SIST EN IEC 62133-1:2026

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 - Part 1: Nickel systems

IEC 62133-1:2026 specifies requirements and tests for the safe operation of portable sealed secondary nickel cells and batteries containing alkaline electrolyte, under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 62133-1 published in 2017. It constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 62133 1:2017:
a) removal of the definition "secondary battery";
b) removal of the definition "portable battery";
c) "removal of the definition "portable cell";
d) replacement of the single term "room temperature" with 20 °C ± 5 °C in 7.2.3;
e) modification of Figure 1.

Sekundärzellen und -batterien mit alkalischen oder anderen nicht säurehaltigen Elektrolyten - Sicherheitsanforderungen für tragbare gasdichte Sekundärzellen und daraus hergestellte Batterien für die Verwendung in tragbaren Geräten - Teil 1: Nickel-Systeme

Accumulateurs alcalins et autres accumulateurs à électrolyte non acide - Exigences de sécurité pour les accumulateurs portables étanches, et pour les batteries qui en sont constituées, destinés à l'utilisation dans des applications portables - Partie 1: Systèmes au nickel

L'IEC 62133-1:2026 spécifie les exigences et les essais pour le fonctionnement en toute sécurité des accumulateurs portables étanches au nickel contenant un électrolyte alcalin dans des conditions d’utilisations prévues et dans des conditions d’utilisation abusive raisonnablement prévisible. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition de l’IEC 62133-1 parue en 2017. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l’IEC 62133 1:2017:
a) suppression de la définition "batterie d’accumulateurs";
b) suppression de la définition "batterie portable";
c) suppression de la définition "élément portable";
d) remplacement du terme unique "température ambiante" par 20 °C ± 5 °C au 7.2.3;
e) modification de la Figure 1.

Sekundarni členi in baterije z alkalnimi ali drugimi nekislinskimi elektroliti - Varnostne zahteve za prenosne zatesnjene sekundarne člene in za baterije, narejene iz njih, za uporabo v prenosnih napravah - 1. del: Nikljevi sistemi

IEC 62133-1:2026 določa zahteve in preskuse za varno delovanje prenosnih zaprtih sekundarnih nikljevih celic in baterij, ki vsebujejo alkalni elektrolit, pri predvideni uporabi in razumno predvidljivi zlorabi. Ta druga izdaja razveljavlja in nadomešča prvo izdajo IEC 62133-1, objavljeno leta 2017. Predstavlja tehnično revizijo.
Ta izdaja vključuje naslednje pomembne tehnične spremembe v primerjavi z IEC 62133-1:2017:
a) odstranitev definicije "sekundarna baterija";
b) odstranitev definicije "prenosna baterija";
c) odstranitev definicije "prenosna celica";
d) zamenjava enotnega izraza "sobna temperatura" z 20 °C ± 5 °C v 7.2.3;
e) sprememba Slike 1.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 09-Sep-2024
• Publication Date: 19-May-2026
• ICS: 29.220.30 - Alkaline secondary cells and batteries
• Technical Committee: ISCB - Secondary cells and batteries
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 30-Apr-2026
• Due Date: 05-Jul-2026
• Completion Date: 20-May-2026
• Ref Project: EN IEC 62133-1:2026 - 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 - Part 1: Nickel systems

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 62133-1:2018 - 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 - Part 1: Nickel systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 61951-1:2018 - Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Secondary sealed cells and batteries for portable applications - Part 1: Nickel cadmium
• Effective Date: 31-Mar-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 61951-2:2017 - Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Secondary sealed cells and batteries for portable applications - Part 2: Nickel-metal hydride
• Effective Date: 31-Mar-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN IEC 62282-4-101:2022 - Fuel cell technologies - Part 4-101: Fuel cell power systems for electrically powered industrial trucks - Safety (IEC 62282-4-101:2022)
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 17128:2020 - Light motorized vehicles for the transportation of persons and goods and related facilities and not subject to type-approval for on-road use - Personal light electric vehicles (PLEV) - Requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN IEC 60974-1:2018 - Arc welding equipment - Part 1: Welding power sources (IEC 60974-1:2017)
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 50272-4:2007 - Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations -- Part 4: Batteries for use in portable appliances
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN IEC 62282-5-100:2018 - Fuel cell technologies - Part 5-100: Portable fuel cell power systems - Safety (IEC 62282-5-100:2018)
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 62282-4-101:2014 - Fuel cell technologies - Part 4-101: Fuel cell power systems for propulsion other than road vehicles and auxiliary power units - Fuel cell power systems for electrically powered industrial trucks - Safety
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN IEC 62368-1:2020 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN IEC 62368-1:2024 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 62282-6-100:2010 - Fuel cell technologies - Part 6-100: Micro fuel cell power systems - Safety (IEC 62282-6-100:2010)
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 62282-5-1:2013 - Fuel cell technologies - Part 5-1: Portable fuel cell power systems - Safety
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026

Overview

SIST EN IEC 62133-1:2026 specifies safety requirements and testing methods for portable sealed secondary nickel cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Developed by CLC and aligned with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard addresses the essential safety aspects for portable nickel-based battery systems used in a wide range of portable electronic devices. The 2026 edition introduces technical revisions to improve clarity and safety guidance compared to previous editions.

