COPYRIGHT © IEC.

NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

IEC 60095-1
®
Edition 8.0 2018-11

INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD

colour
inside

Lead-acid starter batteries –

Part 1: General requirements and methods of test
IEC 60095-1:2018-11 (en)
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COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

IEC 60095-1
®
Edition 8.0 2018-11

INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD

colour
inside

Lead-acid starter batteries –

Part 1: General requirements and methods of test

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION

ICS 29.220.20; 43.040.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-6250-4

Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission

 –2– IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

CONTENTS

FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................... 4
1 Scope .............................................................................................................................. 6
2 Normative references ...................................................................................................... 6
3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................................... 6
4 Designation of starter batteries – Electrolyte density and open circuit voltage ................. 7
4.1 Designation according to type ................................................................................. 7
4.2 Dry-charged batteries ............................................................................................. 7
4.3 Electrolyte density and open circuit voltage............................................................. 8
5 Condition on delivery ....................................................................................................... 8
6 General requirements ...................................................................................................... 8
6.1 Identification, labelling ............................................................................................ 8
6.1.1 General ........................................................................................................... 8
6.1.2 The identification of manufacturer or supplier .................................................. 8
6.1.3 Nominal voltage: 12 V ...................................................................................... 8
6.1.4 Capacity or reserve capacity (see 7.1.2) and nominal cranking current
(see 7.1.1) ....................................................................................................... 8
6.1.5 Production date code ....................................................................................... 9
6.1.6 Safety labelling ................................................................................................ 9
6.1.7 Recycling labelling ........................................................................................... 9
6.1.8 Valve-regulated batteries ................................................................................. 9
6.2 Marking of the polarity ............................................................................................ 9
6.3 Fastening of the battery .......................................................................................... 9
7 Functional characteristics .............................................................................................. 10
7.1 Electrical characteristics ....................................................................................... 10
7.2 Mechanical characteristics .................................................................................... 11
8 General test conditions .................................................................................................. 11
8.1 Sampling of batteries ............................................................................................ 11
8.2 Charging method – Definition of a fully charged battery ........................................ 11
8.3 Test equipment ..................................................................................................... 11
8.3.1 Measuring instruments................................................................................... 11
8.3.2 Water bath ..................................................................................................... 12
8.3.3 Environmental chamber ................................................................................. 12
8.4 Test sequence ...................................................................................................... 12
8.4.1 Batteries filled and charged ........................................................................... 12
8.4.2 Dry-charged or conserved-charge batteries ................................................... 13
9 Tests methods ............................................................................................................... 14
9.1 20 h capacity check C e ......................................................................................... 14
9.2 Reserve capacity check RC e ................................................................................. 14
9.3 Cranking performance test .................................................................................... 14
9.3.1 Cranking performance test – Standard temperature (−18 °C) ......................... 14
9.3.2 Cranking performance test – Very cold climates ............................................ 15
9.3.3 High current discharge test at low temperature .............................................. 15
9.4 Charge acceptance test ........................................................................................ 16
9.5 Charge retention test ............................................................................................ 16
9.6 Endurance test for batteries .................................................................................. 16
 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 –3–
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

9.6.1 Corrosion test ................................................................................................ 16

9.6.2 Optional endurance cycle test for passenger car batteries – Maximum
capacity 100 Ah ............................................................................................. 18
9.7 Water consumption test ........................................................................................ 19
9.8 Vibration resistance test ....................................................................................... 19
9.9 Electrolyte retention test ....................................................................................... 20
9.10 Cranking performance for dry-charged (or conserved-charge) batteries after
activation .............................................................................................................. 20
10 Requirements ................................................................................................................ 20
Annex A (normative) Correlation between C n and RC n ......................................................... 22
Annex B (informative) Water consumption test – Conversion of test temperatures and
test durations ........................................................................................................................ 23
B.1 General ................................................................................................................. 23
B.2 Conversion formula ............................................................................................... 23
Annex C (informative) Safety labelling ................................................................................. 24
C.1 Definition of the six coloured symbols ................................................................... 24
C.2 Safety labelling – Label for North America area .................................................... 24
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 26

Figure C.1 – Symbol dimensions ........................................................................................... 24

Figure C.2 – Safety labelling – Label for North America area, former version (still valid) ...... 25
Figure C.3 – Safety labelling – Label for North America area, new version ............................ 25

Table 1 – Charging method ................................................................................................... 11

Table 2 – Accuracy of test equipment ................................................................................... 12
Table 3 – Test sequence ....................................................................................................... 13
Table 4 – Parameters cycle test ............................................................................................ 17
Table 5 – Vibration resistance – Levels V1 to V3 .................................................................. 19
Table 6 – Summary of requirements ..................................................................................... 21
Table C.1 – Definition of safety symbols according to ISO 7010 ............................................ 24
 –4– IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________

LEAD-ACID STARTER BATTERIES –

Part 1: General requirements and methods of test

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)"). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
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other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard IEC 60095-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 21:
Secondary cells and batteries.

