IEC 60086-4:2019

Overview

IEC 60086-4:2019 - Primary batteries - Part 4: Safety of lithium batteries defines tests, requirements and information for the safe design, testing, marking and packaging of primary lithium (non‑rechargeable) batteries. The fifth edition (2019) updates the test criteria and adds new requirements (including child‑resistant packaging for coin cells and guidance on safety signage). The publication incorporates later corrigenda and an interpretation sheet.

This standard is focused on ensuring safe operation under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. It applies primarily to standardized primary lithium batteries (see IEC 60086‑2) and may be used as guidance for non‑standardized cells. IEC notes that conformity with the standard does not guarantee fitness for any particular user purpose.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Type testing and sampling: procedures and validity of testing (new subclause 5.1).
• Safety test matrix: tests for intended use (altitude, thermal cycling, vibration, shock) and for reasonably foreseeable misuse (external short‑circuit, impact, crush, forced discharge/overdischarge, abnormal charging, free fall, thermal abuse, incorrect installation).
• Failure modes and evaluation criteria: assessment of leakage, venting, fire, rupture, excessive temperature rise and revised criteria for explosion.
• Specific tests: addition of overdischarge test parameters for battery types FR14505 and FR10G445.
• Marking and packaging: labelling, safety pictograms (revised pictogram E), display/storage/transport guidance, and child‑safety requirements for swallowable coin cells.
• Annexes:
  • Annex E (normative): requirements and test procedures for child‑resistant packaging of coin cells.
  • Annex F (informative): recommendations on using the KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN safety sign and related marking guidance.
• Information for designers and users: guidance on charge protection, parallel connection, handling, transport and disposal.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Battery manufacturers: to design and type‑test primary lithium cells for safety compliance.
• Product designers and OEMs: to select and integrate safe battery cells in consumer and industrial equipment.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies: to perform standardized safety tests and report results.
• Retailers and packagers: to implement required child‑resistant packaging and consumer safety labels for coin cells.
• Regulatory and safety engineers: to reference test criteria for risk assessments, transport/storage guidance and user instructions.

Related standards

• IEC 60086‑2 (standardized primary battery sizes and dimensions) - batteries standardized there are expected to meet IEC 60086‑4 safety requirements.
• National and transport regulations for hazardous goods may also apply for shipping lithium batteries.

Keywords: IEC 60086-4:2019, primary lithium batteries, safety of lithium batteries, battery safety standard, coin cells, child resistant packaging, overdischarge test, safety pictograms.