Key Topics

• Scope: Covers sealed secondary nickel cells and batteries with alkaline electrolytes for portable applications.
• Safety Considerations: Requirements for intended use and foreseeable misuse, preventing risks such as fire, explosion, leakage, and venting.
• Testing Procedures: Outlines standardized tests for vibration, temperature cycling, case stress, drop, shock, crushing, overcharge, and misuse conditions.
• Marking and Labelling: Provides guidance for battery marking, manufacturer information, and safety notices to reduce accidental risks.
• Quality and Assembly: Requires manufacturers to implement comprehensive quality plans and match cell parameters to ensure safe battery assemblies.
• Risk Management: Defines procedures for insulation, venting, terminal contacts, and internal circuitry to mitigate potential hazards.
• Information for Safety: Recommends user and equipment-maker instructions to minimize risk in handling, installation, and disposal.

Applications

SIST EN IEC 62133-1:2026 is essential for manufacturers, system integrators, and users of portable devices powered by nickel-based secondary batteries. Its applications include:

• Consumer Electronics: Ensuring safety in products like cameras, shavers, cordless phones, power tools, and other hand-held devices.
• Medical Devices: Regulating batteries in portable diagnostic or therapeutic equipment to safeguard users and sensitive electronics.
• Industrial Equipment: Battery safety requirements for portable meters, instrumentation, and mobile tools.
• Battery Packs for OEMs: Guidance for assembling and integrating battery packs, including recommendations for correct charging, venting, and protective features.

Adhering to this standard during design, production, and application reduces the risk of battery incidents, supports regulatory compliance, and enhances product reliability and market acceptance.

Related Standards

SIST EN IEC 62133-1:2026 is part of a broader family ensuring battery safety and performance:

• EN IEC 62133-2: Focuses on safety requirements for portable lithium systems.
• IEC 60050-482: Provides internationally recognized definitions for primary and secondary cells and batteries.
• IEC 61951-1/2: Standards for nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride portable sealed rechargeable cells.
• ISO/IEC Guide 51: Safety aspects and guidelines for incorporation into standards.
• UN Manual of Tests and Criteria: Contains additional transport safety requirements for batteries.

Keeping up to date with SIST EN IEC 62133-1:2026 and related standards ensures best practices in battery safety, supporting manufacturers and users in achieving goals for efficiency, reliability, and compliance in the rapidly evolving portable electronics market.

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Keywords: SIST EN IEC 62133-1:2026, nickel battery safety, alkaline battery standards, secondary cells, portable sealed batteries, battery safety requirements, CLC, IEC, battery testing, marking and labelling, portable electronics safety standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 62133-1:2018
Sekundarni členi in baterije z alkalnimi ali drugimi nekislinskimi elektroliti -
Varnostne zahteve za prenosne zatesnjene sekundarne člene in za baterije,
narejene iz njih, za uporabo v prenosnih napravah - 1. del: Nikljevi sistemi
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 - Part 1: Nickel systems
Sekundärzellen und -batterien mit alkalischen oder anderen nicht säurehaltigen
Elektrolyten - Sicherheitsanforderungen für tragbare gasdichte Sekundärzellen und
daraus hergestellte Batterien für die Verwendung in tragbaren Geräten - Teil 1: Nickel-
Systeme
Accumulateurs alcalins et autres accumulateurs à électrolyte non acide - Exigences de
sécurité pour les accumulateurs portables étanches, et pour les batteries qui en sont
constituées, destinés à l'utilisation dans des applications portables - Partie 1: Systèmes
au nickel
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 62133-1:2026
ICS:
29.220.30 Alkalni sekundarni členi in Alkaline secondary cells and
baterije batteries
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 62133-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2026
ICS 29.220.30 Supersedes EN 62133-1:2017
English Version
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 - Part 1: Nickel systems
(IEC 62133-1:2026)
Accumulateurs alcalins et autres accumulateurs à Sekundärzellen und -batterien mit alkalischen oder anderen
électrolyte non acide - Exigences de sécurité pour les nicht säurehaltigen Elektrolyten - Sicherheitsanforderungen
accumulateurs portables étanches, et pour les batteries qui für tragbare gasdichte Sekundärzellen und daraus
en sont constituées, destinés à l'utilisation dans des hergestellte Batterien für die Verwendung in tragbaren
applications portables - Partie 1: Systèmes au nickel Geräten - Teil 1: Nickel-Systeme
(IEC 62133-1:2026) (IEC 62133-1:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2026-04-10. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 62133-1:2026 E

