National and international standards organisations were set up to facilitate trade by encouraging greater product interoperability and compatibility as well as setting standards for acceptable product safety, quality and reliability.
Below are listed some of the most common standards applicable to battery applications and some of the organisations who issue them and or carry out quality assurance and conformance testing. In Europe, European standards are gradually being adopted in replacement of the previous national standards.
Copies of the relevant standards can be obtained directly from the issuing organisations or from public libraries.
Abbreviation |
Name |
AENOR |
Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación (Spain) |
ANSI |
American National Standards Institute sponsored by NEMA |
AS |
Australian Standard |
ASE |
Association Suisse des Electriciens (Swiss) |
ASQC |
American Society for Quality Control |
ASTM |
American Society for Testing and Materials |
ATEX |
Explosive Atmospheres (Safety directive) |
BCI |
Battery Council International (Publishes Automotive Battery Standards) |
BS |
British Standards |
CARB |
California Air Resources Board (Automotive Emission Standards) |
CE |
Conformance with EU directives |
CEN |
European Committee for Normalisation (Standards Committee) |
CENELEC |
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation |
CISPA |
International Special Committee on Radio Interference |
CODATA |
Committee on Data for Science and Technology (Committee of ICSU) |
CSA |
Canadian Standards Association |
DEF |
Defence Standards (UK) |
DEMKO |
Danmarks Electriske Materielkontrol (Denmark) |
DIN |
Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardisation) |
ECE |
Economic Commission for Europe regulations. |
EIA |
Electronics Industry Association (USA) |
EN |
European Norms (Standards) |
FCC |
Federal Communications Commission (USA) |
FIMKO |
Finnish Electrical Inspectorate |
FIPA |
Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents (Interoperability standards) |
GB |
Guo Biao = National Standard (People's Republic of China) |
HSE |
Health & Safety Executive (UK) |
ICSU |
International Council for Science |
IEC |
International Electrotechnical Commission |
IEE |
Institution of Electrical Engineers (UK) |
IEEE |
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (USA) |
IMQ |
Instituto Italiano del Marchio de Qualitá |
IP |
Ingress Protection |
ISO |
International Standards Organisation |
ITU |
International Telecommunications Union |
JIS |
Japanese Industrial Standard |
KEMA |
Keuring van Elektrotechnishe Materialen (Netherlands) |
KIST |
Korean Institute of Standards and Technology |
MIL |
Military Standards (USA) |
MISRA |
Motor Industry Software Reliability Association (UK) |
MVEG |
Motor Vehicle Emission Group (EU Emission standards) |
NAMAS |
National Measurement Accreditation Service (UK Calibration) |
NEMA |
National Electric Manufacturers Association (USA) |
NEMKO |
Norges Electriske Materiellkontroll (Norway) |
NF |
Norme Française (France) |
NFPA |
National Fire Protection Association (USA) |
NIJ |
National Institute of Justice (USA) |
OSHA |
US Department of Labor - Occupational Safety & Health Administration |
OVE |
Osterreichischer Verband für Elektrotechnik (Austria) |
PowerNet |
Automotive 42 Volt Battery Standard |
RESNA |
Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America |
SAE |
Society of Automotive Engineers (USA) |
SEMKO |
Svenska Elektriska Materielcontrollanstalten (Sweden) |
SEV |
Schweitzerischer Elektrotechnische Verein (Swiss) |
STANAG |
NATO Standards Agreements |
STRD |
DTI Standards and Technical Regulations Directorate (UK) |
TIA |
Telecommunications Industry Association (USA) |
TR |
Technical Report (Used by IEC) |
TÜV |
TÜV Rheinland Group (TUV - Technical Inspection Asssociation) |
UKAS |
UK Accreditation Service (Assessment of test services)/(Calibration) |
UL |
Underwriters Laboratories Requirements (USA) |
USABC |
United States Advanced Battery Consortium |
USNEC |
United States National Electrical Code |
UTE |
Union Technique de l'Electriciteé (France) |
VDE |
Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (Germany) |
Standard Number |
Title |
BS 2G 239:1992 |
Specification for primary active lithium batteries for use in aircraft |
BS EN 60086-4:2000, IEC 60086-4:2000 |
Primary batteries. Safety standard for lithium batteries |