This eighth edition cancels and replaces the seventh edition published in 2006. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:

a) charge acceptance test;

b) cranking performance test;
c) charge retention test; and
d) endurance test added.
 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 –5–
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting

21/974/FDIS 21/987/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.

This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

A list of all parts in the IEC 60095 series, published under the general title Lead-acid starter
batteries, can be found on the IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be

• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
 –6– IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

LEAD-ACID STARTER BATTERIES –

Part 1: General requirements and methods of test

1 Scope

This part of IEC 60095 is applicable to lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V,
used primarily as a power source for the starting of internal combustion engines, lighting, and
for auxiliary equipment of internal combustion engine vehicles. These batteries are commonly
called "starter batteries".

This document is applicable to batteries for the following purposes:

• batteries for passenger cars;

• batteries for commercial and industrial vehicles.

This document is not applicable to batteries for other purposes, such as the starting of railcar
internal combustion engines or for motorcycles and other power sport vehicles.

This document defines many general properties of lead-acid batteries. Single sections can be
referenced in other parts of the IEC 60095 series even if the application is excluded in the
scope of this document.

This document specifies the:

• general requirements;
• essential functional characteristics, relevant test methods and results required,

for several classes of starter batteries:

• according to the general type of application;

• according to the type of product.

2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.

IEC 60050-482, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 482: Primary and

secondary cells and batteries

IEC 60095-2, Lead-acid starter batteries – Part 2: Dimensions of batteries and dimensions
and marking of terminals

IEC 60095-4, Lead-acid starter batteries – Part 4: Dimensions of batteries for heavy vehicles

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-482 and the
following apply.
 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 –7–
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:

• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/

• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp

3.1
flooded battery
lead-acid battery having a cover provided with one or more openings through which gaseous
products may escape

3.2
enhanced flooded battery
EFB battery
flooded lead-acid battery with additional special design features to significantly improve the
cycling capability compared to standard flooded batteries

3.3
valve regulated lead-acid battery
VRLA battery
lead-acid battery which is closed under normal conditions but which has an arrangement that
allows the escape of gas if the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value

Note 1 to entry: The VRLA battery cannot receive addition to the electrolyte and after activation of dry-charged
VRLA.

Note 2 to entry: In VRLA batteries the electrolyte is immobilized.

3.4
absorbent glass mat battery
AGM battery
VRLA battery in which the electrolyte is immobilized by absorption in a glass mat

3.5
gel battery
VRLA battery in which the electrolyte is immobilized by fixing as a gel

4 Designation of starter batteries – Electrolyte density and open circuit

voltage

4.1 Designation according to type

Batteries are designated according to their type, as follows:

• flooded batteries (vented);

• enhanced flooded batteries, EFB;
• valve regulated lead-acid batteries, VRLA;
– absorbent glass mat batteries, AGM;
– gel batteries.

4.2 Dry-charged batteries

Lead-acid batteries may be supplied in a dry-charged state. Dry-charged batteries can be

activated by filling with the defined electrolyte indicated by internal or external marks or
according to the manufacturer's activation instructions. After activation, these batteries are
ready to use.
 –8– IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

4.3 Electrolyte density and open circuit voltage

The density of the electrolyte in all fully charged vented batteries shall be in the range of
1,27 kg/l to 1,30 kg/l at 25 °C unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

NOTE For valve-regulated batteries, the electrolyte is not accessible and, therefore, its density cannot be
checked.

The open circuit voltage (OCV) at 25 °C, of fully charged batteries after a minimum 24 h stand
on open circuit, shall be in the range of 12,70 V to 12,90 V for vented types and 12,80 V to
13,10 V for valve regulated types unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

The manufacturer shall specify the value and tolerance of the electrolyte density or OCV. If
such information is not available, vented battery testing shall be carried out with a density of
1,28 kg/l ± 0,01 kg/l at 25 °C or an OCV of 12,76 V ± 0,06 V at 25 °C and valve regulated
battery testing shall be carried out with a minimum OCV of 12,80 V.

