IEC 61960-3: Performance testing for lithium secondary cells in portable devices
IEC 61960-3:2017 is an international performance standard for prismatic and cylindrical lithium secondary cells and batteries made from them, used in portable devices. It defines standardised test procedures for capacity, discharge behaviour at different temperatures, charge retention, cycle life, internal resistance and immunity to electrostatic discharge. The German version is published as DIN EN 61960-3 (VDE 0510-3):2017-12.
| Aspekt | Details |
|---|---|
| Scope | International (IEC); German version DIN EN 61960-3 (VDE 0510-3):2017-12 |
| Test Subject | Prismatic and cylindrical lithium secondary cells and batteries made from them, for portable devices |
| Test Coverage | Performance tests covering capacity, discharge behaviour at different temperatures, charge and capacity retention, cycle life, internal resistance and ESD immunity |
| Evidence | Test report according to IEC 61960-3:2017 |
| Related Standards | IEC 62133-2:2017, IEC 61000-4-2, IEC 60086-4, IEC 60050-482 |
What IEC 61960-3 covers
IEC 61960-3 specifies test procedures for assessing the operating behaviour of prismatic and cylindrical lithium secondary cells and batteries made from them. The standard defines requirements for designation, marking and dimensions of cells and batteries.
The scope of testing covers the following areas:
- Capacity test at room temperature (Clause 7.3.1)
- Discharge behaviour at low temperature (Clause 7.3.2)
- High-rate discharge behaviour (Clause 7.3.3)
- Charge and capacity retention after storage (Clause 7.4)
- Capacity recovery after long-term storage at elevated temperature (Clause 7.5)
- Endurance in cycles (Clause 7.6) - Internal resistance AC and DC (Clause 7.7)
- Immunity to electrostatic discharge in accordance with IEC 61000-4-2 (Clause 7.8)
For each test, Table 5 of the standard defines minimum requirements that serve as acceptance criteria. Specific limits, current rates, temperatures and test durations are to be taken from the standard text.
Where IEC 61960-3 applies – and where it does not
IEC 61960-3 applies to prismatic and cylindrical lithium secondary cells and batteries made from them, used in portable devices. The standard covers three categories of equipment:
- Hand-held devices: smartphones, tablet PCs, audio and video players and comparable equipment
- Transportable devices: notebook computers, CD players and comparable equipment
- Movable equipment: power tools, electrically assisted bicycles, video cameras for professional use and comparable equipment with wheels or rollers
The upper mass limit for portable devices is defined in Clause 1 of the standard.
Outside the scope (Clause 1):
- Equipment with high nominal voltage
- Stationary electrical energy storage systems (EESS) and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) above an energy threshold defined in the standard
- Self-propelled vehicles
The test procedures also apply to lithium-ion polymer cells with gel or solid polymer electrolyte (Clause 3.8).
When you need IEC 61960-3
IEC 61960-3 is a performance standard. It defines the assessment criteria by which buyers can objectively compare the performance of lithium secondary cells and batteries from different manufacturers.
Typical application scenarios:
- Qualification of new cells or batteries for portable devices
- Comparison of cells from different manufacturers during procurement
- Evidence of agreed performance data towards end customers or OEMs
- Series monitoring of cell quality
Important note on scope: IEC 61960-3 covers performance behaviour, not safety. End users may handle batteries under Clause 1 only if the batteries also meet the safety requirements of IEC 62133-2. IEC 62133-2:2017 is therefore a mandatory complementary standard in the safety context.
Where IEC 61960-3 applies
IEC 61960-3 is an international standard issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It is adopted in numerous national standardisation systems.
In Germany, the standard is published as DIN EN 61960-3 (VDE 0510-3):2017-12. It supersedes the previous edition DIN EN 61960:2012-04.
The European adoption as EN 61960-3 supersedes the earlier EN 61960:2011. The changes compared to the previous edition include, among other things, the added definition of portable devices, updated examples of cells, and additional specifications for the dimensions of a cell with a laminated material casing (Annex A) and capacity after storage from the date of manufacture (Annex B). The exact content of the annexes is to be taken from the standard text.
