IEC 62620:2014

Overview

IEC 62620:2014 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the marking, testing, and performance requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes used in industrial applications. This standard covers lithium secondary cells and batteries primarily for industrial and stationary uses, such as telecom, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), electrical energy storage systems, and utility switching, as well as motive applications like fork-lift trucks, golf carts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), railway, and marine equipment-excluding road vehicles. IEC 62620 ensures consistency, safety, and reliability in the design and operation of industrial lithium batteries, supporting end users and manufacturers globally.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  IEC 62620 applies to secondary lithium cells and batteries designed for industrial applications. When conflicting with a specialized IEC standard (e.g., IEC 62660 series for road vehicles), the more specific standard prevails. The document addresses cells, entire batteries, and smaller units representing a whole battery, provided the manufacturer clearly declares the tested unit and its functions.

• Marking and Designation
  The standard details requirements for clear marking of cells and batteries to ensure traceability, safety information, capacity, and voltage specifications. It defines how cells and battery modules should be designated, including structured formulations for battery configurations.

• Electrical Testing
  IEC 62620 outlines comprehensive electrical tests to evaluate discharge performance at standard (+25 °C) and low temperatures, charge retention, internal resistance (both AC and DC), and endurance under cyclic use or constant voltage storage. These tests guarantee batteries meet minimum operational and safety standards required by industrial users.

• Type Testing and Approval
  The document specifies conditions for type testing, including sample size, testing sequences, dimensional requirements, and electrical performance assessments. This framework enables certification and quality control for manufacturers and regulatory bodies.

Applications

IEC 62620 batteries are designed for a wide range of industrial uses that demand high reliability, safety, and consistent energy delivery:

• Stationary Energy Storage
  Batteries compliant with IEC 62620 are widely used in telecom infrastructure, UPS systems, and electrical energy storage systems, providing backup power and grid stabilization.

• Motive Power Solutions
  Industrial motive applications such as fork-lift trucks, golf carts, AGVs, railway systems, and marine vessels benefit from the standard's requirements to ensure operational efficiency and safety in harsh or demanding environments.

• Emergency and Utility Power
  The standard supports use in emergency power supply systems and utility switching applications where dependable battery performance is critical.

Related Standards

• IEC 62660 Series – Lithium-ion cells and batteries for road vehicles, which take precedence over IEC 62620 when applicable.

• IEC 62133 – Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells and batteries, applicable to a broader range of nickel and lithium chemistry batteries.

• ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 – Guidelines for the preparation of international standards, under which IEC 62620 was drafted.

• IEC 61960 – Secondary lithium-ion cells and batteries for portable applications, complementary to industrial battery standards.

Practical Value

Adoption of IEC 62620:2014 enables manufacturers and end-users in industrial sectors to:

• Guarantee battery safety and compliance with internationally recognized test methods.
• Enhance product interoperability and global market acceptance.
• Facilitate reliable performance in critical industrial applications such as backup power and motive operations.
• Reduce risks related to battery failure through standardized endurance and electrical performance testing.
• Ensure accurate product information through mandated marking and designation conventions.

By adhering to IEC 62620, stakeholders can efficiently manage the design, testing, and deployment of industrial lithium secondary cells and batteries, driving innovation while maintaining high industry standards.