5 Condition on delivery

New vented batteries may be supplied either:

• in a state ready for use, or

• in a dry-charged (or charge-conserved) state not filled with electrolyte. The density of the
electrolyte to fill these batteries before use (unless otherwise recommended by the
manufacturer) shall be:
– 1,28 kg/l ± 0,01 kg/l at 25 °C;

Valve-regulated batteries are normally supplied in a state ready for use.

6 General requirements

6.1 Identification, labelling

6.1.1 General

Batteries complying with this document shall bear the following characteristics on at least the
top or one of their four sides.

6.1.2 The identification of manufacturer or supplier

The name of the manufacturer or supplier shall be indicated.

6.1.3 Nominal voltage: 12 V

The nominal voltage of 12 V shall be indicated.

6.1.4 Capacity or reserve capacity (see 7.1.2) and nominal cranking current (see
7.1.1)

Three options are possible for the identification and labelling of capacity (or reserve capacity)
and nominal cranking current:

Option 1:

• 20 h capacity C 20 (Ah);
• with nominal cranking current I cc (A) (see 7.1.1 and 9.3.1) defined at −18 °C with
U 10s ≥ 7,5 V and U 90s ≥ 6,0 V (under I cc /0,6).
 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 –9–
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Option 2:

• reserve capacity RC (minutes);

• with nominal cranking current I cc (A) (see 7.1.1 and 9.3.1) defined at −18 °C with
U 30 s ≥ 7,20 V.

Option 3:

• 20 h capacity C 20 (Ah);
• with nominal cranking current I cc (A) (see 7.1.1 and 9.3.1) defined at −18 °C with
U 30 s > 7,20 V.
NOTE These three options are in accordance with the present use in the different areas in the world.

The preferred version is Option 1.

6.1.5 Production date code

Batteries shall be marked with the date of production. This can be part of a more complex
code.

6.1.6 Safety labelling

If under national regulations, coloured safety symbols are required to be used, they should
follow the design as set out in Annex C, Clause C.1.

However, to be in compliance with some national regulations, additional wording or special

labelling can be used (for example, the safety label for North America area shown in Annex C,
Clause C.2).

6.1.7 Recycling labelling

Batteries shall be marked for separate collection and recycling, if required by local area
regulations.

6.1.8 Valve-regulated batteries

VRLA batteries shall be marked using the term "VRLA". In addition it is recommended that
VRLA batteries shall bear special indication that the battery shall not be opened.

EXAMPLE: "VRLA – Do not open"

6.2 Marking of the polarity

The terminals shall be identified according to the requirements of IEC 60095-2 or of

IEC 60095­4.

6.3 Fastening of the battery

Where batteries are fastened to the vehicle by means of integral parts (for example, bottom
ledges), these shall be in compliance with the requirements of IEC 60095-2 and of
IEC 60095­4.
 – 10 – IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

7 Functional characteristics

7.1 Electrical characteristics

7.1.1 The cranking performance is the discharge current I cc , as indicated by the

manufacturer according to the option chosen (Option 1 or Option 2), which a battery can
supply according to 9.3.

7.1.2 The capacity of a starter battery is defined for a temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C.

It may be indicated by the manufacturer as either:

• nominal 20 h capacity C 20 , or
• nominal reserve capacity RC n .

The nominal 20 h capacity C n is the electric charge in ampere hours (Ah) that a battery can
supply with a current:

I n = C n / 20 h (A)

until the terminal voltage falls to U f = 10,50 V.

The effective 20 h capacity C e shall be determined by discharging a battery with constant

current I n to U f = 10,50 V (see 9.1). The resultant discharge time, in hours, is used for the
verification of C n .

The nominal reserve capacity RC n is the period of time (in minutes) for which a battery can
maintain a discharge current of 25 A to a cut-off voltage U f = 10,50 V.

The effective reserve capacity RC e shall be determined by discharging a battery with the
constant current I = 25 A to U f = 10,50 V (see 9.2). The resultant discharge time, in minutes,
is used for the verification of RC n .

NOTE For the correlation (relationship) of C n and RC n , see Annex A.

7.1.3 The charge acceptance is expressed as the current I ca which a partially discharged
battery accepts at 0 °C and a constant charging voltage of 14,40 V.

7.1.4 The charge retention is rated by the cold cranking performance of the charged and
filled battery after storage on open circuit under defined conditions of temperature and time
(see 9.5).