BS EN 61960-1:2001, IEC 61960-1:2000 |
Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications. Secondary lithium cells |
BS EN 61960-2:2002, IEC 61960-2:2001 |
Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications. Secondary lithium batteries |
02/208497 DC |
IEC 61960. Ed.1. Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications |
02/209100 DC |
IEC 62281. Ed.1. Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport |
BS G 239:1987 |
Specification for primary active lithium batteries for use in aircraft |
BS EN 60086-4:1996, IEC 60086-4:1996 |
Primary batteries. Safety standard for lithium batteries |
UL 1642 |
Safety of Lithium-Ion Batteries - Testing |
GB /T18287-2000 |
Chinese National Standard for Lithium Ion batteries for mobile phones |
ST/SG/AC.10/27/
Add.2 |
United Nations recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods |
Standard Number |
Title |
BS EN 61436:1998, IEC 61436:1998 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Sealed nickel-metal hydride rechargeable single cells |
BS EN 61808:2001, IEC 61808:1999 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Sealed nickel-metal hydride button rechargeable single cells |
BS EN 61951-2:2001, IEC 61951-2:2001 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Portable sealed rechargeable single cells. Nickel-metal hydride |
BS EN 61951-2:2003 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Portable sealed rechargeable single cells. Nickel-metal hydride |
96/216533 DC |
IEC 1808. Sealed nickel-metal hydride button rechargeable single cells (IEC Document 21A/207/CD) |
97/204158 DC |
IEC 1441. Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. User-replaceable batteries containing more than one sealed nickel-metal hydride rechargeable cell for consumer electronic applications (21A/212/CD) |
00/246138 DC |
BS EN 61436 Ed 2. Sealed nickel-metal hydride rechargeable single cells (IEC Document 21A/303/CD) |
GB/T18288-2000 |
Chinese National Standard for Nickel Metal Hydride batteries for mobile phones |
Standard Number |
Title |
BS EN 1175-1:1998 |
Safety of industrial trucks. Electrical requirements. General requirements for battery powered trucks |
BS EN 2570:1996 |
Nickel-cadmium batteries. Technical specification |
BS EN 2985:1996 |
Nickel-cadmium batteries of format A type |
BS EN 2986:1996 |
Nickel-cadmium batteries of format B type |
BS EN 2987:1996 |
Nickel-cadmium batteries of format C type |
BS EN 2988:1996 |
Nickel-cadmium batteries of format D type |
BS EN 2991:1996 |
Nickel-cadmium batteries of format E type |
BS EN 2993:1996 |
Nickel-cadmium batteries of format F type |
BS EN 60285:1995, IEC 60285:1993 |
Alkaline secondary cells and batteries. Sealed nickel-cadmium cylindrical rechargeable single cells |
BS EN 60622:1996 |
Sealed nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells |
BS EN 60622:2003 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Sealed nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells |
BS EN 60623:1996, IEC 60623:1990 |
Vented nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells |
BS EN 60623:2001, IEC 60623:2001 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Vented nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells |
BS EN 60993:2002 |
Electrolyte for vented nickel-cadmium cells |
BS EN 61150:1994, IEC 61150:1992 |
Alkaline secondary cells and batteries. Sealed nickel-cadmium rechargeable monobloc batteries in button cell design |
BS EN 61440:1998, IEC 61440:1997 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Sealed nickel-cadmium small prismatic rechargeable single cells |
BS EN 61951-1:2001, IEC 61951-1:2001 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Portable sealed rechargeable single cells. Nickel-cadmium |
BS EN 61951-1:2003 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Portable sealed rechargeable single cells. Nickel-cadmium |
BS EN 62259:2004 |
Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Nickel-cadmium prismatic secondary single cells with partial gas recombination |
94/216281 DC |
Guide to the equipment manufacturers and users of alkaline secondary cells and batteries on possible safety and health hazards. Part 1:Nickel-cadmium. (21A/163/CD) |
96/203612 DC |
IEC 1914. Technical report type 2. Alternative publication for vented nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells (IEC Document 21A/186/CDV) |
98/203520 DC |
