IEC 62133-2 Safety requirements for portable lithium secondary cells and batteries
IEC 62133-2 defines safety requirements and tests for portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries made from them. The standard covers intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. As a harmonised European standard (EN 62133-2), it forms the basis for CE conformity of Li-ion batteries in portable devices.
| Aspekt | Details |
|---|---|
| Scope | International (IEC); harmonised in Europe as EN 62133-2, adopted in Germany as DIN EN 62133-2 (VDE 0510-82) |
| Test subject | Portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries made from them for portable devices |
| Test scope | Electrical, mechanical and thermal tests for intended use and foreseeable misuse |
| Typical duration | 6-8 weeks |
| Certification document | Test report according to IEC 62133-2; basis for IECEE CB Scheme certificate and CE conformity via EN 62133-2 |
What IEC 62133-2 covers
IEC 62133-2 defines safety requirements and test procedures for portable secondary lithium cells and batteries with non-acid electrolytes.
The standard is structured into the following regulatory areas:
- General safety considerations: insulation, pressure relief, temperature, voltage and current management, quality assurance plan and design recommendations for series connections
- Type testing and battery sample size: requirements for battery sample selection, age of battery samples and standard conditions - Charging procedures for test purposes: two defined charging procedures as the basis for subsequent safety tests
- Tests for intended use: continuous charging and enclosure stress
- Tests for reasonably foreseeable misuse: external short circuit (cell and battery), free fall, thermal abuse, crush, overcharge, forced internal short circuit
- Marking and packaging: requirements for safety information, labelling and packaging of cells and batteries
The consolidated version with Amendment 1:2021 contains substantive changes to the sections on charging procedures, crush, overcharge and forced internal short circuit, as well as an update of the component standard references in Annex F. Specific test parameters, limits and battery sample sizes are to be taken from the official standard text.
Where IEC 62133-2 applies - and where it does Not
IEC 62133-2 applies to portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries made from them that are used in portable devices.
Covered in particular:
- Consumer electronics, communication technology and mobile IT devices
- Cells and batteries with non-acid electrolytes, including lithium-ion polymer cells (with exceptions for clause 7.3.9)
- Button cells — for certain types, Annex D provides reduced test requirements
Not in scope:
- Nickel-based secondary cells and batteries - these are covered by IEC 62133-1
- Vehicle batteries and traction batteries - regulated by other standard series such as ISO 12405
- Stationary energy storage systems - covered by IEC 62619
- Primary cells and batteries - outside the scope
Special restriction regarding clause 7.3.9 (forced internal short circuit): this test is country-specific
for France, Japan, Korea and Switzerland and is not applicable to lithium-ion polymer cells.
When you need IEC 62133-2
IEC 62133-2 becomes relevant in the following scenarios:
- CE conformity: as a harmonised European standard (EN 62133-2), it is a central reference for demonstrating safety requirements for Li-ion batteries in portable devices
- Market access Europe and Asia: international acceptance of the standard simplifies the demonstration of product safety in multiple target markets
- IECEE CB Scheme certification: IEC 62133-2 is the basis for internationally recognised CB certificates
- Tenders and specifications: many OEM specifications reference IEC 62133-2 as a minimum requirement for Li-ion battery safety
Note on the predecessor version: for DIN EN 62133-2 (VDE 0510-82):2017-11, a transition period applied until 2024-08-19. After expiry of this period, the consolidated version with AMD1:2021 is authoritative.
Where IEC 62133-2 applies
IEC 62133-2 is published by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and applied internationally. Regional adoption takes place as follows:
- Europe: harmonised as EN 62133-2 by CENELEC
- Germany: adopted as DIN EN 62133-2 (VDE 0510-82) by DKE/VDE
- Other countries: adoption via national standardisation organisations
Special note regarding clause 7.3.9 (forced internal short circuit): this test is country-specific for France, Japan, Korea and Switzerland.
