EN IEC 62133 Secondary Cells and Batteries Containing Alkaline or Other Non-Acid Electrolytes - Safety Requirements for Portable Sealed Secondary Cells and Batteries Made from Them for Use in Portable Applications

The standard “EN IEC 62133 Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells and batteries made from them for use in portable applications”, which is based on a European standard and later published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), consists of subsections published under the same title. Namely,

• The standard “EN IEC 62133-1 Part 1: Nickel systems” describes the requirements and test methods for the safe operation of portable sealed secondary nickel cells and batteries containing alkaline electrolyte under conditions of intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse.

Nickel batteries are rechargeable batteries used in a variety of applications including portable electronics, electric and hybrid vehicles, aerospace, and stationary energy storage. They operate over a wide temperature range, have a flat discharge curve, and are available in sizes ranging from small button cells to propulsion cells. Nickel batteries are physically and electrically robust and can withstand abuse, including overcharging and overdischarging.

Automakers favor lithium-ion batteries because of their high energy density and voltage capacity, as well as their light weight. These packs also tend to hold a charge better than nickel-metal hydride units and have a longer lifespan.

The nickel-metal hydride battery system is an energy storage system based on electrochemical charge/discharge reactions occurring between the positive electrode (cathode) containing nickel oxide-hydroxide as the active material and the negative electrode (anode) consisting of a hydrogen absorbing alloy.

Nickel batteries are a durable, robust and functional battery type that provides power in many areas from small handheld devices to aircraft starter motors and are distinguished by their long working life. Today, as electric vehicles become widespread, these batteries are used for the purpose of powering vehicles. However, in recent years, lithium-based batteries have come to the forefront, offering the advantages of low cost and high efficiency.

• The standard “EN IEC 62133-2 Part 2: Lithium systems” describes the requirements and test methods for the safe operation of portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries containing non-acid electrolytes under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse.

A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses the reversible addition of lithium ions to electronically conductive solids to store energy. Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. When this energy is released uncontrollably, it generates heat, which can turn certain internal battery components into flammable and toxic gases.

These batteries are increasingly found in devices and systems that the public and first responders use or interact with on a daily basis. While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, they are more likely to overheat, catch fire, or even explode if damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored.

Lithium batteries operate by lithium ions moving back and forth between positive and negative battery electrodes, which are usually made of lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese oxide, or lithium cobalt oxide. During charging, lithium ions move from the positive electrode (i.e. cathode) to the negative electrode (i.e. anode). During discharge, the ions move back from the anode to the cathode. The repeated movement of the ions produces electrical energy that can power electronic devices.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in many personal electronic devices today, such as tablets, laptops, cell phones and electric vehicles.

In general, the EN IEC 62133 standard covers several test procedures. These tests include:

• Short circuit test: The battery terminals are connected to a short circuit to evaluate its safety.
• Overcharge test: The battery is charged above the specified limits.
• Over-discharge test: The battery is completely discharged.
• Drop test: The battery is dropped from a specified height to test its durability.
• Environmental tests: Battery performance is tested under environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies carried out in a wide range for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services are also provided to businesses in accordance with the standard “EN IEC 62133 Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Safety requirements for portable closed secondary cells and batteries made from them for use in portable applications”.