IEC 61951-2-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes — Secondary sealed cells and batteries for portable applications — Part 2: Nickel‑metal hydride (IEC 61951-2:2017 consolidated with Amendment 1:2022). This consolidated edition specifies designation and marking, physical dimensions, electrical and mechanical tests, safety requirements and type/production acceptance criteria for sealed Ni‑MH small prismatic, cylindrical and button cells and batteries intended for portable use.

Abstract

IEC 61951-2 defines the characteristics, marking and mandatory tests for rechargeable nickel‑metal hydride (Ni‑MH) sealed cells and batteries used in portable applications. The 2017 base publication was technically revised and issued in a consolidated form with Amendment 1 in October 2022 to add new designations, clarify dimensional details and update test/marking provisions. The consolidated document is published as Edition 4.1 (2022‑10).

General information

• Status: Current (consolidated edition with Amendment 1:2022).
• Publication date: Consolidated edition / amendment published 1 October 2022 (IEC 61951-2:2017+A1:2022).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.220.30 (alkaline secondary cells and batteries).
• Edition / version: IEC 61951-2:2017 consolidated with Amendment 1:2022 — Edition 4.1 (2022‑10).
• Number of pages: Consolidated (CSV) edition: 183 pages (consolidated/redline publication).

Scope

This part of IEC 61951 applies to secondary sealed nickel‑metal hydride small prismatic, cylindrical and button cells and batteries designed for portable applications and suitable for use in any orientation. It specifies marking and designation rules, dimensional requirements, electrical and mechanical test methods, safety tests and criteria for type approval and batch acceptance. It does not cover lithium chemistry; it is intended specifically for Ni‑MH technology and batteries made from such cells.

Key topics and requirements

• Designation and marking requirements for cells and batteries (type codes, polarity, safety markings, special designations such as high‑recovery 'F' and low self‑discharge 'I').
• Physical dimensions and tolerances for small prismatic, cylindrical and button cells (standardised sizes and measurement tolerances).
• Electrical tests: capacity, charge/discharge characteristics, internal resistance, self‑discharge and temperature‑dependent performance tests.
• Mechanical tests: vibration, shock, impact and terminal strength checks relevant to portable use.
• Safety tests and requirements: overcharge, short‑circuit, forced discharge, leakage, thermal stability and other abuse tests appropriate to sealed Ni‑MH cells.
• Type approval and batch acceptance procedures, including sampling, test sequences and acceptance criteria.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of Ni‑MH cells and battery assemblies, test laboratories, product designers for portable electronic equipment, regulatory bodies and conformity assessment organisations use this standard to ensure safe, interoperable and properly marked Ni‑MH batteries for consumer and professional portable devices. It is also used by procurement and quality teams to set technical requirements in specifications and contracts.

Related standards

Commonly referenced related standards include IEC 61951-1 (Nickel‑cadmium — Part 1), IEC 62133 (safety requirements for portable secondary cells and batteries in many end‑products), IEC 60086 series (primary batteries, where relevant for interchangeability/marking), and the various national/adopted EN versions (EN/BS/UNE national adoptions of IEC 61951-2:2017/A1:2022). Users should consult IEC 61951-1 and IEC 62133 when addressing different chemistries or broader product-level safety requirements.

Keywords

Ni‑MH, nickel‑metal hydride, secondary cells, sealed cells, portable batteries, marking, dimensions, electrical tests, mechanical tests, safety tests, type approval, IEC 61951-2, amendment 2022.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61951-2 is an IEC international standard that sets out the mandatory designation, marking, dimensional, testing and safety requirements specifically for sealed nickel‑metal hydride (Ni‑MH) cells and batteries intended for portable applications. The currently available consolidated edition incorporates Amendment 1 (2022).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers small prismatic, cylindrical and button Ni‑MH cells and batteries: how they must be marked and designated, permitted dimensions and tolerances, the electrical and mechanical tests to be performed (capacity, charge/discharge, short‑circuit, vibration, shock, etc.), and safety and acceptance criteria for type and batch testing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cell and battery manufacturers, product designers for portable electronics, independent test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies and procurement/quality teams use this standard to design, test and verify Ni‑MH batteries for safe portable use.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The consolidated edition (IEC 61951-2:2017 with Amendment 1:2022, Edition 4.1, published October 2022) is current; it supersedes earlier editions (including the 2011 edition) and incorporates the listed amendments. Users should check the IEC webstore or their national standards body for the very latest status before placing normative references in regulations or contracts.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61951 is a multi‑part series covering secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non‑acid electrolytes for portable applications. Part 1 covers nickel‑cadmium, Part 2 covers nickel‑metal hydride, and other related parts cover different cell types or topics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include: Ni‑MH, nickel‑metal hydride, secondary sealed cells, portable batteries, marking, dimensions, electrical tests, mechanical tests, safety, type approval, IEC 61951-2.