7.1.5 The endurance test consists of two parts:

• the corrosion test represents the ability of a battery to perform repeated

overcharge/storage periods (see 9.6.1.1).
• the cycling test represents the ability of a battery to perform repeated discharge/recharge
cycles and long rest periods on open circuit. This ability shall be tested by a series of
cycles and rest periods under specified conditions after which the cold cranking or the
capacity performances shall be determined (see 9.6.1.2 or 9.6.2).
 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 – 11 –
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

7.1.6 The water consumption test checks if the battery can keep its performance under
extended exposure to heat and overcharge conditions. It is measured as loss of weight during
overcharge of a fully charged battery and is defined as g/Ah C e (see 9.7).

7.2 Mechanical characteristics

7.2.1 Vibration resistance represents the ability of a battery to maintain service under
periodic or irregular acceleration forces. Minimum requirements shall be verified by a test (see
9.8).

7.2.2 Electrolyte retention is the ability of a battery to retain the electrolyte under specified
physical conditions (see 9.9).

8 General test conditions

8.1 Sampling of batteries

Samples shall be tested not later than:

• 45 days after the production date of the manufacturer in the case of filled batteries;
• 60 days after the production date of the manufacturer in the case of dry-charged batteries.

8.2 Charging method – Definition of a fully charged battery

Batteries shall be considered as fully charged if they have undergone the charging
procedures. Prior to the first capacity test, the battery charge shall be limited to 16 h.

If not specified differently by the battery manufacturer, the batteries that will be tested
according to this document shall be charged according to Table 1.

Table 1 – Charging method

Battery type Voltage U c Current Time Remarks

Flooded batteries with size in 16,00 V ± 0,05 V 5 In 24 h (16 h) a
accordance with IEC 60095-2
Flooded batteries with size in 16,00 V ± 0,05 V 5 In 20 h (16 h) a Step 1
accordance with IEC 60095-4
no limitation In 4h Step 2
Valve-regulated batteries VRLA 14,80 V ± 0,05 V 5 In 24 h (16 h) a
a A charging time of 16 h is sufficient after a cranking performance test and prior to the first capacity check.

All charges shall be performed with batteries in a water bath at 25 °C ± 2 °C.

8.3 Test equipment

8.3.1 Measuring instruments

The range of instruments used shall be appropriate for the magnitude of the parameters to be
measured. The minimum accuracy of test equipment is given in Table 2.
 – 12 – IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Table 2 – Accuracy of test equipment

Parameter Accuracy of test equipment

Current for cold cranking tests 0,5 %
Current for other tests 1 % full-scale with a minimum accuracy of ±30 mA
Voltage ± 0,04 V
Temperature ± 1 °C
Time ±1 s

Density of electrolyte ≤ 0,005 kg/l

Weight of battery ± 1 g below 30 kg
± 5 g above 30 kg

The instruments used for measuring time shall be graduated in hours, minutes and seconds.

8.3.2 Water bath

If a test needs to be carried out in a water bath, the following conditions shall be fulfilled. The
terminal base of the battery shall be at least 15 mm but not more than 25 mm above the water
surface level. If several batteries are in the same water bath then the distance between them
and also the distance to the walls of the bath shall be at least 25 mm.

Minimum soak time for batteries in the water bath is 4 h.

If not stated differently in the individual test description, the tolerance for the temperature of
the water bath is ±2 °C.

It is recommended to cover the surface of the water with floating elements using testing
temperatures of 40 °C or more. This improves the thermal isolation against air and avoids
evaporation of water.

8.3.3 Environmental chamber

If a test needs to be carried out in an environmental chamber, the batteries are placed in an
air gaseous phase at the requested temperature and tolerance; the wind velocity near the
battery shall not be more than 2,0 m/s.

Minimum time for batteries in the environmental chamber before the test beginning is 8 h.

8.4 Test sequence

8.4.1 Batteries filled and charged

a) Initially, the batteries are subjected to the following series of tests:
– first C e or RC e check;
– first cranking performance test;
– second C e or RC e check;
– second cranking performance test;
– third C e or RC e check;
– third cranking performance test.
For C e or RC e and the cranking performance, the specified values shall be met in at least
one of the relevant discharges above.
 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 – 13 –
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

It is not necessary to complete the sequence if the specified values are achieved on the
first or second test.
NOTE The choice between testing C e or RC e is the decision of the customer or user.
b) The tests according to Table 3 shall be carried out only if batteries have complied with the
previous tests, and not later than one week after completion of the first part.