When IEC 62133-2 becomes relevant in the product lifecycle
IEC 62133-2 is relevant in several phases of the product lifecycle:
- Design and development: clause 5 of the standard contains general safety considerations; clause 5.6.2 describes design recommendations for series connections such as individual cell voltage monitoring and cell balancing
- Type testing: chapter 6 regulates battery sample size and preparation of battery samples
- Series production: clause 5.7 requires a developed and implemented quality assurance plan
- Marking and packaging: chapters 8 and 9 regulate safety information and marking according to the standard
How IEC 62133-2 testing works
IEC 62133-2 specifies multi-stage type tests. The following overview lists the tests with their respective purpose. Specific parameters, limits and acceptance criteria are to be taken from the official standard text.
Test overview
Charging procedures for test purposes (7.1)
The standard describes two charging procedures as the basis for subsequent safety tests.
- First procedure (7.1.1): manufacturer-specified charging under defined standard conditions
- Second procedure (7.1.2): charging according to the parameters from Table 2, which are fully specified by the cell manufacturer with AMD1:2021. The second procedure is used in particular for the short circuit, thermal abuse, crush and internal short circuit tests.
Intended use (7.2)
Tests that simulate regular operation.
- Continuous charging (7.2.1): evaluates cell behaviour under prolonged charging load at manufacturer conditions
- Enclosure stress (7.2.2): evaluates the thermal integrity of battery enclosures
Reasonably foreseeable misuse (7.3)
- Core block of safety tests.
- External short circuit cell (7.3.1) and external short circuit battery (7.3.2): behaviour with short-circuited terminals
- Free fall (7.3.3): mechanical robustness against drop events
- Thermal abuse (7.3.4): behaviour at impermissibly high ambient temperatures
- Crush (7.3.5, AMD1 amended): mechanical stress up to a failure condition
- Overcharge battery (7.3.6, AMD1 amended): behaviour when charging limits are exceeded
- Forced discharge (7.3.7): behaviour during forced discharge beyond normal limits
- Forced internal short circuit (7.3.9, AMD1 amended): country-specific test for France, Japan, Korea and Switzerland; not applicable to lithium-ion polymer cells
Battery sample size and battery samples
Chapter 6 with Table 1 regulates battery sample selection for type tests. The standard specifies requirements for the age of battery samples, standard temperature and test conditions. For button cells with increased internal resistance, Annex D provides reduced test requirements. The exact thresholds and scope are to be taken from the official standard text.
Frequently asked questions about IEC 62133-2
IEC 62133-1 and IEC 62133-2 are two parts of the same standard series for portable secondary cells and batteries. IEC 62133-1 covers nickel-based systems, IEC 62133-2 covers lithium-based systems. Users select the relevant part based on the cell chemistry used.
Amendment 1 amends the consolidated version in several areas:
- Clause 7.1.2 with Table 2: charging parameters are now fully specified by the cell manufacturer
- Clause 7.3.5 (crush): substantive revision - Clause 7.3.6 (overcharge): substantive revision
- Clause 7.3.9 with Table 5 (forced internal short circuit): ambient temperature refers to Table 2
- Annex F: component standard references updated
The specific wording and parameters are to be taken from the official standard text.
IEC 62133-2 and UN 38.3 address different aspects of battery safety. IEC 62133-2 is a product safety standard for use in portable devices. UN 38.3 regulates the transport testing of lithium batteries and is authoritative for shipment by air, sea, road and rail. Both certifications are maintained in parallel in practice.
The European adoption EN 62133-2 is listed as a harmonised standard. Having a product tested according to EN 62133-2 allows the results to be used as part of the CE conformity assessment for Li-ion batteries in portable devices. The formal declaration of conformity is issued by the manufacturer.
Clause 7.3.9 (forced internal short circuit) is designated in the standard as a country-specific test for France, Japan, Korea and Switzerland. It is not applicable to lithium-ion polymer cells. For other target markets, it is not mandatory.
VRI supports you in preparing and conducting tests in accordance with IEC 62133-2. Contact us for an initial consultation.
Ralf Isermeyer
Geschäftsführer / CEO
This page summarises IEC 62133-2 in an accessible format. It serves as guidance and decision-making support.
Only the official standard (IEC 62133-2:2017 + AMD1:2021, in Germany DIN EN 62133-2 (VDE 0510-82):2022-12) is legally binding. For legally binding statements and specific test parameters, consult the official standard text, the responsible testing body or a certification expert.
Last updated: 17.04.2026 | Basis: IEC 62133-2:2017 + AMD1:2021 (consolidated version) | Source: VRI GmbH