Battery Testing

DEKRA provides battery testing services for a variety of industries, such as the telecommunication, computer, automotive and consumer electronics industries. In North America, we specialize in UL 9540A Battery Off-gas characterization testing and can partner with our DEKRA Netherlands laboratories to conduct IEC 62133 testing for operation and UN 38.3 tests for transport. We conduct testing on a variety of batteries including, rechargeable lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), and nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries; non-rechargeable lithium and alkaline batteries; lead acid batteries, and EV (Electric Vehicle) Secondary Lithium-Ion Cells.

Battery Vent Gas Characterization

DEKRA Process Safety performs battery gas characterization per UL 9540A, "Test method for evaluating thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems," to ensure safe storage, transport and use of battery systems. Off-gas testing is necessary to understand the degradation process of the electrolyte as well as to help improve battery safety and operational performance. Cell vent gas or battery gas characterization is a necessary part of obtaining UL certification. This testing includes the following:
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) DEKRA performs testing per ASTM D1946: This analysis technique identifies the chemical species in the battery gas and quantifies their concentration. This information can then be used to produce samples for flammability tests.
  • Lower Flammability Limit (LFL) DEKRA performs testing per ASTM E918, "Standard Practice for Determining Limits of Flammability of Chemicals at Elevated Temperature and Pressure." We can adjust testing parameters for both ambient and elevated temperatures per your unique requirements.
  • Explosion Severity Test (Kg/Pmax) DEKRA performs testing per EN 15967 for determination of maximum explosion pressure (Pmax); maximum rate of pressure rise (dP/dt); and normalized explosion severity (Kg).
  • Flammable Gas Burning Velocity DEKRA performs testing using ISO 817, "Refrigerants designation and safety classification." We have experience modifying test protocols to adapt to your needs and specifications.

Other Testing Services

DEKRA Process Safety North America partners with our Netherlands laboratories to perform other types of safety, performance, and transportation battery testing services that include IEC 62133, "Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable applications:" and UN 38.3 (tests T1-T8), the test protocol for transport of Lithium metal and lithium ion batteries. Contact Us to learn more about the services we offer.
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