Table 3 – Test sequence

Step Test Battery

Reference
No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6
0 Cranking performance for dry charged 8.4.2 and 9.10      
batteries
1 Initial charge prior to test 8.2      

2 First 20 h capacity or 9.1 or 9.2    C 20   

First reserve capacity
3 First cranking performance according to 9.3.1      
Option 1 or Option 2
4 Second 20 h capacity 9.1 or 9.2 () ()  C 20 () () ()
Second reserve capacity
5 Second cranking performance according to 9.3.1 () () () () () ()
Option 1 or Option 2
6 Third 20 h capacity 9.1 or 9.2 () ()  C 20 () () ()
Third reserve capacity
7 Third cranking performance according to 9.3.1 () () () () () ()
Option 1 or Option 2
8 Cranking performance – very cold climate 9.3.2 
9 Corrosion test 9.6.1.1 

10 Endurance in cycle test 9.6.1.2 or 

9.6.2
11 Charge retention 9.5 

12 Charge acceptance 9.4 

13 Electrolyte retention 9.9 

14 Vibration resistance 9.8 

15 Water consumption 9.7 

Key
– : test to be fulfilled.
– (): test to be fulfilled only if the previous identical test carried out failed.

Battery no. 3 shall perform the full sequence of 3 tests with 20 h capacity before the charge acceptance test in
9.4.

8.4.2 Dry-charged or conserved-charge batteries

a) Initially, the batteries are subjected to:
– initial cranking performance after filling with electrolyte (see 9.10).
b) The tests according to Table 3 shall be carried out only if the batteries have complied with
the test mentioned in a) and no more than one week after the said test.
 – 14 – IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

9 Tests methods

9.1 20 h capacity check C e

Throughout the duration of the tests, the battery shall be placed in a water bath at a
temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C, in accordance with 8.3.2.

The battery shall be discharged with the current I n (calculated according to 7.1.2) kept
constant at ±2 % of the nominal value until the terminal voltage falls to 10,50 V ± 0,05 V.
The duration t (h) of the discharge shall be recorded. The beginning of the discharge shall
take place between 1 h to 5 h after the completion of charging according to 8.2.

The battery temperature, measured in one of the middle cells, if applicable, shall be
25 °C ± 2 °C before the discharge begins.

The capacity C e is as follows:

Ce = t × I n (Ah)

9.2 Reserve capacity check RC e

Throughout the duration of the tests, the battery shall be placed in a water bath at a
temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C, in accordance with 8.3.2.

The battery shall be discharged with a current (25 ± 0,25) A until the terminal voltage falls to
10,50 V ± 0,05 V. The duration t (in minutes) of the discharge shall be recorded. The
beginning of the discharge shall take place between 1 h to 5 h after the completion of
charging according to 8.2.

The battery temperature, measured in one of the middle cells, if applicable, shall be
25 °C ± 2 °C before the discharge begins.

RC e = t (min)

9.3 Cranking performance test

9.3.1 Cranking performance test – Standard temperature (−18 °C)

Option 1:

After a rest period of 24 h up to 72 h after preparation according to 8.2, the battery shall be
placed in a cooling environmental chamber with (forced) air circulation at a temperature of
−18 °C ± 1 °C until the temperature of the middle cells has reached −18 °C ± 1 °C.

It is generally accepted that the required temperature will be achieved after a minimum period
of 24 h in the cooling environmental chamber.

The battery shall then be discharged, either within or outside the cooling chamber, within
2 min after the end of the cooling period with a current I cc (see 7.1.1). This current shall be
kept constant to within ± 0,5 % during the discharge.

After 10 s discharge, the terminal voltage U f shall be recorded and the current shall be cut off.

The voltage U f shall be not less than 7,50 V.

After a rest period of 10 s ± 1 s, the test shall be continued as follows:

 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 – 15 –
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

The battery shall then be discharged at 0,6 I cc . The current shall be kept constant to
within ± 0,5 % during the discharge. The discharge shall be terminated when the battery
voltage reaches 6 V. The discharge time (t ' 6 V ) at 0,6 I cc to 6 V shall be recorded in seconds.
t 6 V is defined as the duration of the second stage (t ' 6 V ) plus the equivalent duration of the
first stage discharge if run at 0,6 I cc , i.e. it is given, in seconds, by the following equation:

10 s
t6 V =t ′6 V + =t ′6 V + 17 s
0,6

Requirements: the battery shall comply with the following requirement: t 6 V ≥ 90 s.