IEC 61959-1, ED.1. Mechanical tests for sealed portable alkaline secondary cells and batteries. Part 1. Secondary cells IEC DOCUMENT 21A/239/CD |
01/202968 DC |
BS EN 60285. Ed.4. Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Sealed nickel-cadmium cylindrical rechargeable single cells |
BS 5932:1980 |
Specification for sealed nickel-cadmium cylindrical rechargeable single cells |
BS 6115:1981 |
Specification for sealed nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells |
BS 6260:1982 |
Specification for open nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells |
BS 3G 205:1983 |
Specification for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries |
GB/T18289-2000 |
Chinese National Standard for Nickel Cadmium batteries for mobile phones |
Standard Number |
Title |
IEC/TR3 61431:1995 |
Guide for use of monitor systems for lead-acid traction batteries |
IEC/TR 62060:2001 |
Monitoring of lead-acid stationary batteries User guide |
BS 3031:1996 |
Specification for sulfuric acid used in lead-acid batteries |
BS 4974:1975 |
Specification for water for lead-acid batteries |
BS 6133:1995 |
Code of practice for safe operation of lead-acid stationary batteries |
BS 6287:1982 |
Code of practice for safe operation of traction batteries |
BS 6290-2:1999 |
Lead-acid stationary cells and batteries. Specification for the high-performance Planté positive type |
BS 6290-3:1999 |
Lead-acid stationary cells and batteries. Specification for the flat positive plate type |
BS 6290-4:1997 |
Lead-acid stationary cells and batteries. Specification for classifying valve regulated types |
BS 7481:1992 |
Code of practice for testing venting systems and shields for lead-acid starter batteries |
BS 7483:1991 |
Specification for lead-acid batteries for the propulsion of light electric vehicles |
BS 6G 205-1:1995 |
Secondary batteries for aircraft. Specification for lead-acid batteries |
BS EN 50342:2001 |
Lead-acid starter batteries. General requirements, methods of test and numbering |
BS EN 60095-2:1993 |
Lead-acid starter batteries. Dimensions of batteries and dimensions and marking of terminals |
BS EN 60095-4:1993 |
Lead-acid starter batteries. Dimensions of batteries for heavy commercial vehicles |
BS EN 60254-1:1997, IEC 60254-1:1997 |
Lead-acid traction batteries. General requirements and methods of test |
BS EN 60254-2:1997 |
Lead-acid traction batteries. Dimensions of cells and terminals and marking of polarity on cells |
BS EN 60896-1:1992, IEC 60896-1:1987 |
Stationary lead-acid batteries. General requirements and methods of test. Vented types |
BS EN 60896-2:1996, IEC 60896-2:1995 |
Stationary lead-acid batteries. General requirements and methods of test. Valve regulated types |
BS EN 60896-11:2003 |
Stationary lead-acid batteries. General requirements and methods of test. Vented types. General requirements and methods of tests |
BS EN 61044:1993, IEC 61044:1990 |
Opportunity-charging of lead-acid traction batteries |
BS EN 61056-1:1993, IEC 61056-1:1991 |
Portable lead-acid cells and batteries (valve-regulated types). General requirements, functional characteristics. Methods of test |
BS EN 61056-1:2003 |
Portable lead-acid cells and batteries (valve-regulated types). General requirements, functional characteristics. Methods of test |
BS EN 61056-2:1997, IEC 61056-2:1994 |
Portable lead-acid cells and batteries (valve-regulated types). Dimensions, terminals and markings |
BS EN 61056-2:2003 |
Portable lead-acid cells and batteries (valve-regulated types). Dimensions, terminals and marking |
BS EN 61429:1997, IEC 61429:1995 |
Marking of secondary cells and batteries with the international recycling symbol ISO 7000-1135 |
88/74677 DC |
Aerospace series. Lead acid batteries for aircraft. General standard (prEN 3199) |
99/200338 DC |
Aircraft batteries. Part 1. General test requirements and performance levels (IEC document 21/466/CD) |
00/201034 DC |
BS EN 60896-1 Ed.2. Stationary lead-acid batteries. General requirements and methods of test. Part 1. Vented types (IEC Document 21/487/CD) |
00/202302 DC |
BS EN 60952-2, Ed.2. Aircraft batteries. Part 2. Design and construction requirements (IEC Document 21/509/CD) |
00/202303 DC |
BS EN 60952-3, Ed. 2. Aircraft batteries. Part 3. External electrical connectors (IEC Document 21/510/CD) |
03/107988 DC |
IEC 60254-1. Lead-acid traction batteries. Part 1. General requirements and methods of tests |
