UN38.3 is a United Nations standard for the transportation safety of lithium batteries. It applies to all types of lithium batteries, including lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries. The full name of this standard is Section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, which addresses the risks associated with transporting lithium batteries to ensure their safety during transit.
The UN38.3 standard includes a series of tests to verify the safety of lithium batteries under various transportation conditions. The main tests are as follows:
1. Altitude Simulation Test:
- Simulates the battery's performance in low-pressure environments. The test is conducted at a pressure not exceeding 11.6 kPa for at least 6 hours.
2. Thermal Test:
- Exposes the battery to high and low temperatures in cycles to check its stability under temperature variations. The battery is subjected to 72°C and -40°C, each temperature maintained for at least 6 hours, for a total of 10 cycles.
3. Vibration Test:
- Simulates the vibrations that a battery may encounter during transportation. The test involves different frequencies and amplitudes of vibration over a 3-hour period.
4. Shock Test:
- Simulates severe shocks that a battery might experience during transit. The battery is subjected to an acceleration of 150 g in six different directions.
5. External Short Circuit Test:
- Tests the battery's response and safety when its positive and negative terminals are short-circuited at 55°C for at least 1 hour.
6. Impact Test:
- For single cells, simulates the impact of a heavy object falling on the battery. The test involves a 9.1 kg weight dropping from a height of 1 meter onto the battery.
7. Overcharge Test:
- Overcharges rechargeable batteries to test their safety under extreme charging conditions. Typically, the battery is charged at twice its rated current for 24 hours.
8. Forced Discharge Test:
- For non-rechargeable lithium batteries, simulates a forced discharge situation to test the battery's safety.
Batteries that pass these tests are considered safe for transportation, reducing the risk of fire, explosion, and other hazards due to physical damage, temperature changes, or pressure variations. Therefore, the UN38.3 standard is crucial for the international transport of lithium batteries and is widely recognized and adhered to by customs and logistics companies globally.
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