IEC 60623:2017

Overview

IEC 60623:2017 is the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard for vented nickel‑cadmium (Ni‑Cd) prismatic rechargeable single cells. It defines mandatory requirements for marking, designation, dimensions, tests and acceptance criteria for prismatic secondary cells using alkaline or other non‑acid electrolytes. This fifth edition (2017) is a technical revision that adds optional characterizations for extreme temperature performance, CCCV charging, rapid charge and high‑cycling designs. When a specific IEC standard for special applications conflicts with IEC 60623, the specific standard takes precedence.

Key Topics and Requirements

The standard covers practical and testable requirements that ensure performance, safety and interchangeability:

• Cell designation and marking: mandatory and optional marking details, terminal and lug identification, safety recommendations.
• Dimensions: standardized sizes and measurement tolerances for prismatic cells in steel and plastic containers to support mechanical interchangeability.
• Electrical tests:
  • Charging procedures for test purposes (constant current, constant voltage/CCCV and rapid charge where applicable).
  • Discharge performance at multiple temperatures (including +20 °C, +5 °C, −18 °C and optional very low/high temperature characterizations).
  • High‑rate current testing, charge retention and charge acceptance tests.
  • Endurance/cycle life and overcharge tests including optional high‑cycling characterization.
• Safety and reliability tests:
  • Vent plug operation verification.
  • Electrolyte retention (leakage) tests and physical appearance checks.
  • Storage and mechanical tests.
• Conformity and acceptance:
  • Type approval and batch acceptance procedures, recommended test sequences and acceptance criteria.

Applications and Who Uses It

IEC 60623 is used by professionals and organizations involved with Ni‑Cd prismatic cells:

• Battery manufacturers - for product design, production testing, marking and dimensional conformity.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform IEC‑compliant electrical, mechanical and safety tests for type approval and batch acceptance.
• Equipment designers and OEMs - to select compliant cells for industrial, medical, aerospace, railway and standby applications where vented Ni‑Cd prismatic cells are specified.
• Procurement/specification writers and regulators - to define technical requirements and ensure interoperability and safety.

Related Standards

• IEC 61434 (current designation method for test currents) - referenced in the standard for current designation methodology.
• IEC 60050‑482 - vocabulary references for primary and secondary cells.
  Note: consult any IEC standard specific to a special application where that standard may override IEC 60623 requirements.

Keywords: IEC 60623, vented nickel‑cadmium prismatic cells, Ni‑Cd standard, battery testing, prismatic rechargeable cells, CCCV charging, rapid charge, endurance testing.