IEC 62133-2 - Battery Design

IEC 62133-2 specifies safety requirements and tests for portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries (lithium-ion, lithium-polymer) under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. It covers cells and batteries used in portable applications: consumer electronics, IT equipment, power tools, and medical devices.

Published by: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
Current edition: IEC 62133-2:2017 + AMD1:2021
Replaces: IEC 62133:2012 (combined nickel + lithium edition)

Scope

The standard applies to rechargeable lithium cells and battery packs in portable use. It does not cover:

Stationary or industrial storage → IEC 62619
EV traction batteries → IEC 62660
Primary lithium cells → IEC 60086-4

Test Requirements

Electrical

Continuous low-rate overcharge
High-rate overcharge (battery level)
External short circuit
Forced discharge

Mechanical

Vibration
Mechanical shock
Drop (1 m onto concrete)
Crush (Clause 7.3.5 — substantively revised in AMD1:2021)

Environmental

High temperature exposure (70 °C)
Temperature cycling
Forced internal short circuit (Clause 7.3.9 — country-specific: France, Japan, Korea, Switzerland)

AMD1:2021 — Key Changes

Charging parameters (Table 2) now fully specified by the cell manufacturer
Crush test (Clause 7.3.5) substantively revised
Overcharge test (Clause 7.3.6) substantively revised
Forced internal short circuit (Clause 7.3.9) ambient temperature now references Table 2

Certification and Regional Recognition

IEC 62133-2 is the IECEE CB Scheme reference standard for portable lithium-ion batteries. A single CB Test Certificate is accepted in 50+ member countries, making it the most efficient international compliance route for portable lithium-ion cells. Required for market access in the EU, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.