USA - UL 2054 Proposed Changes

The following changes in requirements to the Standard for Household and Commercial Batteries, UL 2054, are being proposed for preliminary review and comment only:

1. For Preliminary Review Only: Addition of compliance requirement for 4.1.5 (Construction), 19.3 (250N Steady Force), 20.3 (Mold Stress Relief), and 21.5 (Drop Impact).

2. For Preliminary Review Only: Revision of the discharged current in 10.11.



PROPOSALS

1. For Preliminary Review Only: Addition of compliance requirement for 4.1.5, 19.3, 20.3, and 21.5.



RATIONALE

(1) In 4.1.5, there is no clear definition for the wordings “minimized” and “debris”, and also no clear compliance requirement for openings, it caused much trouble in product design and safety certification.

(2) In order to meet UL 60950-1 Openings in Enclosures requirements outlined in Clause 4.6;

Proposal: Add a compliance requirement for 4.1.5, 19.3, 20.3, and 21.5.



PROPOSAL

4.1.6 To determine compliance with 4.1.5, use a straight metal rod that is 1 mm (0.04 inch) in diameter and 13-mm (0.5-in) long. The rod shall not contact bare conductive parts when applied to openings in the enclosure. The rod is applied without appreciable force, in every possible position.



Exception No. 1: A battery pack enclosure with openings that do not exceed 1 mm (0.04 inch) in width,

regardless of length, need not comply.



Exception No. 2: Unrestricted access is permitted to limited power source circuit.



2. For Preliminary Review Only: Revision of the discharged current in 10.11.



RATIONALE

The discharged current was not consistent in Abnormal Charging Test in 6.3 and 10.11.

(1) Requirements in same Standard shall be consistent.

(2) In order to avoid sample damage prior to testing, all sample preparation shall follow the manufacturer specified condition.

Revise the discharged current in 10.11, see the following proposal for detail.



PROPOSAL

10.11 The batteries are to be tested in an ambient temperature of 20 5°C (68 9°F). A thermocouple is to be attached to the cells of each test sample battery. Each battery shall be discharged at a constant current of 0.2C/1 hour, to a manufacturer specified discharge endpoint voltage to the manufacturer specified end point voltage using the manufacturer specified current.