Strategic Guide to Reaction Hazard Assessment
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Battery Testing Services
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.
Battery testing helps manufacturers evaluate product safety, performance, reliability, and compliance before releasing batteries or battery powered products to the market. Effective battery product testing can identify potential risks, support product improvements, and help meet regulatory, industry, and customer requirements.
Battery testing services can evaluate a wide range of battery chemistries, designs, and applications. These include batteries used in telecommunications, automotive systems, consumer electronics, computers, energy storage systems, medical devices, renewable energy equipment, and industrial applications.
Depending on the testing scope, battery performance testing can provide data about capacity, durability, reliability, environmental resistance, and operating behavior. Battery safety testing can also help organizations understand potential hazards and evaluate products against applicable standards and requirements.
Battery testing is commonly conducted during product development, design validation, product certification, manufacturing changes, and quality assurance programs. Testing may also be appropriate before launching a product, entering a new market, or making changes that could affect battery safety or performance.
Yes. Battery compliance testing can help organizations evaluate products against applicable regulatory, transportation, safety, and industry requirements. Battery certification testing may also provide the data and documentation needed to support certification activities and customer specifications.
Battery testing services are widely used across the automotive, telecommunications, consumer electronics, computer technology, energy storage, industrial equipment, medical device, and renewable energy industries. Testing needs vary according to the battery technology, product application, intended market, and applicable requirements.
Battery product testing can help manufacturers compare designs, evaluate performance, identify potential issues, and verify safety characteristics throughout development. The resulting data allows product teams to make informed decisions before advancing to manufacturing or commercialization.
After testing, the battery testing laboratory typically provides test data, technical documentation, and results. Organizations can use these materials to support product development, battery certification testing, compliance efforts, customer requirements, and internal quality programs.
An independent battery testing laboratory provides specialized expertise, recognized testing methods, objective results, and supporting documentation. Working with a qualified laboratory can help manufacturers address product development, compliance, certification, quality, and market access requirements.
Yes. Battery safety testing helps manufacturers understand battery behavior, identify potential failure modes, and evaluate safety characteristics under specified conditions. These insights can support design improvements, informed risk reduction measures, and safer products before they reach customers.