When IEC 61960-3 becomes relevant in the product lifecycle
IEC 61960-3 becomes relevant in several phases of the product life cycle:
- Development: cell design according to the reference values defined in the standard for capacity and end-of-discharge voltage
- Qualification: selection of battery samples in accordance with Clause 7.1
- Manufacturer comparison: assessment of cells from different manufacturers using standardised test procedures during procurement
- Series monitoring: regular verification of cell quality against the minimum requirements in Table 5 - Specification towards end customers: documentation of performance parameters in the data sheet
How IEC 61960-3 testing works
Testing according to IEC 61960-3 comprises several main tests that assess operating behaviour under defined electrical, thermal and electromagnetic conditions. The minimum requirements are defined in Table 5 of the standard. Requirements for the selection and age of battery samples are described in Clause 7.1.
Test overview
Capacity test at room temperature
Determination of rated capacity by discharge under the conditions defined in Clause 7.3.1. The minimum requirement is defined in Table 5.
Discharge behaviour at low temperature
Capacity test under low-temperature conditions in accordance with Clause 7.3.2. Assesses the suitability of the cell for use at low ambient temperatures.
High-rate discharge behaviour
Discharge test at increased current rate in accordance with Clause 7.3.3. Assesses the behaviour during short-term load peaks.
Charge and capacity retention
Storage test followed by assessment of capacity retention and capacity recovery after recharging (Clause 7.4).
Capacity recovery after long-term storage
Extended storage test at elevated temperature in accordance with Clause 7.5. Assesses the suitability of the cell for longer storage periods in the supply chain.
Endurance in cycles
Cyclic charge and discharge test in accordance with Clause 7.6. The standard describes two test procedures with different current rates (Clauses 7.6.2 and 7.6.3).
Internal resistance AC and DC
Measurement of AC and DC internal resistance in accordance with Clause 7.7. The benchmark is the limit value defined by the manufacturer.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Test in accordance with IEC 61000-4-2 (Clause 7.8). Assesses the immunity of the battery against electrostatic discharges as they occur in the application environment of portable devices.
Frequently asked questions about IEC 61960-3
IEC 61960-3 is a performance standard and tests the operating behaviour of the cell (capacity, cycle life, internal resistance). IEC 62133-2 is a safety standard and tests the behaviour under abuse conditions. The two standards complement each other: for handling by end users, batteries must meet both the performance requirements of IEC 61960-3 and the safety requirements of IEC 62133-2.
The standard applies to portable devices. These include hand-held devices such as smartphones, tablets and audio/video players, transportable devices such as notebooks, and movable equipment such as power tools, electrically assisted bicycles and professional video cameras. Equipment with high nominal voltage, larger stationary energy storage systems and self-propelled vehicles are outside the scope. The exact thresholds are defined in Clause 1 of the standard.
The requirements for selection, number and age of battery samples are defined in Clause 7.1 of the standard. Binding values are to be taken from the standard text. The responsible test laboratory advises on questions regarding the planning of specific battery samples.
The rated capacity is the quantity of electricity declared by the manufacturer that a single cell can deliver under the conditions defined in Clause 7.3.1. It is the central reference value for all capacity tests of the standard. The exact definition and the reference duration are described in Clause 3.5 of the standard.
IEC 61960-3 defines minimum requirements for cycle life in Clause 7.6. The standard describes two test procedures with different current rates (Clauses 7.6.2 and 7.6.3). The quantitative acceptance criteria are defined in Table 5 of the standard.
This page summarises IEC 61960-3:2017 in an accessible form. It serves as orientation and decision support.
Only the official standard (IEC 61960-3:2017 or the German version DIN EN 61960-3 (VDE 0510-3):2017-12) is legally binding. For legally binding statements, please consult the responsible test laboratory or the VDE/DKE office.
Last updated: 2026-04-27 | Basis: IEC 61960-3:2017, Edition 2017-05 | Source: VRI GmbH