From the right framework to the test report
Batteries Prod supports your battery project by defining requirements, preparing prototypes, coordinating tests and assembling the validation file. The applicable framework depends on the product, its use, target market, transport conditions and operating environment.
Start with the application, not the logo
A single project may be subject to several requirements. Four questions establish an initial direction before the applicable texts and test protocol are reviewed with the relevant parties.
- Framework to reviewIEC 62133-2
Product and use
The battery's function, whether it is portable or installed, its architecture and its operating conditions guide the safety requirements.
- Framework to reviewECE R100
Road-vehicle integration
For a battery installed in an electric road vehicle, the vehicle, system architecture and approval route guide the assessment of ECE R100.
- Framework to reviewUN38.3
Transport
Moving lithium cells and batteries means planning for UN38.3 qualification and the documents expected across the logistics chain.
- Framework to reviewIP65–IP67
Environment
Exposure to dust, splashes, water and integration constraints helps determine the target IP rating.
IEC 62133-2:2017 — safety in use
IEC 62133-2:2017 sets out safety requirements and tests for portable secondary lithium-ion cells and batteries. It provides a structured basis for assessing product behaviour under the conditions defined by the test protocol.
What this framework assesses
The behaviour of rechargeable lithium cells and batteries during intended use and under specified reasonably foreseeable misuse conditions.
What the assessment helps document
- Assess the battery's safety characteristics for its user.
- Identify potential hazards and the controls associated with them.
- Surface design or quality issues before final qualification.
- Build a documented test file that supports product qualification and differentiation.
View the IEC 62133-2 tests presented
Temperature test
The sample's behaviour is observed under the temperature conditions specified by the protocol.
External short circuit
The test assesses how the sample responds when subjected to an external short circuit.
Vibration
The sample is subjected to specified vibration conditions to assess its mechanical and electrical behaviour.
Overcharge
Battery behaviour is assessed under controlled overcharge conditions.
Mechanical shock
The test checks how the sample withstands the specified mechanical shocks.
Free fall
The sample is inspected after the free falls specified by the protocol.
UN38.3 — fitness for transport
Lithium cells and batteries are classified as dangerous goods by the United Nations and are subject to specific transport rules. A UN38.3 test report is often required when arranging transport, particularly across international supply chains.
What this framework assesses
The ability of lithium cells and batteries to withstand a sequence of conditions representative of those encountered during transport.
UN38.3 addresses transport. It does not replace product safety or market approval requirements associated with how the battery will be used.
View the eight UN38.3 tests
T1
Altitude simulation
The test reproduces low-pressure conditions that may be encountered during air transport.
T2
Thermal test
The sample is subjected to rapid, extreme temperature changes in accordance with the protocol.
T3
Vibration
The test simulates vibration the sample may experience during transport.
T4
Shock
The sample is subjected to shocks representative of handling and transport conditions.
T5
External short circuit
The sample's response is assessed under controlled external short-circuit conditions.
T6
Impact or crush
Depending on the sample type, the specified impact or crush conditions are applied.
T7
Overcharge
The test assesses how a rechargeable battery responds when subjected to overcharge.
T8
Forced discharge
The test checks a cell's ability to withstand forced-discharge conditions.
ECE R100 Rev.3 — road vehicle approval
ECE R100 Rev.3 is one of the main European approval requirements for electric road vehicles. Its safety tests subject the rechargeable electrical energy storage system to defined conditions in order to assess its resistance and protective measures.
What this framework assesses
The safety of the rechargeable electrical energy storage system installed in a road vehicle that falls within the regulation's scope.
The applicable requirements and approval route depend on the vehicle, battery integration and target market.
View the ECE R100 tests presented
- 9A
Vibration
Assessment of the system under the specified vibration conditions.
- 9B
Thermal shock and cycling
Assessment of behaviour during defined temperature changes and cycles.
- 9C
Mechanical shock
The system's resistance to a specified mechanical shock is checked.
- 9D
Mechanical integrity
The system's integrity is assessed under the specified mechanical load.
- 9E
Fire resistance
System behaviour is observed under the defined fire-exposure conditions.
- 9F
External short circuit
Protective measures are assessed under external short-circuit conditions.
- 9G
Overcharge
Protective measures against overcharge are assessed.
- 9H
Over-discharge
Protective measures against over-discharge are assessed.
- 9I
Over-temperature
Protective measures under over-temperature conditions are assessed.
- 9J
Overcurrent
Overcurrent protection is assessed.
IP65 to IP67 — protecting the enclosure
An IP, or Ingress Protection, rating describes the protection provided by the battery enclosure against solids and liquids. It translates the operating environment into a design and test objective.
What this rating assesses
Enclosure protection against dust, debris, water jets or immersion, according to the target rating and its associated test conditions.
- First digit — solid objects
- A scale from 0 to 6 identifies the level of protection against the ingress of solid objects.
- Second digit — liquids
- The second digit identifies the level of protection against liquid ingress under the associated test conditions.
Several design approaches can target IP65 to IP67. The appropriate level and battery design depend on the requirement, the project and its integration.
Reading the water-protection levels
- IPX5Water jets
- Enclosure protection is assessed against water jets under the conditions defined by the test protocol.
- IPX6Powerful water jets
- Enclosure protection is assessed against more powerful water jets under the conditions defined by the test protocol.
- IPX7Temporary immersion
- Enclosure protection is assessed during temporary immersion under the conditions defined by the test protocol.
Here, X indicates that only the second digit — protection against liquids — is illustrated. The complete rating is defined for the product and its operating environment.
A validation path prepared from the outset
Certification is more than passing a test. Batteries Prod helps define the requirement, prepare the product and make the necessary information available at the right stage.
Formal testing and decisions remain the responsibility of the competent laboratories, bodies and authorities for each project.
Frame the application
Clarify the use, integration, environment, target markets and transport constraints.
Define the scope
Identify the frameworks to review, the required samples and the information expected for the test campaign.
Prepare the prototype
Incorporate the identified constraints into the design and assemble the technical information needed for testing.
Coordinate testing
Organise the campaign with the relevant parties and follow up on observations made about the samples.
Consolidate the file
Bring together available reports and documents, then address any design changes before the project moves forward.
Questions to resolve before testing
Practical guidance to distinguish the frameworks and begin the project with the right information.
Which standard applies to my battery?
It depends on the product, its use, destination market, integration, environment and transport conditions. Several frameworks may apply to the same project, so the assessment begins with these parameters.
Does UN38.3 replace a product safety standard?
No. UN38.3 addresses the fitness of lithium cells and batteries for transport. Product safety or approval requirements, such as IEC 62133-2 or ECE R100 where applicable, serve a different purpose.
Can several frameworks apply to one project?
Yes. A battery may be subject to requirements connected with its use, transport, target market and environment. The exact combination is defined for each project.
Is an IP65, IP66 or IP67 rating automatic?
No. The target rating must match the operating environment, be addressed in the enclosure design and then be verified under the corresponding test conditions.
When should validation planning begin?
As early as possible while defining the product. Identifying requirements before the architecture is frozen makes it possible to account for test, sampling and documentation constraints during development.
Does support guarantee that certification will be obtained?
No. Batteries Prod supports requirements definition, preparation, coordination and documentation. The outcome depends on the product, the samples, the tests performed and the assessment made by the competent body or authority.
Build the right test path
Tell us about the application, target market, transport conditions and operating environment. We can review the project's initial constraints and define the most useful next step.
An initial discussion helps clarify the requirement before a test programme is commissioned.