UL 2054 – Standard for safety – household and commercial batteries
UL 2054 is a safety standard for portable primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries used as power sources in products. The standard covers both single cells and multi-cell configurations (battery packs) and defines construction requirements, test procedures and marking requirements. Unlike UL 1642, which focuses on lithium cells at the cell level, UL 2054 addresses the battery and battery pack level for all chemistries. For lithium cells used in battery packs, UL 2054 references the requirements of UL 1642.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scope | USA, Canada (UL/NRTL system) |
| Test subject | Portable primary and secondary batteries and battery packs (all chemistries) |
| Test scope | Test Scope Test procedures in 5 categories (electrical, mechanical, enclosure, fire, environmental) |
| Certification document | UL 2054 listing / UL certificate |
| Related standards | UL 1642, IEC 62133, UN 38.3 |
What UL 2054 covers
UL 2054 defines safety requirements on two levels: cell level and battery pack level.
At the construction level, the standard specifies requirements for casings, electrolyte, external connectors, printed wiring boards and lithium-ion systems. The standard defines minimum requirements for casing strength, casing material flammability and construction safety.
For lithium-ion systems, the standard contains specific requirements for voltage monitoring of individual cells and cell blocks.
The test procedures comprise five categories:
- Electrical tests: short-circuit, abnormal charging, abusive overcharge, forced-discharge, limited power source, temperature measurement
- Mechanical tests: crush, impact, shock, vibration
- Enclosure tests: steady force, mold stress relief, drop impact
- Fire exposure test: projectile test
- Environmental tests: heating test, temperature cycling test
The fundamental acceptance criterion for all tests: no fire and no explosion. Specific test parameters are to be obtained from the original document.
Where UL 2054 applies – and where it does not
UL 2054 applies to portable primary and secondary batteries used as power sources in products. The batteries consist of a single electrochemical cell or multiple cells connected in series, parallel or a combination thereof.
The standard addresses all battery chemistries, including lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium and alkaline.
Not covered:
- Combination of battery and end-use product
- Toxicity risk from ingestion of button cells
- Risk of injury from opening batteries
- Vehicle batteries and stationary energy storage systems
- Lithium cells are not tested at the cell level under UL 2054 but must meet the requirements of UL 1642.
Single-cell battery packs with cells already tested under UL are exempt from certain pack-level tests. For casings of certain flammability classifications, enclosure flammability tests may be waived.
When you need UL 2054
UL 2054 is relevant for manufacturers and importers placing batteries and battery packs on the US and Canadian markets.
Typical scenarios:
- Marketing household batteries on the US retail market
- OEM supply of battery packs for consumer electronics
- UL listing as a prerequisite for end-product certification
- Batteries for portable tools, medical devices, lighting
- Importers requiring compliance documentation for US authorities
Final acceptance of batteries depends on their use in the complete product. The end product must in turn meet the applicable product requirements.
Where UL 2054 applies
UL 2054 applies primarily in the USA and Canada under the UL/NRTL system (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory).
UL listing is a recognized basis for market approval of battery products in North America. Numerous US states and Canadian provinces require UL-listed components in regulated product categories.
Internationally, UL 2054 is referenced as a standard for battery safety testing, particularly in markets that recognize UL certification as proof of quality.
When UL 2054 becomes relevant in the product lifecycle
UL 2054 becomes relevant at various stages of the product lifecycle:
Product development: The construction requirements of the standard (casings, protective devices, lithium-ion specifics) should be considered during the design phase.
Cell qualification: Lithium cells must first be qualified under UL 1642 before being used in battery packs under UL 2054.
Battery pack testing: Battery samples are tested at both the cell level and the battery pack level. Testing encompasses electrical, mechanical, enclosure, fire and environmental tests.
Listing and market approval: Following successful testing, UL listing is granted. Batteries may bear the UL mark.
Follow-up: UL conducts regular inspections of production facilities to ensure ongoing conformity.
How UL 2054 testing works
Testing under UL 2054 is conducted on two levels: cell level and battery pack level. Lithium cells are tested at the cell level under UL 1642. The standard defines the required battery sample quantities for cell tests and battery pack tests in separate tables. Specific test parameters are to be obtained from the original document.
Test overview
Battery sample selection and conditioning
Determination of the battery type (primary/secondary, single cell/battery pack). Sample selection according to the standardized sample tables for cells and battery packs. Conditioning to the prescribed state of charge. Lithium cells are tested under UL 1642.
Electrical tests
Short-circuit test at various ambient temperatures through a defined resistance load. Abnormal charging test with elevated charging currents for primary batteries, secondary cells and secondary battery packs. Abusive overcharge test at a significantly elevated charge rate. Forced-discharge test for multi-cell series configurations. Limited power source test for LPS qualification. Component and surface temperature tests under normal charge and discharge conditions.
Mechanical tests
Crush test using a hydraulic ram to a defined force. Impact test with a drop weight over a round bar. Shock test with defined acceleration pulses in three directions. Vibration test with simple harmonic motion and a standardized frequency sweep.
Enclosure, fire and environmental tests
Steady force test applied to all sides of the enclosure. Mold stress relief test at elevated temperature. Drop impact test from a standardized drop height. Projectile test with cell over flame in a protective cage. Heating test at a defined heating rate to a target temperature. Temperature cycling test with multiple cycles between extreme temperatures.
Evaluation and marking
Evaluation of all test results against the defined acceptance criteria: no fire or explosion in all tests. Review of marking requirements: manufacturer identification, model number, electrical ratings, date of manufacture. Li-ion battery packs require specific warning labels.
Frequently asked questions about UL 2054
UL 2054 and UL 1642 compared
UL 1642 is a safety standard for lithium cells at the cell level. UL 2054 addresses the battery and battery pack level for all chemistries. Lithium cells used in battery packs under UL 2054 must additionally meet the requirements of UL 1642. UL 2054 references UL 1642 for lithium cells instead of its own cell-level tests.
Battery samples for UL 2054
The required number of battery samples depends on the test subject and is defined in the sample tables of the standard. Different requirements apply for cell tests and battery pack tests. Unsealed packs are required for electrical tests, while production-representative samples are needed for enclosure tests. The exact quantities are to be obtained from the original document.
Protective devices during testing
UL 2054 distinguishes between the cell level and the battery pack level. Cells are generally tested without protective devices unless these are integral to the cell construction. At the battery pack level, single-fault conditions are applied to protective devices in the load circuit. Certain tested PTC devices are exempt from fault simulation.
Lithium-ion requirements
UL 2054 defines specific requirements for lithium-ion systems. The cell voltage must not exceed the upper limit charging voltage defined by the cell manufacturer. For series configurations, monitoring of each individual cell for the voltage limit is required. Lithium cells must additionally be qualified under UL 1642.
Limited Power Source (LPS)
The limited power source test determines whether a battery qualifies as an LPS. The standard defines several methods for LPS qualification. LPS-qualified batteries may be marked accordingly. The specific limit values and measurement conditions are to be obtained from the original document.
VRI supports you in preparing and conducting tests according to UL 2054. Contact us for an initial consultation.
Ralf Isermeyer
Geschäftsführer / CEO
This page summarizes UL 2054 in accessible form. It is intended for orientation and decision support.
Only the official standard (UL 2054, Second Edition, September 14, 2011) is legally authoritative. For binding information, consult the responsible testing body or a certification expert.
Last Updated: 2026-02-16 | Basis: UL 2054 Second Edition (2011) | Source: VRI GmbH