Lithium Battery Testing

The safety issues surrounding primary (non-rechargeable) lithium and rechargeable lithium ion and lithium polymer cells and batteries means that they are classified as dangerous goods by the United Nations; therefore these cells and batteries have to comply with the Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations.

The regulations define a battery as a collection of cells which are electrically connected by permanent means. These battery packs are typically used to supply power to devices in consumer electronics, military, automotive (eg modern electrical road vehicles and Formula 1 'KERS' systems) and aerospace applications.

The UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-Section 38.3 (Lithium Batteries) specifies the environmental and electrical testing required for lithium cells and batteries which permits them to be transported without the need to seek Competent Authority Approval.

Smithers Pira provides the testing required on a rechargeable battery, primary (non-rechargeable) battery or battery assembly (eg Li-ion), either as standalone units or within equipment:

• Test T1: Altitude Simulation
• Test T2: Thermal Tests
• Test T3: Vibration
• Test T4: Shock
• Test T5: Short Circuit
• Test T7: Overcharge

Smithers Pira also performs the required package performance testing, as required by the UN Model Regulations on the transit cases for the battery assembly, as part of our overall Lithium battery testing service.