SIST EN IEC 60086-4:2019

Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries (IEC 60086-4:2019)

IEC 60086-4:2019 is available as IEC 60086-4:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
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 have been included in this copy.

Primärbatterien - Teil 4: Sicherheit von Lithium-Batterien (IEC 60086-4:2019)

Piles électriques - Partie 4: Sécurité des piles au lithium (IEC 60086-4:2019)

IEC 60086-4:2019 est disponible sous forme de IEC 60086-4:2019 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.
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 a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.

Primarne baterije - 4. del: Varnostni standard za litijeve baterije (IEC 60086-4:2019)

Ta del standarda IEC 60086 določa preskuse in zahteve za primarne litijeve baterije za zagotavljanje varnega delovanja v okviru predvidene uporabe in razumno predvidene nepravilne uporabe.
OPOMBA: Za primarne litijeve baterije, ki so standardizirane v standardu IEC 60086-2, se pričakuje izpolnjevanje vseh veljavnih
zahtev tega standarda. Jasno je, da se lahko del tega standarda IEC 60086 upošteva tudi pri merjenju in/ali zagotavljanju varnosti nestandardiziranih primarnih litijevih baterij. V nobenem primeru ne obstaja jamstvo, da bo skladnost ali neskladnost s tem standardom izpolnila ali da ne bo izpolnila namenov ali potreb posameznega uporabnika.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 18-Aug-2019
• ICS: 29.220.10 - Primary cells and batteries
• Technical Committee: I09 - Imaginarni 09
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 25-Jul-2019
• Due Date: 29-Sep-2019
• Completion Date: 19-Aug-2019
• Ref Project: EN IEC 60086-4:2019 - Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 60086-4:2015 - Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries (IEC 60086-4:2014)
• Effective Date: 16-Jul-2019
• Replaced By: SIST EN IEC 60086-4:2025 - Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries (IEC 60086-4:2025)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2025
• Corrected By: SIST EN IEC 60086-4:2019/AC:2020 - Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries (IEC 60086-4:2019/COR2:2020)
• Effective Date: 12-May-2020
• Corrected By: SIST EN IEC 60086-4:2019/AC:2020 - Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries (IEC 60086-4:2019/COR1:2019)
• Effective Date: 05-Nov-2019
• Revised: SIST EN 60086-4:2015 - Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries (IEC 60086-4:2014)
• Effective Date: 22-Aug-2017

Overview

EN IEC 60086-4:2019 - Primary batteries, Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries - is the fifth edition of the IEC safety standard adopted by CLC (CENELEC). It specifies tests, requirements and information necessary to ensure the safe operation of primary lithium batteries under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. This edition includes technical revisions (e.g., revised explosion criteria), Annex E on child‑resistant packaging for coin cells, and Annex F with guidance on the KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN safety sign. The publication is available as an RLV (Redline version) showing changes versus the previous edition.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to primary lithium batteries (including non‑standard types where safety assessment is desired).
  • References and alignment with other battery standards (see Related Standards).
• Design and quality
  • Requirements for safe cell design and manufacturer quality plans to mitigate hazards.
• Type testing and sampling
  • Procedures for type testing, sample selection and the new Validity of Testing clause.
• Core safety tests (intended use and foreseeable misuse)
  • Tests for altitude, thermal cycling, vibration and shock (intended use).
  • Misuse tests including external short‑circuit, impact, crush, forced discharge, abnormal charging, free fall, thermal abuse, incorrect installation and overdischarge.
• Evaluation criteria
  • Pass/fail evaluation addressing excessive temperature rise, leakage, venting, rupture, fire and explosion with revised explosion criteria.
• Information, marking and packaging
  • Safety instructions, pictograms and specific requirements for swallowable (coin cell) batteries.
  • Annex E: normative child‑resistant packaging tests (bending, torsion, tearing, pushing) for coin cells.
  • Annex F: best practices for KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN signage.

Applications and Who Uses This Standard

• Battery manufacturers: design validation, production type testing, product specification.
• ODM/OEMs and device designers: integrate safe primary lithium cells into consumer electronics, medical devices, toys and industrial equipment.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies: conduct the standardized test matrix and report conformity.
• Regulatory, safety and quality managers: demonstrate due diligence, labeling and packaging compliance (especially for coin cells).
• Importers, retailers and logistics providers: apply transport, storage and handling guidance to reduce risk and meet market requirements.

Practical uses include product safety assessment, compliance documentation, packaging design (child resistance), user instructions, and supplier quality agreements.

Related Standards (selected)

• IEC 60086‑1, IEC 60086‑2 (primary batteries general & specifications)
• IEC 60086‑5 (rechargeable batteries aspects)
• IEC 62133‑2, IEC 62281 (battery safety and transport)
• ISO 7010 (safety pictograms)

Keywords: EN IEC 60086-4:2019, lithium batteries, primary lithium batteries, battery safety, coin cell packaging, child resistant packaging, battery testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2019
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 60086-4:2015
Primarne baterije - 4. del: Varnostni standard za litijeve baterije (IEC 60086-4:2019)
Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries (IEC 60086-4:2019)
Primärbatterien - Teil 4: Sicherheit von Lithium-Batterien (IEC 60086-4:2019)
Piles électriques - Partie 4: Sécurité des piles au lithium (IEC 60086-4:2019)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60086-4:2019
ICS:
29.220.10 Primarni členi in baterije Primary cells and batteries
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60086-4

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
July 2019
ICS 29.220.10 Supersedes EN 60086-4:2015 and all of its amendments
and corrigenda (if any)
English Version
Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries
(IEC 60086-4:2019)
Piles électriques - Partie 4: Sécurité des piles au lithium Primärbatterien - Teil 4: Sicherheit von Lithium-Batterien
(IEC 60086-4:2019) (IEC 60086-4:2019)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2019-05-30. 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,
Turkey 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
© 2019 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60086-4:2019 E

European foreword
The text of document 35/1420/FDIS, future edition 5 of IEC 60086-4, prepared by IEC/TC 35 "Primary
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) 2020-02-28
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2022-05-30
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60086-4:2015 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.

Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60086-4:2019 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 standards
indicated:
IEC 60068-2-6:1995 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60068-2-6:1995 (not modified)
IEC 60068-2-27:1987 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60068-2-27:1987 (not modified)
IEC 60068-2-31:2008 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60068-2-31:2008 (not modified)
IEC 60086-5:2016 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60086-5:2016 (not modified)
IEC 62133-2 NOTE Harmonized as EN 62133-2
IEC 60617 (series) NOTE Harmonized as EN 60617 (series)
IEC 61960 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61960
IEC 62281 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 62281
ISO 7010 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 7010

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.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60086-1 -  Primary batteries - Part 1: General EN 60086-1 -
IEC 60086-2 -  Primary batteries - Part 2: Physical and electrical EN 60086-2 -
specifications
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

IEC 60086-4:2019  IEC 2019 – 3 –
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

IEC 60086-4:2019  IEC 2019 – 5 –
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
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 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.
IEC 60086-4:2019  IEC 2019 – 7 –
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")]
IEC 60086-4:2019  IEC 2019 – 9 –
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]

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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)]

IEC 60086-4:2019  IEC 2019 – 11 –
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;

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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.

IEC 60086-4:2019  IEC 2019 – 13 –
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.

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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.

IEC 60086-4:2019  IEC 2019 – 15 –
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.
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