Overview
IEC 62133-2:2017/AMD1:2021 is an important amendment to the international standard IEC 62133-2:2017, which covers safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes, specifically focusing on lithium systems. This amendment integrates the corrigendum issued in December 2021 and revises key testing procedures and safety requirements to enhance the reliability and safety of lithium-based portable batteries.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) oversees this global standard, which facilitates international cooperation on battery safety, supporting manufacturers, regulators, and end-users in ensuring compliance and safe use of rechargeable lithium batteries in portable applications.
Key Topics
-
Safety Requirements: This amendment refines the testing methods for lithium secondary cells and batteries to prevent hazards such as fire, explosion, or leakage during use and charging. It emphasizes critical parameters like charging voltage, current limits, and temperature controls.
-
Charging Procedures: The standard defines specific procedures including stabilization time and charging at upper and lower temperature limits, ensuring batteries maintain safe operations under various ambient conditions.
-
Mechanical Safety Tests: It updates tests such as the crush test with precise force application parameters (13 kN ± 0.78 kN), ensuring cells withstand physical abuse without dangerous failure.
-
Over-Charging Protection: Specifies that battery overcharge protection circuits, if present, must effectively prevent fire or explosion, highlighting the importance of integrated battery management systems.
-
Forced Internal Short-Circuit Evaluation: Introduces revisited temperature conditions for evaluating internal short-circuit risks, crucial for maintaining battery integrity under fault conditions.
-
Component Standards Reference: Includes an informative annex referencing specific IEC standards for critical battery components like fuses, PTC devices, and thermal links, emphasizing component-level safety compliance.
Applications
IEC 62133-2:2017/AMD1:2021 is essential for manufacturers, designers, and testers involved in developing lithium-ion and other lithium-based rechargeable batteries used in:
- Consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearable devices
- Portable power tools and medical devices
- Electric bicycles and small portable electric vehicles
- Emergency backup and power bank systems
By adhering to this standard, manufacturers ensure their products meet international safety criteria, reducing liability risks and enhancing user safety across diverse geographic markets.
Related Standards
- IEC 62133-1: Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes – Part 1 covers nickel-based batteries.
- IEC 60086 series: International standard for primary batteries, which complements secondary cell safety standards.
- ISO/IEC Directives: Provide procedural frameworks for developing and maintaining standards like IEC 62133-2.
- Component-specific IEC standards such as:
Practical Value
Complying with IEC 62133-2:2017/AMD1:2021 mitigates safety risks associated with lithium battery usage in portable devices by:
- Ensuring reliable overcharge and short-circuit protection
- Standardizing rigorous mechanical abuse testing to prevent catastrophic failures
- Confirming battery operation across specified temperature ranges to guarantee consistent performance
This amendment supports safer product development cycles, easier access to international markets, and heightened consumer confidence in devices powered by lithium secondary batteries.
For the latest official and detailed information on IEC 62133-2:2017/AMD1:2021, visit the IEC Webstore or consult authorized IEC distributors.
Open preview (PDF)Amendment 1 - 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