Option 2:

After a rest period of 24 h up to 72 h after preparation according to 8.2, the battery shall be
placed in a cooling environmental chamber with (forced) air circulation at a temperature of
−18 °C ± 1 °C until the temperature in one of the middle cells has reached −18 °C ± 1 °C.

It is generally accepted that the required temperature will be achieved after a minimum period
of 24 h in the cooling chamber.

The battery shall then be discharged, either within or outside the cooling environmental
chamber, within 2 min after the end of the cooling period with a current I cc (see 7.1.1). This
current shall be kept constant to within ± 0,5 % during the discharge.

After 30 s discharge, the terminal voltage U f30 s shall also be recorded and the current shall
be cut off.

Requirements: the battery shall comply with the following requirement: U f30 s ≥ 7,2 V.

9.3.2 Cranking performance test – Very cold climates

This test shall be performed only if the battery is specified for very cold climate application by
the manufacturer.

The test method is the same as defined above in Option 2 for standard temperatures with:

• cooling environmental chamber temperature = −29 °C ± 1 °C;

• I cc for very cold climate specified by the manufacturer.

9.3.3 High current discharge test at low temperature

After a rest period of up to 72 h, the battery shall be placed in a cooling environmental

chamber with (forced) air circulation at a temperature of −18 °C ± 1 °C until the temperature
of the middle cells has reached −18 °C ± 1 °C.

It is generally accepted that the required temperature will be achieved after a minimum period
of 24 h in the cooling environmental chamber.

The battery shall then be discharged, either within or outside the cooling environmental
chamber within 2 min after the end of the cooling period with a current 0,6 I cc (see I cc
definition in 7.1.1, Option 1). This current shall be kept constant to within ±0,5 % during the
discharge.

After 30 s discharge, the terminal voltage U 30 s shall be recorded and the current shall be cut
off.
 – 16 – IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Requirements: if not stated differently in the previous test, the voltage U 30 s shall be not less
than 7,20 V.

9.4 Charge acceptance test

The test shall be carried out on batteries which have been charged in accordance with 8.2.

The battery shall be placed in a water bath at a temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C, according to

8.3.2.

The battery shall be discharged at a current I 0 :

I 0 = C e20 / 10 h (A) for 5 h.

The value C e shall be taken as the maximum value C e of the three previous discharges in
accordance with 9.1.

Immediately after the discharge, the battery shall be cooled at a temperature of 0 °C ± 1 °C

for a minimum of 20 h or until the temperature of one of the middle cells has reached
0 ºC ± 1 ºC.

At this temperature of 0 °C ± 1 °C, the battery shall be charged at a constant voltage of

14,40 V ± 0,10 V.

After 10 min, the charging current I ca shall be recorded.

9.5 Charge retention test

A fully charged battery (according to 8.2), with its vent plugs firmly in place and a clean dry
surface, shall be stored at 40 °C ± 2 °C on open circuit for 21 days. No connecting clamps or
cables shall be attached to the terminals.

After this storage period, the battery shall be submitted, without recharge, to a cranking
performance test at −18 °C and a current I = 0,6 I cc .The voltage after 30 s (U 30 s ) shall be
recorded.

Requirements:

• normal batteries (N) and low water loss batteries (L): U 30 s ≥ 8 V;

• very low water loss batteries (VL): U 30 s ≥ 8,5 V.

9.6 Endurance test for batteries

9.6.1 Corrosion test

9.6.1.1 General

The corrosion test unit is as follows.

• The test shall be carried out on fully charged batteries in accordance with 8.2.
• The battery shall be placed in a water bath maintained at a temperature of 60 °C ± 2 °C,
according to the installation described in 8.3.2.
• The battery, maintained at 60 °C ± 2 °C, shall be charged at a constant voltage of
14,00 V ± 0,10 V, for a period of 13 days.
• The battery shall be stored on open circuit, still at 60 °C ± 2 °C, for a period of 13 days.
No connecting clamps or cables shall be attached to the terminals.
 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 – 17 –
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

• The battery shall be cooled to 25 °C ± 2 °C. Purified water shall be added, if possible, to
maintain the electrolyte level in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations
(this does not apply to VRLA batteries).
• The battery shall then be recharged in accordance with 8.2 for 6 h.
• The battery, maintained at 25 °C ± 2 °C, shall be stored for a rest period of 20 h.
• The battery shall be discharged with a current of 0,6 I cc at 25 °C ± 2 °C for 30 s. The 30 s
voltage shall be recorded.

