IEC60086–4:2019 Battery Certification Standard

In addition to general standards such as UN38.3, there are few standards specifically targeting primary lithium batteries. IEC/EN 60086-4 is the most commonly used standard for the safety and reliability of lithium batteries, ensuring their safety under both intended and misuse conditions.

Overview of IEC/EN 60086-4 Standard

The testing items in IEC/EN 60086-4 are similar to those in the IEC/EN 62133 standard but include additional tests for lithium primary batteries, such as the “Incorrect installation” test, which ensures that the battery does not explode or catch fire when installed in reverse.

Definition and Classification of Lithium Primary Batteries

1. Characteristics of Lithium Primary Batteries

Compared to dry batteries, alkaline batteries, and others, lithium primary batteries offer higher energy density, low self-discharge, and good sealing properties. However, due to their high energy density, their safety is lower than that of conventional batteries.

2. Classification of Lithium Primary Batteries

 - By Shape:

 - Button type, cylindrical type

 - By Material:

 - Lithium manganese, lithium thionyl chloride

 - By Structure:

 - Energy type, power type

Safety Issues with Button Batteries

In Australia, children have died after swallowing button batteries, with at least one child being injured every month from swallowing or inserting button batteries. There are many consumer products worldwide that contain button batteries, and children may come into contact with them through unsafe battery compartments or poorly made products.

Mandatory Standards

The mandatory standards include:

- Consumer goods (products containing button/coin batteries) safety standard 2020

- Consumer goods (button/coin battery) information standard 2020

These standards require warnings and information on packaging, complying with the lithium battery safety requirements of IEC60086-4:2019.

Standard Testing Items

The tests in IEC60086-4:2019 include:

1. Altitude simulation

2. Thermal shock

3. Vibration

4. Impact

5. External short circuit

6. Heavy object impact

7. Compression

8. Forced discharge

9. Abnormal charging

10. Free fall

11. Thermal abuse

12. Incorrect installation

13. Over-discharge

14. Labeling

Certification Cycle and Documentation Requirements

- Cycle: The certification cycle is 2 weeks.

- Documents:

1. Samples

2. Battery specification sheet

Important Notes

All consumer goods containing button or coin batteries must:

- Have clear warning labels

- Secure the batteries

- Not release the batteries under reasonable use or misuse conditions

The IEC60086-4:2019 standard imposes strict safety requirements for lithium primary batteries, especially with regard to tests for normal use and misuse. The new regulations strengthen packaging and safety warnings for button batteries, reducing the risk of children coming into contact with batteries.