European foreword
The text of document 21A/946/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 62133-1, prepared by SC 21A "Secondary
cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes" of IEC/TC 21 "Secondary cells
and batteries" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2027-04-30
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2029-04-30
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 62133-1:2017 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 62133-1:2026 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 60051 (series) NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60051 (series)
IEC 60664 (series) NOTE Approved as EN 60664 (series)
IEC 61434 NOTE Approved as EN 61434
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
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.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60050-482 2004 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - - -
Part 482: Primary and secondary cells and
batteries
IEC 61951-1 - Secondary cells and batteries containing EN 61951-1 -
alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes -
Secondary sealed cells and batteries for
portable applications - Part 1: Nickel-
Cadmium
IEC 61951-2 - Secondary cells and batteries containing EN 61951-2 -
alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes -
Secondary sealed cells and batteries for
portable applications - Part 2: Nickel-metal
hydride
ISO/IEC Guide 51 - Safety aspects - Guidelines for their - -
inclusion in standards
IEC 62133-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2026-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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 -
Part 1: Nickel systems
ICS 29.220.30  ISBN 978-2-8327-1070-8

IEC 62133-1:2026-03(en)
IEC 62133-1:2026 © IEC 2026
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Parameter measurement tolerances . 7
5 General safety considerations . 7
5.1 General . 7
5.2 Insulation and wiring . 8
5.3 Venting . 8
5.4 Temperature, voltage and current management . 8
5.5 Terminal contacts . 8
5.6 Assembly of cells into batteries . 8
5.7 Quality plan . 9
6 Type test and sample size . 9
7 Specific requirements and tests . 10
7.1 Charging procedure for test purposes . 10
7.2 Intended use . 10
7.2.1 Continuous low-rate charging (cells) . 10
7.2.2 Vibration . 10
7.2.3 Case stress at high ambient temperature (batteries) . 11
7.2.4 Temperature cycling . 11
7.3 Reasonably foreseeable misuse. 12
7.3.1 Incorrect installation (cells) . 12
7.3.2 External short circuit . 12
7.3.3 Free fall . 12
7.3.4 Mechanical shock (crash hazard) . 12
7.3.5 Thermal abuse (cells) . 13
7.3.6 Crush (cells) . 13
7.3.7 Low pressure (cells) . 13
7.3.8 Overcharge . 14
7.3.9 Forced discharge (cells) . 14
8 Information for safety . 14
8.1 General . 14
8.2 Small cell and battery safety information . 14
9 Marking . 15
9.1 Cell marking. 15
9.2 Battery marking . 15
9.3 Caution for ingestion of small cells and batteries . 16
9.4 Other information . 16
10 Packaging . 16
Annex A (informative) Recommendations to equipment manufacturers and battery
assemblers . 17
Annex B (informative) Recommendations to the end-users . 18
Annex C (informative) Packaging . 19
Bibliography . 20
IEC 62133-1:2026 © IEC 2026
Figure 1 – Temperature profile for 7.2.4 – Temperature cycling test . 11
Figure 2 – Ingestion gauge . 15

Table 1 – Sample size for type tests . 9
Table 2 – Conditions for vibration test . 10

