IEC 62133-2: Safety of portable lithium batteries
IEC 62133-2 specifies safety requirements for portable, sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries. The standard applies to rechargeable lithium batteries used in, for example, consumer electronics, medical devices, power tools, measuring equipment, and lighting.
What is IEC 62133-2?
IEC 62133-2 is an international safety standard for portable, sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries. The standard sets safety requirements for rechargeable lithium batteries and describes tests used to assess whether a battery functions safely.
This assessment considers not only normal use, but also reasonably foreseeable misuse. For example, various electrical, mechanical, and thermal conditions that could affect the safety of a lithium battery are evaluated.
The European version of the standard is EN 62133-2. Depending on the market where you intend to sell your battery or product, other national standards or certification pathways may also be relevant.
For which batteries is IEC 62133-2 relevant?
The standard is particularly relevant when batteries are used in products that can be easily carried, charged, and used intensively. In portable applications in particular, it is important that batteries continue to function safely during daily use, transport, charging, and unexpected stress.
Are you unsure which standard applies to your battery or end product? DEKRA’s experts can help you determine which tests and certifications are required for your application and target market.
IEC 62133-2 applies to batteries in, among others:
- Portable consumer electronics;
- Medical electrical equipment;
- Measurement and control equipment;
- Power tools;
- Portable lighting and emergency lighting;
- Communication equipment;
- Other products containing rechargeable lithium batteries.
What are the benefits of IEC 62133-2 certification?
For companies that market batteries internationally, certification can help substantiate technical documentation and respond more quickly to inquiries from customers, distributors, or market regulators.
DEKRA's Tests and Services Based on IEC 62133-2
DEKRA conducts tests in accordance with IEC 62133-2 and EN 62133-2 for portable lithium cells and batteries. Depending on your product and certification requirements, the following aspects, among others, may be evaluated:
- Electrical safety;
- Mechanical safety;
- Thermal load;
- Short circuit;
- Overflow;
- Overuse;
- Temperature behavior;
- Drop and shock resistance;
- Labeling and safety information;
- Design and Construction of Cells and Batteries.
Our test engineers assess which test setup is best suited to your battery, application, and market. In doing so, we also determine whether additional standards are relevant, such as those for industrial batteries, batteries used in lighting applications, or specific product categories.
By testing at an early stage, you gain a better understanding of potential risks related to design, material selection, production, or documentation. This helps prevent delays in product development and market launch.
IEC 62133-2 and other battery standards
Batteries may be subject to multiple standards. Which standards apply depends on factors such as chemical composition, application, capacity, product category, and target market.
IEC 62133-2 and EN 62133-2 focus on portable lithium batteries. For industrial lithium cells and batteries, IEC 62620 may be relevant. This standard is used to validate the performance of batteries in industrial applications, such as stationary applications, emergency lighting, alarm systems, and communication systems.
Combine IEC 62133-2 tests with transportation tests
DEKRA regularly tests batteries for product compliance in conjunction with transportation requirements, such as UN 38.3. Because this test protocol partially overlaps with IEC 62133-2, we can efficiently combine the tests. This saves time, prevents duplication of effort, and speeds up the certification process.
Bringing Batteries to Market Worldwide
Do you also want to market your battery outside the EU? If so, additional or different requirements may apply, such as UL 62133-2, KC 62133-2, or other national standards. An IEC report often serves as the basis for international acceptance, but additional testing or documentation may be required depending on the country. DEKRA helps you understand the specific requirements for each market. Read more about DEKRA’s GMA here.
IEC 62133-2 for batteries in finished products
In addition to battery components, DEKRA also tests and certifies complete end products, such as lighting, household appliances, tools, and other electrical products. This allows us to evaluate both the battery and the end product as a whole. This ensures a more efficient process and greater certainty regarding the safety and compliance of your product.
Greater peace of mind with the DEKRA Mark
For many customers, type approval alone is not enough. With the DEKRA Mark, you can demonstrate that your product meets high standards for safety and quality. This accredited ISO Type 5 certification includes not only product testing but also periodic quality checks and factory inspections. This ensures that the conformity of your products remains demonstrably guaranteed.
Why choose DEKRA for IEC 62133-2 certification?
- Independent expertiseDEKRA independently tests, inspects, and certifies products. Our test engineers evaluate batteries based on international standards and current technical requirements.
- Accredited servicesDEKRA is accredited to test and certify batteries according to IEC 62133-2 and EN 62133-2. This ensures you receive an independent assessment from a recognized testing body.
- One-stop shop for batteriesIn addition to IEC 62133-2, DEKRA supports you with testing and certification against other battery standards—such as EN 62620 for industrial batteries—or additional pathways for specific market access.
- International market accessLeveraging DEKRA’s global network, we assist manufacturers, importers, and suppliers in gaining market access in Europe and beyond. This is particularly relevant if you are exploring pathways such as UL 62133-2 or KC 62133-2 alongside IEC 62133-2.
Get in touch to test your battery according to IEC 62133-2.
Do you want to know whether IEC 62133-2 or EN 62133-2 applies to your battery or product? Or would you like to start testing and certification right away? Contact DEKRA. Our experts will help you determine the right testing approach for your application and target market, including cases where additional routes such as UL 62133-2 or KC 62133-2 are relevant.