Batteries for Power Tools: Safety Testing and Certification

For many years in the power tool and lawn and garden machinery industries, battery power has gained popularity over cord-connected and internal-combustion engines.

Battery technology — specifically, in lithium-ion batteries — has dominated the market. This saturation has resulted in a growing need for lightweight, compact and longer-running batteries with larger energy density, lower discharge rates and faster charging that can maintain energy density over repeated recharging.

At UL Solutions, we can evaluate your lithium-ion batteries and battery packs to safety and performance standards. We also test and certify the chargers that go with them.

Standards and deliverables

• UL 2595, the Standard for General Requirements for Battery-Powered Appliances
• IEC/UL 62841-1, the Standard for Electric Motor-Operated Hand-Held Tools, Transportable Tools and Lawn and Garden Machinery – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements (Annex K contains the battery tools and battery packs requirements)
• IEC/UL 60335-2-29, the Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2-29: Particular Requirements for Battery Chargers
• IEC/UL 62133-2, 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 2: Lithium Systems
• UN38.3, United Nations Manual of Tests and Standards for the Transport of Dangerous Goods

We test batteries under operating conditions such as abnormal discharge, short circuiting and overcharging. Some tests permit venting of cells, but fire and explosions are noncompliant results. The specific methods and procedures of each test may depend on the design and configuration of the battery pack.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

UL Solutions also offers EMC services for battery packs and chargers, providing a customized package to optimize testing capabilities. This enables manufacturers to identify and resolve EMC problems as early as possible, helping them avoid costly redesigns late in the development process thanks to a better understanding of how EMC and wireless standards may impact a product’s design and build.

Contact us to find out how we can help you solve your business challenges and bring your power tools and lawn and garden machinery to market as quickly as possible.