This corrosion test unit shall be repeated and the test shall be terminated when the battery
voltage reaches less than 7,2 V at 30 s with a current of 0,6 I cc in cranking test at
25 °C ± 2 °C.

The number of corrosion test units to apply is mentioned in Table 6.

9.6.1.2 Endurance in cycle test

The tests shall be carried out on fully charged batteries in accordance with 8.2.

Table 4 – Parameters cycle test

Battery size Test temperature Charging voltage Constant Charging ratio

according to: current
U I CR
IEC 60095-2 +40 °C ± 2 °C 14,4 V for VRLA In 1,08
15,6 V for flooded
IEC 60095-4 +25 °C ± 2 °C 15,6 V 2,5 I n 1,10

The battery shall be placed in a water bath as defined in 8.3.2 and maintained at a
temperature as stated in Table 4.

The charging voltage U and charging ratio CR defined as:

2Crch
CR =
Cn

stated in Table 4 shall be used if not otherwise specified by the manufacturer of the battery to
be tested.

Only for batteries having a normal water loss requirement, purified water shall be added to the
battery as necessary during the test to maintain the electrolyte level in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.

The batteries shall be connected to a test device where they undergo a series of cycles. Each
cycle consists of the following steps.

Step 1: discharge the battery for 2 h with a constant current of I = 5 I n . The cut-off criterion for
this test is the voltage during the discharge. If it drops below 10,5 V the test shall be
terminated.

Step 2: recharge the battery for maximum 5 h with a constant voltage and a current limitation
of 5 I n . Record the recharged capacity C rch (Ah) during the charging.

Once the charging ratio CR reaches the specified value of Table 4, stop the charging.
 – 18 – IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Step 3: if the charging ratio CR is lower than specified in Table 4 after completion of Step 2,
continue to recharge the battery in a second step with a constant current as specified in
Table 4 until the charging ratio CR reaches the required value or until the maximum duration
of 1 h for this step is reached.

Perform Steps 1 to 3 as long as the voltage during discharge is above the limit or until the
number of cycles of the requirement level is reached as defined in Table 6.

A following high current discharge test in accordance with 9.3.3 shall be performed without
any preceding recharge of the battery.

The number of cycles to apply is mentioned in Table 6.

The requirement for the capacity test (with a preceding charging according to 8.2) is:

C e ≥ 0,5 C 20

9.6.2 Optional endurance cycle test for passenger car batteries – Maximum capacity
100 Ah

The test shall be carried out on batteries that have been charged in accordance with 8.2.

Throughout the whole test period, the battery shall be placed in a water bath according to
8.3.2 at a temperature of 40 °C ± 2 °C.

Purified water should be added to the electrolyte as required during the cycling portion of the
test with the exception of those batteries described as "low water loss", "very low water loss",
or VRLA.

The batteries shall be connected to a device where they undergo a continuous series of
cycles, with each cycle comprising:

a) a discharge for 240 s ± 1 s at 25 A ± 0,1 A;

b) followed, within 10 s, by a charge for 600 s ± 1 s at the maximum charge current of
25 A ± 0,1 A with a maximum charge voltage of 14,80 V ± 0,03 V;

with the interval between the charge and the discharge periods not exceeding 10 s, for
100 h +120 h.

The battery, maintained at the temperature of 40 °C, shall be stored on open circuit for
between 65 h to 70 h.

With the battery at the temperature selected 40 °C, discharge at I cc cranking amps for 30 s.
The terminal voltage at 30 s (U 30 s ) shall be recorded together with the number of cycles
described.

The battery should be replaced on the cycling test without a separate charge, starting on the
"charge" portion "b)" of the cycle.

The cycling test should be considered complete when the terminal voltage at 30 s (U 30 s ) of
the cranking test falls to below 7,20 V. The number of cycles shall be determined by plotting
the 30 s (U 30 s ) voltage values versus the cycle values. The point where the line crosses
7,20 V shall be the cycle reported for that battery.

The number of cycles to apply is mentioned in Table 6.

 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 – 19 –
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

9.7 Water consumption test

This test applies only to vented batteries.

The battery, after being charged according to 8.2, shall be cleaned, dried and weighed to an
accuracy of ± 0,05 % (W1).

The battery shall be placed in a water bath maintained at a temperature of 40 °C ± 2 °C

according to the provisions of 8.3.2.

