Standards for Lead-Acid Batteries

International quality and safety standards for lead-acid batteries

Battery safety testing and quality standards guarantee the reliability and safety of the batteries used in different applications like vehicles, grid storage, backup applications and UPS. Ensuring the safety of battery systems and applications  ensures proper and safe installation and operation of batteries while maintaining reliability of the system.

Different quality Tests for batteries

A wide range of tests are used to ensure the quality and safety  of the batteries which cover the following: 

• Performance testing
• Abuse testing
• Transport testing
• Battery life cycle testing
• Environmental tests: Which Mimic extreme environmental conditions the battery can be installed in or operated like (Overcharge / Over discharge, Nail penetration, Thermal stability, Short circuit, Drop test, Fire, Liquid Immersion, Gas analysis, Thermal shock, Temperature cycling  from -55°C to +140°C, Dust and Humidity testing and IP testing among other tests)
• Special environmental tests: Like exposure to harmful gases, exposure to chemicals and Salt water immersion testing

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What are the main battery standards?

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the main battery standardization body covering Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. In the Americas and the rest of the world, IEEE is the major publisher of battery standards.IEEE standards are among the main standards covering Lead-Acid batteriesMain IEEE Standards covering Lead-Acid batteries are:

1. IEEE 450 - “Recommended Practice for the Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid (VLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications”
2. IEEE 485 - “Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-acid Batteries for Stationary Applications”

• IEEE 1187 - “Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications”

1. IEEE 1188 - “Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications”
2. IEEE 1578 - “Recommended Practice for Stationary Battery Electrolyte Spill Containment and Management”
3. IEEE 1657 - “Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifications for Installation and Maintenance of Stationary Batteries”

 Safety Measures when handling Lead-Acid batteries

Lead acid batteries can cause serious injuries if not handled correctly. They can deliver an electric charge with a really high rate. Also the release of gases released during charging (mainly hydrogen and oxygen) – can lead to formation of an explosive environment.The acid materials used in the electrolyte of batteries are extremely corrosive and can cause harm to operators and cause substantial damage to assets and the environment as well.Main Risk control measures followed with Lead-Acid batteries shall cover the following:

• Safe handling and storage of batteries
• Working with Acid electrolyte
• Handling Electrolyte spill
• Safe charging of batteries
• Personnel Instruction and training
• Personal protective equipment