BS EN 50342-1-2015 + A2-2021 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN 50342-1:2015 + A2:2021 — Lead‑acid starter batteries — Part 1: General requirements and methods of test. This document is the 2015 EN 50342‑1 European standard as amended by Amendment A2 (2021) and is published/adopted by national bodies (for example as BS EN 50342‑1:2015+A2:2021 in the UK).

Abstract

This standard specifies general requirements, marking and the test methods applicable to 12 V lead‑acid starter (SLI) batteries used primarily for starting internal combustion engines, lighting and ignition and for vehicle auxiliary equipment. It includes general construction and performance requirements, test conditions and specific normative annexes covering safety labelling, correlation of capacity measures and battery performance marking.

General information

• Status: Current / definitive European standard adopted by national bodies (valid as amended by A2:2021).
• Publication date: Amendment A2 approved in 2021 (CENELEC approval August 17, 2021) and published in autumn 2021 (publication records show 1 October 2021 for the EN amendment; national adoptions such as the BSI consolidated text were published in 2022).
• Publisher: CENELEC (European standard). National publishers produce adopted versions (for example BSI for BS EN, NSAI/I.S. EN for Ireland, SIS for Sweden).
• ICS / categories: 29.220.20 – Acid secondary cells and batteries (lead‑acid starter batteries).
• Edition / version: EN 50342‑1:2015 amended by A2:2021 (commonly cited in national form as e.g. BS EN 50342‑1:2015+A2:2021).
• Number of pages: Varies by national publication (examples: BSI consolidated publication lists 30 pages for BS EN 50342‑1:2015+A2:2021, some national adoptions list a longer pagination for the full adopted text—consult the purchasing body for the exact page count of the national version you will obtain).

Scope

The standard applies to lead‑acid starter batteries (nominally 12 V) intended primarily to start internal combustion engines and to supply lighting and auxiliary equipment. It sets out general product requirements, test conditions and the methods of test used to determine compliance with performance, marking and safety requirements. The document is intended for SLI batteries in passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and similar applications; other parts of the EN 50342 series cover dimensions, terminal systems and heavy‑vehicle applications.

Key topics and requirements

• General construction and marking requirements for lead‑acid starter batteries, including mandatory markings and performance designation.
• Standardized test conditions and methods for capacity (C20 and correlation to reserve capacity), cold cranking/starting performance, internal resistance, charge acceptance, vibration and endurance tests.
• Requirements and tests for dry‑charged batteries and storage/transport conditions for batteries supplied unfilled.
• Normative annexes: Annex A on safety labelling (definition of six coloured symbols), Annex B on correlation between C20 and reserve capacity, Annex C on battery performance marking (descriptions and examples).
• Harmonisation with related standards and vehicle regulations to support interchangeability, safe installation and end‑user information.

Typical use and users

Primary users are battery manufacturers, OEM vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, conformity assessment and test laboratories, aftermarket battery vendors, regulatory authorities and procurement specialists who need to verify performance, marking and safety compliance of lead‑acid starter batteries. The standard is used to design tests, specify product requirements in procurement and to support type‑approval and conformity activities.

Related standards

EN 50342 is a multipart series. Relevant related parts include EN 50342‑2 (dimensions of batteries and marking of terminals), EN 50342‑3 (terminal system for 36 V batteries) and EN 50342‑4 (dimensions for heavy‑vehicle batteries), plus other national/adopted variants and earlier editions. Users should consult the full EN 50342 series and national adoptions for complete cross‑references.

Keywords

Lead‑acid, starter battery, SLI, EN 50342‑1, test methods, C20, reserve capacity, cold cranking, dry‑charged, safety labelling, battery marking, vehicle batteries.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: EN 50342‑1:2015 with Amendment A2:2021 is the European standard that sets general requirements and test methods for 12 V lead‑acid starter batteries used for starting internal combustion engines and related vehicle electrical functions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers general construction, marking, performance requirements and the laboratory test methods used to verify capacity (including C20 and reserve capacity correlation), starting performance, internal resistance, charge acceptance, vibration/endurance tests and requirements for dry‑charged batteries, plus normative annexes on labelling and marking.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Battery and vehicle manufacturers, test laboratories, aftermarket suppliers, procurement and regulatory bodies use the standard to specify, test and verify starter battery performance and marking.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The EN 50342‑1:2015 text remains current as amended; Amendment A2 was issued in 2021 and national adoptions (for example BS EN 50342‑1:2015+A2:2021) followed. Users should ensure they reference the consolidated national version applicable in their jurisdiction and check for any newer amendments or revisions published after 2021.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — EN 50342 is a multipart standard series covering starter batteries: Part 1 is general requirements and test methods; other parts address dimensions and terminal systems, 36 V terminal systems, heavy vehicle dimensions and related topics. Consult the EN 50342 series for the complete set.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Lead‑acid, starter battery, SLI, C20, reserve capacity, cold cranking, dry‑charged, battery marking, safety labelling, EN 50342‑1.