IEC 62133-1:2026 © IEC 2026
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
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 -
Part 1: Nickel systems
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,
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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) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC [had/had not] received notice of (a) patent(s),
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
https://patents.iec.ch. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 62133-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 21A: Secondary cells and batteries
containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes, of IEC technical committee 21: Secondary
cells and batteries. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 62133-1 published in 2017. It
constitutes a technical revision.
IEC 62133-1:2026 © IEC 2026
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
IEC 62133-1:2017:
a) removal of the definition "secondary battery";
b) removal of the definition "portable battery";
c) "removal of the definition "portable cell";
d) replacement of the single term "room temperature" with 20 °C ± 5 °C in 7.2.3;
e) modification of Figure 1.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
21A/946/FDIS 21A/969/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts of the IEC 62133 series, published under the general title 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, can
be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
– reconfirmed,
– withdrawn, or
– revised.
IEC 62133-1:2026 © IEC 2026
1 Scope
This part of IEC 62133 specifies requirements and tests for the safe operation of portable sealed
secondary nickel cells and batteries containing alkaline electrolyte, under intended use and
reasonably foreseeable misuse.
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 60050-482:2004, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) - Part 482: Primary and
secondary cells and batteries
IEC 61951-1, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes -
Secondary sealed cells and batteries for portable applications - Part 1: Nickel-Cadmium
IEC 61951-2, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non acid electrolytes -
Secondary sealed cells and batteries for portable applications - Part 2: Nickel-metal hydride
ISO/IEC Guide 51, Safety aspects - Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-482,
ISO/IEC Guide 51 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
– IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
– ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
safety
freedom from unacceptable risk
3.2
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm
3.3
harm
physical injury or damage to the health of people or damage to property or to the environment
3.4
hazard
potential source of harm
3.5
intended use
use of a product, process or service in accordance with specifications, instructions and
information provided by the supplier
IEC 62133-1:2026 © IEC 2026
3.6
reasonably foreseeable misuse
use of a product, process or service in a way which is not intended by the supplier, but which
may result from readily predictable human behaviour
3.7
secondary cell
basic manufactured unit providing a source of electrical energy by direct conversion of chemical
energy, that consists of electrodes, separators, electrolyte, container and terminals, and that is
designed to be charged electrically
3.8
leakage
unplanned, visible escape of liquid electrolyte
3.9
venting
release of excessive internal pressure from a cell or battery in a manner intended by design to
preclude rupture or explosion
3.10
rupture
mechanical failure of a cell container or battery case induced by an internal or external cause,
resulting in exposure or spillage but not ejection of materials
3.11
explosion
failure that occurs when a cell container or battery case opens violently and major components
are forcibly expelled
3.12
fire
emission of flames from a cell or battery
3.13
rated capacity
capacity value of a cell or battery determined under specified conditions and declared by the
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The rated capacity is the quantity of electricity C Ah (ampere-hours) declared by the manufacturer
which a single cell can deliver when discharged at the reference test current of 0,2 I A to a specified final voltage,
t
after charging, storing and discharging under specified conditions.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-15, modified – In the definition, "battery" replaced with
"cell or battery", Note 1 to entry added]
3.14
reference test current
I
t
charge or discharge current, expressed as a multiple of I A, where I A = C Ah/1 h, as defined
t t 5
in IEC 61434, and based on the rated capacity (C Ah) of the cell or battery
IEC 62133-1:2026 © IEC 2026
3.15
button cell
coin cell
cell with a cylindrical shape in which the overall height is less than the diameter, e.g. in the
shape of a button or a coin
Note 1 to entry: In practice, the term coin is used exclusively for non-aqueous lithium cells.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-40]
3.16
cylindrical cell
cell with a cylindrical shape in which the overall height is equal to or greater than the diameter
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-39]
3.17
prismatic cell
cell having the shape of a parallelepiped whose faces are rectangular
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-02-38, modified – Source term is "prismatic" (adj.). In the
definition, "qualifies a cell or a battery" replaced with "cell"]
4 Parameter measurement tolerances
The overall accuracy of controlled or measured values, relative to the specified or actual
parameters, shall be within these tolerances:
a) ± 1 % for voltage;
b) ± 1 % for current;
c) ± 2 °C for temperature;
d) ± 0,1 % for time;
e) ± 1 % for dimension;
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.
The details of the instrumentation used shall be provided in any report of results.
5 General safety considerations
5.1 General
The safety of secondary cells and batteries requires the consideration of two sets of applied
conditions:
a) intended use;
b) reasonably foreseeable misuse.
Cells and batteries shall be so designed and constructed that they are safe under conditions of
both intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. It is expected that cells or batteries
subjected to misuse may fail to function following such experience. They shall not however
present significant hazards. It may also be expected that cells and batteries subjected to
intended use shall not only be safe but shall continue to be functional in all respects.
IEC 62133-1:2026 © IEC 2026
Potential hazards which are the subject of this document are:
– fire;
– burst/explosion;
– leakage of cell electrolyte;
– venting with continuous emission of flammable and/or toxic gas, and/or smoke;
– burns from excessively high external temperatures;
– rupture of battery case with exposure of internal components.
Conformity with 5.2 to 5.7 for cells and batteries other than button cells is checked by
inspection, by the tests of Clauses 7, and in accordance with the appropriate standard (see
Clause 2 and Table 1).
5.2 Insulation and wiring
The insulation resistance between the positive terminal and externally exposed metal surfaces
of the battery excluding electrical contact surfaces shall be not less than 5 MΩ at 500 V DC
when measured 60 s after applying the voltage.
Internal wiring and insulation should be sufficient to withstand the maximum anticipated current,
voltage and temperature requir
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