IEC 63056:2020

Overview

IEC 63056:2020 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that sets forth safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries used in electrical energy storage systems. Targeting systems with a nominal maximum DC voltage of up to 1500 V, this standard aims to ensure product safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance across various applications integrating lithium batteries within energy storage infrastructures.

As an important complement to the umbrella standard IEC 62619-which covers industrial secondary lithium cells and batteries-IEC 63056 addresses specific safety considerations applicable to electrical energy storage systems (EESS). This includes protections, testing, and design requirements tailored to energy storage environments ranging from small residential units to large-scale grid-connected systems.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  IEC 63056 focuses on secondary lithium cells and batteries used in energy storage systems such as:

  • Telecommunications backup systems
  • Central emergency lighting and alarm systems
  • Stationary engine starting batteries
  • Photovoltaic (solar) energy storage systems
  • Home (residential) energy storage systems (HESS)
  • Large on-grid and off-grid energy storage solutions
  • Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) operating over 500 Wh
    The standard excludes portable battery systems 500 Wh or below, which fall under IEC 61960-3.

• Safety Requirements and Tests
  The document defines a comprehensive suite of tests and safety criteria including:

  • Resistance to abnormal heat conditions to mitigate fire and thermal runaway risks
  • Electrical insulation and wiring safeguards during transport and installation
  • Overdischarge control and reverse polarity protections
  • Short circuit protection to prevent electrical faults
  • Mechanical durability verified by drop tests (corner, edge, and whole drop) evaluating battery robustness during handling

• Marking, Information, and Documentation
  Clear guidance on battery system marking and necessary safety information ensures end users, installers, and maintenance personnel can operate and manage energy storage systems safely and effectively.

• Normative References
  IEC 63056 references important documents such as IEC 62619, IEC 62620, IEC 60695 (fire hazard testing), and ISO/IEC Guide 51 on safety aspects to maintain harmonized requirements.

Applications

IEC 63056 plays a critical role in enhancing safety and performance of lithium-ion battery-based energy storage installations across multiple sectors:

• Telecommunications: Ensures backup power batteries maintain safety in critical communication infrastructure, especially during emergencies and outages.
• Emergency Lighting and Alarm Systems: Supports dependable operation of lighting and alarm systems vital for occupant safety in buildings.
• Stationary Engine Starting: Provides safety boundaries for batteries used to start stationary engines in industrial or utility applications.
• Photovoltaic Energy Storage: Facilitates safe integration of lithium batteries in solar power systems, allowing efficient energy capture and reliable supply even when sunlight is unavailable.
• Residential Energy Storage (HESS): Helps homeowners adopt energy storage systems with reduced risks, supporting renewable energy use and grid independence.
• Grid-Scale Energy Storage: Offers safety requirements for large-scale battery systems used for grid balancing, load leveling, and renewable energy integration.
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): Establishes protections for UPS battery banks critical for power continuity in commercial and industrial settings.

By complying with IEC 63056, manufacturers, system integrators, and operators can ensure battery safety, reduce liability risks, and meet regulatory expectations while contributing to sustainable energy goals.

Related Standards

IEC 63056 works in harmony with the following key standards to form a comprehensive safety framework for lithium secondary cells and batteries:

• IEC 62619 - Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries in various industrial applications; IEC 63056 builds on and specifies additional requirements for energy storage scenarios.
• IEC 62620 - Secondary lithium cells and batteries specifically designed for industrial use, providing performance and safety criteria.
• IEC 61960-3 - Safety and performance requirements for portable lithium batteries below 500 Wh, excluded from IEC 63056’s scope.
• IEC 60695 Series - Fire hazard testing procedures that support battery safety validation through abnormal heat and flame exposure tests.
• ISO/IEC Guide 51 - Safety aspects guidelines for standard development, underpinning IEC 63056’s risk-based approach.
• IEC 60050-482 - Electrotechnical vocabulary providing standardized terms crucial for consistent interpretation of battery safety specifications.

Together, these standards foster a harmonized approach to secondary lithium battery safety worldwide, facilitating trade and innovation in electrical energy storage systems.

Keywords

IEC 63056:2020, lithium battery safety, electrical energy storage system, secondary lithium cells, battery safety testing, photovoltaic energy storage safety, residential energy storage system standards, uninterruptible power supply batteries, lithium battery protective measures, IEC battery standards.