U.N. Lithium Battery Informal Working Group

U.N. Lithium Battery Informal Working Group

3rd Meeting, Nov. 9 – 11, 2009

Kyoto, Japan

Amendment of the Definition of Battery

Submitted by the Expert from the United States of America

1. During the 2nd working group meeting in Paris the need of revising the definition of battery was briefly discussed. The current definition in Section 38.3.2.2 stated that “Battery means one or more cells which are electrically connected together ----- “. While this definition is consistent with the reality that single cell is used as a “battery” in many applications, it causes the difficulty and confusion with regards to implementation of testing requirement for cell and battery. The current definition for battery is also inconsistent with the definition of “cell” given in Section 38.3.2.2. In fact the explanation given in the definition of “cell” implies that a single cell shall be treated as “cell” not “battery”.

2. Proposal ----- In order to give a clear direction of the testing requirements for cell and battery it is proposed to revise the definition of “battery” in 38.3.2.2. to read as follows:

“Battery means two or more cells which are electrically connected together by permanent means, including case, terminals, and marking. Battery contains only one cell (single cell battery) is considered as “battery” and shall be tested according to the testing requirements for “cell” for the purposes of the Model Regulations and this Manual. (See also the definition for “cell”).