This publication applies to portable rechargeable, or secondary, cells and batteries¹ based on the following electrochemical systems:

a) Nickel-cadmium

b) Nickel-metal hydride

c) Sealed lead-acid²

d) Lithium-ion

Section 1 of this standard contains general information and all standardized performance and mechanical tests upon which all the specifications in Section 2 are based.

Section 2 specification sheets list those tests and requirements described herein that are required for each battery. Not all tests in Section 1 are necessarily required on every specification sheet.

Part 2 of this standard describes all safety tests and requirements.

¹ Unless otherwise noted, the word “battery” is used to refer to either cell or battery or both in the remainder of this document.

² “Sealed lead-acid” is the commonly accepted descriptor, although technically these batteries are not completely sealed.