BS 440:1964 |
Specification for stationary batteries (lead-acid Planté positive type) for general electrical purposes |
BS 2550:1971 |
Specification for lead-acid traction batteries for battery electric vehicles and trucks |
BS 2550:1983 |
Specification for lead-acid traction batteries |
BS 3031:1972 |
Specification for sulphuric acid for use in lead-acid batteries |
BS 3911:Part 1:1982 |
Lead-acid starter batteries for internal combustion engines. Specification for batteries requiring regular maintenance |
BS 3911:Part 2:1987 |
Lead-acid starter batteries for internal combustion engines. Specification for maintenance-free and low-maintenance batteries |
BS 4945:1973 |
Specification for miners' cap lamp assemblies (incorporating lead-acid type batteries) |
BS 6133:1982 |
Code of practice for safe operation of lead-acid stationary cells and batteries |
BS 6133:1985 |
Code of practice for safe operation of lead-acid stationary cells and batteries |
BS 6290:Part 1:1983 |
Lead-acid stationary cells and batteries. Specification for general requirements |
BS 6290-2:1984 |
Lead-acid stationary cells and batteries. Specification for lead-acid high performance Planté´ positive type |
BS 6290-3:1986 |
Lead-acid stationary cells and batteries. Specification for lead-acid pasted positive plate type |
BS 6290:Part 4:1987 |
Lead-acid stationary cells and batteries. Specification for lead-acid valve regulated sealed type |
BS 6745:Part 1:1986 |
Portable lead-acid cells and batteries. Specification for performance, design and construction of valve regulated sealed type |
BS AU 118:1965 |
Recommendations for the storage, shipment and maintenance of lead acid batteries for motor vehicles |
BS 3G 205:1983 |
Specification for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries |
BS 4G 205:Part 1:1987 |
Secondary batteries for aircraft. Specification for lead-acid batteries |
BS 5G 205:Part 1:1990 |
Secondary batteries for aircraft. Specification for lead-acid batteries |
BS EN 60095-1:1993 |
Lead-acid starter batteries. General requirements and methods of test |
Standard Number |
Title |
IEC 61508 |
The IEC requirements for the functional safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety Related Systems |
BS EN 1175-1:1998 |
Safety of industrial trucks. Electrical requirements. General requirements for battery powered trucks |
BS EN 45510-2-3:2000 |
Guide for the procurement of power station equipment. Electrical equipment. Stationary batteries and chargers |
BS EN 50272-2:2001 |
Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations. Stationary batteries |
BS EN60950-1: 2002 |
Low Voltage Directive (Safety) |
IEC/TR2 61430:1997 |
Test methods for determining the performance of devices designed for reducing explosion hazards - Lead-acid batteries |
IEC62133:2002 |
Secondary batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made of them, for use in portable applications |
IEC/TR2 61438:1996 |
Possible safety and health hazards in the use of alkaline secondary cells and batteries - Guide to equipment manufacturers and users |
ANSI C18.2M |
Safety Requirements for Portable Rechargeable Cells and Batteries |
UL 2054 |
Safety Requirements for Household and Commercial Batteries |
EN 45011 |
General requirements for bodies operating product certification schemes |
EAS |
The UK Electrotechnical Assessment Scheme (Electrical installation safety standards managed by the IEE) |
BS 2754 |
Memorandum. Construction of electrical equipment for protection against electric shock |
STRD Low Voltage Directive |
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 SI 1994 No. 3260 Implementing Directive 73/23/EEC (The Low Voltage Directive - LVD) |
IEC 479-1 |
Effects of current on human beings and livestock |
IEEE 80 2000 |
IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding |
HSG 85 |
HSE publication. Electricity at Work. Safe Working Practices |
NFPA 70E-1995 |
Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces |
OSHA - 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S, Electrical |
Electrical industry safe occupational working standards |
ATEX Directive 94/9EC EN70079 |
Guidelines for equipment intended for use in potentially Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX) |
Standard Number |
Title |
QS 9000 |
The ISO 9000 derivative for suppliers to the automotive industry. Developed in the USA by Ford, General Motors and Daimler Chrysler |
