IEC 62133-2:2017

Overview

IEC 62133-2:2017 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that sets safety requirements and testing procedures for portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. This part-Part 2-focuses specifically on lithium systems used in portable applications. It is a technical revision of the earlier IEC 62133:2012 edition, incorporating key updates and separating nickel systems into Part 1.

The standard applies to portable secondary lithium cells and batteries, defining safety criteria for their design, assembly, operation, and testing to ensure safe use under both intended applications and reasonably foreseeable misuse. IEC 62133-2:2017 helps manufacturers and designers comply with internationally recognized safety benchmarks, reducing risks such as overheating, short circuits, or mechanical failures.

Key Topics

• Scope and Definitions: Clarifies the types of lithium secondary cells and batteries covered, including coin cells and cylindrical/ prismatic formats, along with key terminology.

• General Safety Considerations: Guidance on insulation, wiring, venting, temperature control, terminal contacts, and mechanical protection to ensure battery safety.

• Assembly Requirements: Detailed recommendations for assembling cells into batteries, including mechanical and electrical protections and quality planning.

• Testing Procedures:

  • Charging and discharging protocols to assess safety.
  • Mechanical tests such as vibration, shock, free fall, and crush resistance.
  • Electrical abuse tests including external short-circuit, forced discharge, and overcharging scenarios.
  • Forced internal short-circuit tests to simulate worst-case safety hazards.

• Marking and Information: Requirements for marking cells and batteries to convey safety information, warnings about ingestion hazards of small cells, and packaging instructions.

• Safety Information for Users and Manufacturers: Includes recommendations for equipment manufacturers, battery assemblers, and end-users.

• Annexes: Additional normative and informative content including measurement methods, packaging guidelines, and references to component standards.

Applications

IEC 62133-2:2017 is essential for manufacturers and suppliers involved in:

• Design and production of lithium-ion and other lithium secondary batteries used in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, wearable devices, cordless tools, and medical equipment.

• Battery assembly processes to ensure components meet mechanical and electrical safety standards.

• Quality assurance and certification bodies requiring compliance certification of portable lithium batteries for global markets.

• Testing laboratories performing safety and performance assessments following standardized procedures.

By adhering to this standard, stakeholders enhance the safety and reliability of lithium secondary batteries, reducing risks such as fire, explosion, and toxic leakage during use and transport.

Related Standards

• IEC 62133-1: Safety requirements for nickel-based portable sealed secondary cells and batteries (nickel systems separated into Part 1).

• IEC 61960: Secondary lithium-ion cells and batteries for portable applications - Tests and required properties.

• IEC TR 62914: Technical report referenced within IEC 62133-2's bibliography, providing additional guidelines on lithium battery safety.

• UN/DOT Transportation Regulations: Guidelines related to transport and packaging of lithium batteries, often applied alongside IEC 62133-2 for shipment safety compliance.

• ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for testing and calibration laboratories performing the standard’s safety tests.

This standard is critical for ensuring portable lithium battery safety and harmonizing safety requirements across international markets. Complying with IEC 62133-2:2017 supports manufacturers in delivering reliable, durable, and safe battery products aligned to global safety best practices.