Lithium Ion Battery Testing and Certification

Lithium Ion Battery Testing

Lithium ion battery testing involves a series of procedures and tests conducted to evaluate the performance, safety, and lifespan of lithium ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries are widely used in a variety of applications, including consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage systems.

Battery testing typically involves the use of specialized equipment and software to simulate real-world conditions and measure various parameters such as capacity, voltage, temperature, and resistance. The tests may be performed on individual cells, modules, or complete battery packs.

Lithium Ion Safety and Certification Testing

Lithium ion batteries are widely used in various applications due to their high energy density and long cycle life. However, safety is a critical concern with these batteries, as they have the potential to overheat, catch fire, or even explode under certain conditions. To ensure the safety of lithium ion batteries, various safety standards and certifications have been developed. These standards and certifications provide guidelines and requirements for the design, testing, and use of lithium ion batteries, as well as for their transportation and disposal.

Some of the most widely recognized safety standards and certifications for lithium ion batteries include:

1. UN 38.3 - This standard is for the transportation of lithium ion batteries. It specifies the testing requirements for the safe transportation of lithium ion batteries, including the need for a vibration, shock, and thermal test.
2. IEC 62133 - This standard sets the safety requirements for secondary (rechargeable) lithium ion batteries for use in portable applications.
3. UL 1642 and UL 2054 - These standards are for the safety of lithium ion batteries. UL 1642 specifies the requirements for the safety of lithium ion cells, while UL 2054 covers the safety of lithium ion battery packs.
4. CE Marking - This certification indicates compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards. Lithium ion batteries sold in the EU must bear the CE marking.
5. RoHS - This is the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, a regulation that restricts the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. Lithium ion batteries sold in the EU must comply with RoHS.

Intertek Solutions for Lithium Ion Batteries

The use of lithium ion batteries offers distinct advantages over conventional battery types, however in order to mitigate the risks associated with Li-ion batteries, Intertek offers testing and validation of lithium ion batteries, and lithium ion powered devices.

Standard UN 38.3: Transportation Testing for Lithium Batteries and Cells

All lithium ion batteries are required to undergo testing to UN 38.3 prior to shipping. These test subject batteries and cells to conditions they would experience during shipping and handling, including extreme temperature conditions, shock, impact and short circuit testing to ensure the stability of batteries and cells.

Techniques & Methods of Li-Ion Battery Failure Analysis Webinar Recording

Battery Charger Electrical Safety Testing

Battery charger testing takes into account the risks and safety hazards associated with ac powered devices which contain lithium ion batteries. This includes testing the potential for overheating and electric shock from the device. Testing includes IEC/EN 60950-1, IEC/EN 60335-2-29, UL 1310, UL 1012, UL 2575, UL 60950-1, CSA 22.2 #107.2, CSA 22.2#223, CSA E60335-2-29 and CSA 60950-1

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing

EMC testing works to ensure that any devices which contain lithium ion batteries will not malfunction due to a high level of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and that the devices themselves will not create EMI, causing nearby devices to malfunction. Testing includes to North America: FCC 47CFR Part 15; ICES-003 and to EU: EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.

*Changes once voted and approved may be implemented prior to final release – consult with Intertek on the latest updates on UL 2272.