CB Certification for secondary cells and batteries: The Second Edition of IEC 62133 published

In December 2012, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published the IEC62133 Edition 2.0, “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”.

This second edition will replace the First Edition once the IECEE formally announces the adoption of the 2nd Edition.

Battery manufacturers should note the following significant technical changes compared with the previous edition:

• Update of assembly of cells into batteries (5.6): For more than one battery housed in a single battery case, each battery shall have an independent control and protection.

• Addition of design recommendations for lithium system only (5.6.2): While configuring single cell/cellblock or series-connected plural single cells/cellblocks, the upper limit of the charging voltage at the battery pack level shall be considered by the device designer.

• Separation of nickel systems requirements from lithium systems (Clause 7): Requirements for nickel cells and batteries have been separated out from those of lithium ion due to the increased differences between the requirements.

• Addition of specific requirements and tests for lithium systems including the addition of special charging criteria for tests and the inclusion of the forced internal short circuit test (Clause 8): An additional requirement is for cell manufacturers - they must now specify the operating region with regard to the upper limit on charge voltage and temperature for some tests. For transport tests, manufacturers can provide documentation to demonstrate compliance. The forced internal short circuit (cells) test is country specific, applicable only to France, Japan, Korea and Switzerland and is not required for polymer cells. For transport tests, manufacturers can provide documentation to demonstrate compliance.

• Manufacturers should provide document(s) demonstrating compliance to UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (8.3.8).

• Additional information regarding the need for analysis of systems and for information on safety should be provided to the end user (Clause 9).

• Addition of information for charging of secondary lithium-ion cells for safe use (normative Annex A): To ensure the safe use of lithium-ion secondary batteries, manufacturers who design and produce lithium-ion secondary cells or batteries shall strictly observe the requirements as specified on the upper limit regarding charging voltage/temperatures/current.

In addition, please note the following changes with regard to marking and packaging requirement:

• Update of packaging (11): Additional information regarding the need for proper packaging of batteries for transport.

• Update of cell marking (10.1): This requirement becomes mandatory, that is, marking is required for cell products.

Impacts to Customers

• Reduction of turnaround time: Most tests required in the Second Edition will take less than 7 days and therefore the turnaround time can be shortened significantly.

• Reduction of required samples and tests: Several tests are already covered in the UN 38.3 transportation tests and thus manufacturers only need to provide documents demonstrating compliance.

• Potentially decrease the possibility of non-compliance: The “Overcharge Test” (4.3.9 in 1st Edition) which is the most common cause for non-compliance is now removed.

Laurie Florence of UL to become project team leader for the 3rd edition of the standard

Any additional updates to the standard will be implemented in the 3rd edition. Laurie Florence, Principal Engineer for batteries at UL, will take over the responsibility as project team leader for IEC 62133 3rd edition replacing Dr. Wicelinski of Duracell who is now serving as chair of IEC SC21A.

UL's battery testing laboratories are accredited to conduct CB testing and grant certification to IEC 62133, in addition to UN transportation testing and various national schemes including PSE, KC marks and CTIA certification. Consolidating different testing and certification requirements increases your speed to market, as well as reducing test samples needed by up to 60%. For more information, visit UL's Battery Services pages (ul.com/batt) or e-mail us at batteries@ul.com.

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