Lithium-ion batteries are complex electrochemical and mechanical systems that are the subject of dozens of international safety standards. In this FAQ, we'll discuss the critical environmental aspects of LIB safety, review common safety standards for lithium-ion batteries, and consider the use of custom battery test chambers to keep testers safe.

Many LIBs are safety concerns because these devices are voltage and temperature sensitive, and the battery is specified to operate in a temperature range of -30 to 55°C.
At temperatures above 55°C (to about 80°C), the battery exhibits better rate capability due to faster electrochemical reactions and rapid ion migration of the electrolyte and electrodes. In this case, the side reactions become severe, resulting in rapid volume decay. At temperatures above 80°C, the battery begins to be damaged, and anything above 130°C can cause the components of the battery to melt and potentially cause a fire.

Low temperatures can cause poor battery performance and can cause damage, but they are generally not a safety hazard. However, overcharging (too high voltage) can lead to cathodic decomposition and oxidation of the electrolyte, which is a safety concern. Overdischarge (too low voltage) can cause the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the anode to decompose and may cause oxidation of the copper foil, further damaging the battery.

In addition to voltage and temperature-related operational and environmental issues, mechanical damage can lead to safety issues with the LIB. In light of these concerns, the security standards for LIBs are equally extensive.
The five common safety standards for lithium-ion batteries are:　　

1,IEC62133　　

IEC62133 is a safety test standard for lithium-ion batteries and batteries, and is a safety requirement for testing secondary batteries and batteries containing alkaline or non-acidic electrolytes. It is used to test LIBs used in portable electronics and other applications. IEC 62133 addresses chemical and electrical hazards and mechanical issues such as vibration and shock that can threaten consumers and the environment.　

2,UN/DOT38.3

UN/DOT38.3 (also known as T1-T8 testing and UN ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev. 5) covers all LIBs, lithium metal batteries, and transport safety testing of batteries. The test standard consists of eight tests (T1 – T8), all of which focus on specific transport hazards. UN/DOT 38.3 is a self-certification standard that does not require independent third-party testing, but the use of third-party testing laboratories is common to reduce the risk of litigation in the event of an accident.　　

3,IEC62619

IEC62619 covers the safety standards for secondary lithium batteries and battery packs, specifying the requirements for the safe application of LIBs in electronic and other industrial applications. The IEC 62619 standard test requirements apply to both stationary and power applications.
Stationary applications include telecommunications, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), electric energy storage systems, utility switches, emergency power supplies, and similar applications. Power applications include forklifts, golf carts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), railways, and ships – excluding road vehicles.

4,UL1642

UL1642 is the UL standard for the safety of lithium batteries, specifying the standard requirements for primary and secondary lithium batteries used as a power source in electronic products.UL1642 covers:

1.Technician-replaceable lithium batteries containing 5.0 grams (0.18 ounces) or less of metallic lithium. Batteries containing more than 5.0 grams of lithium will be judged on their compliance with the requirements (if applicable) and will be subject to additional tests and inspections to determine whether the battery can be used for its intended use.
2. User-replaceable lithium batteries, each electrochemical cell contains no more than 4.0 grams (0.13 ounces) of lithium metal, and no more than 1.0 grams (0.04 ounces) of lithium metal. Batteries over 4.0 grams or batteries over 1.0 grams of lithium require further inspection and testing to determine if the battery or battery can be used for its intended use.

5,UL2580x

UL2580x is the UL standard for electric vehicle battery safety and consists of several tests, including:

High-current battery short-circuit: Runs on a fully charged sample. The sample is shorted using a total circuit resistance of ≤ 20mΩ. Spark ignition detects the presence of flammable concentrations of gases in the sample and shows no signs of explosion or fire. In addition, steam is not vented to the outside through designated vents or systems. There will be no cracked housing or observable signs of electrolyte leakage. If the LIB is still operational after a short-circuit test, it will be charged and discharged in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Short-circuit tests can be performed on sub-assemblies rather than the entire energy storage assembly (EESA).　　

Battery Extrusion: Run on a fully charged sample and simulate the impact of a vehicle crash on EESA integrity. Like the short-circuit test, spark ignition detects the presence of a flammable concentration of gas within a sample and there are no signs of explosion or fire. No toxic gases are released.　　

Cell extrusion (vertical): Runs on a fully charged sample. The force applied in the extrusion test must be limited to 1000 times the weight of the battery. Like the crush test, spark ignition detects the presence of a flammable concentration of gas within the sample and there are no signs of explosion or fire. No toxic gases are released.