Battery Power Online | Energy Assurance

Battery Safety Standards Update: IEC 62133 Undergoes Major Changes

Editorial Staff May 10, 2018

Commentary Contributed by John C. Copeland, Co-Owner and Technical Manager, Energy Assurance LLC

The IEC 62133 family of standards has enabled international harmonization of safety testing for small-format cells and batteries since its initial release in 2002 followed by a major revision in 2012. Recognizing the substantial shifts in the rechargeable battery market from nickel to lithium chemistries, the standard underwent its most dramatic change in 2017. This article will familiarize the reader with those latest changes and their impact on attaining cell and battery pack compliance. Read more about Battery Safety Standards Update: IEC 62133 Undergoes Major Changes …

Li-Ion Battery Shipping, Regulations and Refurbishment

Editorial Staff April 24, 2018

Shannon Given, Editor, Battery Power Online

April 24, 2018 | At the 35^th International Battery Seminar last month there were presentations of new battery technologies, exploration of battery chemistries, and assessments of the battery market. But everything wasn’t focused on the new. Attendees and speakers also dug into what to do with the old. Read more about Li-Ion Battery Shipping, Regulations and Refurbishment …

Lithium Ion Batteries: Exposing Safety Risks Via Testing on a Budget

Josh Johnson May 24, 2017

Contributed commentary by John C. Copeland, VP/COO, Energy Assurance LLC

As a commercial test lab specializing in regulatory and performance testing of rechargeable lithium batteries, we assist a wide variety of clients spanning all aspects of the electronics industry. Many come from highly-regulated product types that typically have well established requirements for safety, quality, and reliability. They also tend to have the engineering and compliance resources to support these requirements, and as such, command a corresponding price premium. In short, they inherently understand the value of testing favoring a more proactive approach. Read more about Lithium Ion Batteries: Exposing Safety Risks Via Testing on a Budget …

Second Edition of IEC 62133: The Standard for Secondary Cells and Batteries Containing Alkaline or Other Non-Acid Electrolytes is in its Final Review Cycle

Josh Johnson July 10, 2012

A Review of America’s First Step Towards the Harmonization of Portable Battery Standards: UL 62133

Josh Johnson October 14, 2015

John C. Copeland, VP/COO • Energy Assurance LLC

Although not widely publicized, Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) released a new battery standard applicable to rechargeable lithium cells and battery packs in early January 2015. This standard, UL 62133 (Revision 1), takes its place among other country-specific versions of the IEC 62133 international standard which has been in active use for global battery approvals for many years. Why is this important? After all, do we really need another battery standard? As it turns out the answer is a definite “Yes” and is driven by a single concept – Harmonization. Read more about A Review of America’s First Step Towards the Harmonization of Portable Battery Standards: UL 62133 …

Achieving Compliance to Small Format Battery Pack Standards

Josh Johnson September 11, 2014

John C. Copeland, VP/COO, Energy Assurance LLC

From my days as a young Marine Corps Officer, it was stressed that “Safety is Paramount”. The same is very much the case when it comes to the design of small-format secondary lithium battery packs. Failure in this regard risks personal injury and property damage, not to mention significant losses associated with negative publicity for those deemed responsible in the court of public opinion. Read more about Achieving Compliance to Small Format Battery Pack Standards …