since the early 1990s, over one billion secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and
batteries utilizing a lithium-ion system have been transported. As the number of primary and
secondary lithium cells and batteries to be transported is increasing, it is appropriate to also
include in this standard the safety testing of packaging used for the transportation of these
products.
This International Standard specifically addresses the safety of primary and secondary lithium
cells and batteries during transport and also the safety of the packaging used.
1
The UN Manual of Tests and Criteria [1] distinguishes between lithium metal and lithium alloy
cells and batteries on the one hand, and lithium ion and lithium polymer cells and batteries on
the other hand. While it defines that lithium metal and lithium alloy cells and batteries can be
either primary (non-rechargeable) or rechargeable, it always considers lithium ion cells and
batteries as rechargeable. However, test methods in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria are
the same for both secondary lithium metal and lithium alloy cells and batteries and lithium ion
and lithium polymer cells and batteries. The concept is only needed to distinguish between
small and large battery assemblies. Battery assemblies assembled from (primary or
secondary) lithium metal and lithium alloy batteries are distinguished by the aggregate lithium
content of all anodes (measured in grams), while battery assemblies assembled from lithium
ion or lithium polymer batteries are distinguished by their “nominal” energy (measured in
Watt-hours).
___________
1
Numbers in square brackets refer to the Bibliography
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62281 © IEC:2012 – 7 –
SAFETY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LITHIUM CELLS
AND BATTERIES DURING TRANSPORT
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies test methods and requirements for primary and
secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries to ensure their safety during transport
other than for recycling or disposal. Requirements specified in this standard do not apply in
those cases where special provisions given in the relevant regulations, listed in 7.3, provide
exemptions.
NOTE Different standards may apply for lithium-ion traction battery systems used for electrically propelled road
vehicles.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 61960, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications
IEC 62133, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them,
for use in portable applications
IEC 62660-1, Secondary lithium-ion cells for the propulsion of electric road vehicles – Part 1:
Performance testing
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
aggregate lithium content
total lithium content of the cells comprising a battery
3.2
battery
one or more cells electrically connected and fitted in a case, with terminals, markings and
protective devices etc., as necessary for use
Note 1 to entry: This definition is different from the definition used in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria [1]. The
standard was, however, carefully prepared so that the test set-up for each test is harmonized with the UN Manual.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004 [2], 482-01-04, modified – reference to "electrically
connected" has been added]
3.3
battery assembly
battery comprising two or more batteries
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– 8 – 62281 © IEC:2012
3.4
button (cell or battery)
coin (cell or battery)
small round cell or battery where the overall height is less than the diameter, e.g. in the shape
of a button or a coin
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-40, modified – the term "small round cell or battery"
replaces the original "cell with a cylindrical shape""]
3.5
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]
3.6
component cell
cell contained in a battery
3.7
cycle (of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery)
set of operations that is carried out on a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery and is
repeated regularly in the same sequence
Note 1 to entry: These operations may consist of a sequence of a discharge followed by a charge or a charge
followed by a discharge under specified conditions. This sequence may include rest periods.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-05-28, modified – the words "secondary (rechargeable"
have been added]
3.8
cylindrical (cell or battery)
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 – the words "round cell or battery"
replace the original "cell with a cylindrical shape"]
3.9
depth of discharge
DOD
percentage of rated capacity discharged from a battery
3.10
first cycle
initial cycle of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery following completion of all
manufacturing, formation and quality control processes
3.11
fully charged
state of charge of a secondary (rechargeable) cell or battery corresponding to 0 % depth of
discharge
3.12
fully discharged
state of charge of a cell or battery corresponding to 100 % depth of discharge
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62281 © IEC:2012 – 9 –
3.13
large battery
battery with a gross mass of more than 12 kg
3.14
large cell
cell with a gross mass of more than 500 g
3.15
lithium cell (primary or secondary (rechargeable))
cell containing a non-aqueous electrolyte and a negative electrode of lithium or containing
lithium
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the design features chosen, a lithium cell may be primary or
...
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