ISO/TS16949:2002 |
Updated Technical Specification aligning US and European automotive quality supply chain standards |
IEC 61982-1 |
Test parameters |
IEC 61982-2:2002 |
Dynamic discharge performance test and dynamic endurance test |
IEC 61982-3:2001 |
Performance and life testing (traffic compatible, urban use vehicles) |
ISO11898 |
Specification for the CAN Bus |
ISO 9141(4) |
Specification for the LIN Bus |
SAE J240 |
Life Test for Automotive Storage Batteries |
SAE J537 |
Storage Batteries |
SAE J551 |
Performance levels and methods of measurement of electromagnetic radiation from vehicles and devices (30 to 1000 MHz) |
SAE J1127 |
Battery Cable |
SAE J1455 |
Recommended Environmental Practice for Heavy-Duty Trucks |
SAE J1718 |
Measurement of Hydrogen Gas Emission From Battery-Powered Passenger Cars and Light Trucks During Battery Charging |
SAE J1742 |
Connections for High Voltage On-Board Road Vehicle Electrical Wiring Harnesses-Test Methods and General Performance Requirements |
SAE J1766 |
Recommended Practice for Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Battery Systems Crash Integrity Testing (Work in progress) |
SAE J1772 |
SAE Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler |
SAE J1773 |
SAE Electric Vehicle Inductively Coupled Charging |
SAE J1797 |
Recommended Practice for Packaging of Electric Vehicle Battery Modules |
SAE J1798 |
Recommended Practice for Performance Rating of Electric Vehicle Battery Modules |
SAE J1811 |
Power Cable Terminals |
SAE J1939 |
The SAE specification for the CAN Bus |
SAE J2185 |
Life Test for Heavy-Duty Storage Batteries |
SAE J2288 |
Life Cycle Testing of Electric Vehicle Battery Modules |
SAE J2289 |
Electric Drive Battery Pack System Functional Guidelines |
SAE J2293 |
Energy Transfer System for Electric Vehicles |
SAE J2344 |
Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Safety |
SAE J2380 |
Vibration Testing of Electric Vehicle Batteries |
SAE J2464 |
Electric Vehicle Battery Abuse Testing |
SAE J2602 |
The SAE specification for the LIN Bus |
PowerNet 42V |
Automotive industry consortium standard for 42 Volt batteries |
BCI Battery Technical Manual |
Automotive Lead Acid battery test procedures |
BCI Battery Service Manual |
General information about manufacturing and using automotive batteries. |
BCI Test Specifications |
Small Deep Cycling Batteries, Deep Cycle Marine/RV Batteries, Batteries for Golf Cars, Floor Maintenance Machinery |
ECE 100 |
Construction and functional safety requirements for battery electric vehicles |
ECE-15 |
UN/EEC driving load profile (See Battery Load Testing) |
EUDC |
UN/EEC Extra Urban Driving Cycle |
NEDC |
New European Driving Cycle (Modified cold start - No warm up) Also called the MVEG-B test |
FUDS |
Federal Urban Driving Schedule (USABC Load profile) |
SAE J227a/C and D |
SAE Driving Schedules |
DST |
Dynamic Stress Test (USABC battery test schedule) |
2004/104/EC |
European EMC Automotive Regulation |
Standard Number |
Title |
DEF STAN 61-3 |
Generic specification for batteries, non-rechargeable, primary
Replaced by DEF STAN 61-21 |
DEF STAN 61-9 |
Generic specification for batteries, rechargeable, secondary
Replaced by DEF STAN 61-21 |
DEF STAN 61-17 |
Requirements for the selection of batteries for service equipment |
DEF STAN 61-21 |
General specification for batteries. (Includes a long series of supplements for individual battery types) Replaces DEF STAN 61-3 and 61-9 |
DEF STAN 00-40 |
Reliability and Maintainability |
DEF STAN 00-55 |
Requirements for Safety Related Software in defence equipment |
DEF STAN 00-56 |
Safety Management Requirements for defence systems |
DEF STAN 05-91 |
Quality System Requirements for Design/Development, Production and Installation. |
DEF STAN 05-95 |
Quality System Requirements for the Design, Development, Supply and Maintenance of Software. |
DEF STAN 05-97 |
Requirements for Deliverable Quality Plans. |
DEF STAN 08-46 |
The Electric, Magnetic and Electromagnetic Environment. |
DEF STAN 59-41 |
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) |
MIL-STD-461 D |
Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Emissions and Susceptibility |
MIL-STD-461 E |
Requirements for the control of electromagnetic interference characteristics of subsystems and equipment |
MIL-STD-462 D |
Measurement of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics |