BS EN IEC 63056-2020 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN IEC 63056-2020 (2021) — Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes. Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in electrical energy storage systems. This designation reflects the IEC base publication IEC 63056:2020 and its subsequent national/European adoption as BS EN IEC 63056:2020 (published in 2021).

Abstract

This standard specifies product safety requirements and associated tests for secondary lithium cells and batteries intended for use in electrical energy storage systems (ESS) with a maximum nominal DC voltage up to 1 500 V. It covers general safety requirements, test procedures and exclusions (for example portable systems 500 Wh and below are excluded). A corrigendum issued in June 2021 is included in the consolidated text.

General information

• Status: Published / Active (IEC base standard and adopted as BS EN IEC 63056:2020).
• Publication date: IEC publication: 27 March 2020; Corrigendum 1: 23 June 2021; BS EN IEC adoption (BSI release): 22 December 2021.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC); national/European adoption published by British Standards Institution (BSI) as BS EN IEC 63056:2020.
• ICS / categories: 29.220.30 (Alkaline secondary cells and batteries / battery safety).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (IEC 63056:2020).
• Number of pages: IEC PDF: 37 pages (IEC published copy); BS EN IEC national/adopted publication typically supplied as a 24-page PDF in the BSI edition.

Scope

Applies to secondary lithium cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes for use in electrical energy storage systems (examples: telecommunications, central emergency lighting and alarm systems, stationary engine starting, photovoltaic systems, home/residential energy storage systems, large on-grid/off-grid ESS and uninterruptible power supplies). The document sets minimum common safety requirements for ESS cells and batteries up to a nominal DC voltage of 1 500 V and excludes portable systems of 500 Wh or below (covered by other standards).

Key topics and requirements

• Product safety requirements and acceptance tests for secondary lithium cells and batteries used in ESS.
• Electrical limits and constructional requirements applicable up to 1 500 V DC nominal.
• Thermal, mechanical and environmental test sequences to verify safe behaviour of cells and batteries in ESS applications.
• Specific exclusions and references to related battery standards (for portable cells, other chemistries or application-specific requirements).
• Minimum requirements intended to complement, not replace, more specific industrial battery standards (e.g., requirements in IEC 62619 for industrial applications).

Typical use and users

Used by battery and cell manufacturers, ESS integrators, test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, product designers, safety engineers, utilities, installers and regulators to design, test and certify stationary lithium battery systems for energy storage applications. It is referenced when assessing product safety and conformity for stationary ESS products destined for telecom, residential, commercial and grid-tied installations.

Related standards

Key related documents include IEC 62619 (safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries for industrial applications), IEC 61960-3 (portable systems and small cells exclusions), and other TC 21/SC 21A publications and national adoptions (EN/BS adoptions). The standard is part of the family of IEC safety standards for secondary cells and batteries.

Keywords

secondary lithium cells, batteries, electrical energy storage systems, ESS, safety requirements, product tests, 1500 V DC, IEC 63056, BS EN IEC 63056, corrigendum.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 63056:2020 (adopted as BS EN IEC 63056:2020 in national/European publication) is an IEC safety standard that specifies product safety requirements and test procedures for secondary lithium cells and batteries used in electrical energy storage systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers safety requirements, test methods and limits for secondary lithium cells and batteries intended for stationary energy storage applications (telecom, UPS, PV-coupled storage, residential HESS, on-grid/off-grid ESS) up to a nominal DC voltage of 1 500 V. It explicitly excludes portable systems of 500 Wh and below.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, system integrators, test and certification laboratories, design and safety engineers, utilities and regulatory bodies use this standard when designing, testing, certifying and installing stationary lithium battery systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was published by IEC in March 2020 (Edition 1.0) and has a corrigendum issued June 23, 2021; the European/British adoption was released in December 2021. As published by IEC the document carries a stability date (indicative) and is current until further revision; users should check the issuing body for any newer amendments or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it belongs to the suite of IEC standards addressing safety of secondary cells and batteries (work of TC 21/SC 21A) and is intended to be used alongside related standards such as IEC 62619 and IEC 61960-3 where applicable.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Secondary lithium cells, batteries, electrical energy storage systems (ESS), safety, tests, maximum 1500 V DC, IEC 63056, BS EN IEC 63056, corrigendum.