Lithium-ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods in category 9 according to the regulations for transporting goods. Therefore, certification of their safety is required before transportation (certification for air, sea, road, or rail transport). Regardless of the mode of transport, quality testing according to UN 38.3 standards is necessary for lithium battery products.
Most lithium or lithium-ion batteries are safe when designed, manufactured, and used correctly. However, if the product is made from substandard materials, assembled incorrectly, or has a faulty design, it can pose significant risks. High energy density in batteries can lead to overheating, even posing a risk of fire. For this reason, manufacturers need to ensure compliance with safety standards when using these battery products.
What is UN 38.3 standard
The UN 38.3 standard refers to section 38.3 of Part III of the United Nations' special transport test and guidance standards for the transportation of dangerous goods. It requires high-altitude simulation, high and low-temperature cycling, vibration testing, impact testing, short-circuit testing at 55°C, overcharge testing before shipping lithium batteries, and electromagnetic compatibility testing to ensure the safety of transporting lithium batteries. If lithium batteries are not installed with equipment and there are more than 24 cells or 12 batteries per package, a free fall test of 1.2 meters is required.
Lithium batteries must undergo a series of rigorous tests to meet UN38.3, conducted by an approved independent testing laboratory. The battery must not break, leak, disassemble, or ignite to receive certification. There are eight tests that lithium batteries must pass to receive certification.
UN 38.3 classification
There are four classifications based on the type of battery (lithium or lithium-ion) and how they are transported (separately or within a device):
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- UN 3090 for lithium batteries and UN 3480 for lithium-ion batteries: Applies to individual cells, batteries transported individually, batches of cells and batteries, modules or components of incomplete batteries, energy storage systems, power packs, and batteries transported separately from the device they power (even if the device and battery are in the same shipment or batch).
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- UN 3091 for lithium batteries contained in equipment and UN 3481 for lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment: Applies to devices with batteries installed; devices packed with batteries in the same package but not installed in the product; a maximum of two spare batteries transported in the same package with the equipment (meaning one installed battery and two spare batteries).
Test Items for Lithium Battery According to UN 38.3 Standard:
- - UN38.3.4.1: Simulation of Altitude for Lithium-ion Battery
- - UN38.3.4.2: Temperature Test for Lithium-ion Battery
- - UN38.3.4.3: Vibration Test for Lithium-ion Battery
- - UN38.3.4.4: Impact Test for Lithium-ion Battery
- - UN38.3.4.5: External Short Circuit Test for Lithium-ion Battery
- - UN38.3.4.6: Assessment of Crush and Impact for Lithium-ion Battery
- - UN38.3.4.7: Overcharge Test for Lithium-ion Battery
- - UN38.3.4.8: Forced Discharge Test for Lithium-ion Battery