The battery shall be charged at a constant voltage of 14,40 V ± 0,05 V (measured across the
battery terminals) for a period of 500 h.

Immediately after this overcharge period, the battery shall be weighed under the same
conditions as initially, with the same scales (W2).

The ratio (W1-W2)/C 20 shall be calculated and compared against the requirements listed in
Table 6.

NOTE It is possible to carry out this test with a different temperature than 40 °C (for example 60 °C); see the
correlation formula between temperatures in Annex B.

9.8 Vibration resistance test

After charging according to 8.2, the battery shall be stored for 24 h at a temperature of
25 °C ± 2 °C.

The battery shall be fastened rigidly to the table of the vibration tester. The fastening shall be
of the same type as that used on a vehicle and secured by either:

• the bottom hold-downs or ledges on the lower part of the container and suitable hold-down
clamps and bolts with M8 thread, tightened to a torque of between 15 Nm and 25 Nm, or
• an angle-iron frame covering the upper edges of the battery case/cover assembly for a
minimum width of 15 mm for batteries according to IEC 60095-2 and of 33 mm for
batteries according to IEC 60095-4, connected to the vibration table by four screwed rods
with M8 thread, tightened to a torque of between 8 Nm and 12 Nm.

The battery shall be subjected for a period of T (h) (see Table 5) to a vertical vibration of a
frequency of 30 Hz ± 2 Hz, these vibrations being as nearly sinusoidal as possible.

The maximum acceleration on the battery shall reach the value Z (see Table 5).

The battery temperature throughout the vibration shall be between 20 °C and 30 °C.

After a maximum of 4 h after the end of the vibration, the battery shall be subjected, without
recharge, to a discharge at a temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C with a current I = I cc .

The terminal voltage after 30 s (U 30 s ) discharge shall be recorded. The discharge shall then
be terminated.

Table 5 – Vibration resistance – Levels V1 to V3

Requirement level
Parameter
V1 V2 V3
Period of vibration, T 2h 2h 20 h
Maximum acceleration on the battery, Z 30 ms −2 60 ms −2 60 ms −2
 – 20 – IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

The requirement level V1 to V3 should be chosen according to customer application needs;

however V3 is limited to applications that need extremely high vibration resistance.

9.9 Electrolyte retention test

After charging according to 8.2, the battery shall be stored for 4 h on open circuit at a
temperature of 25 °C ± 2 °C.

If necessary, the electrolyte level of each cell shall be adjusted to the maximum with purified
water. The external surfaces of the battery shall be cleaned and dried.

The battery shall then be tilted in each of the four directions at intervals of not less than 30 s
between each tilting as follows:

a) the battery shall be tilted through 45° from the vertical in a maximum period of 1 s;
b) the battery shall be maintained in this position for 3 s;
c) the battery shall be returned to the vertical position in a maximum period of 1 s.

Throughout the tests described above, the battery shall be examined for any sign of
electrolyte leaking from the battery. The observations shall be recorded.

9.10 Cranking performance for dry-charged (or conserved-charge) batteries after

activation

The dry-charged battery and a sufficient amount of electrolyte supplied by the manufacturer,
or according to the manufacturer's specifications, shall be stored at 25 °C ± 2 °C for at least
12 h (before filling).

The battery shall be filled with its electrolyte up to the level indicated by the manufacturer.
After a rest period of 20 min at the same ambient temperature, the battery shall be discharged
at a current I = I cc for 30 s.

The voltage after a discharge period of 30 s (U 30 s ) shall be recorded. The discharge shall
then be terminated.

10 Requirements

The requirements applicable to essential functional characteristics are summarized in Table 6.

 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 – 21 –
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Table 6 – Summary of requirements

Functional
See paragraph Requirements Comments
characteristics
20 h capacity 9.1 C e ≥ C 20 For batteries rated in Ah
Reserve capacity 9.2 RC e ≥ RC n For batteries rated in reserve
capacity
Cranking performance test 9.3.1 Option 1 (for batteries rated in
−18 °C Ah)
U 10 s ≥ 7,50 V t 6 V ≥ 90 s
Option 2 (for batteries rated in
reserve capacity)
U 30 s ≥ 7,20 V
Cranking performance test 9.3.2 U 30 s ≥ 7,20 V Optional
−29 °C
Charge acceptance 9.4 I ca ≥ 2I 0
Charge retention 9.5 U 30 s ≥ 8,0 V
Normal batteries (N) and
Low water loss batteries
(L)
Charge retention 9.5 U 30 s ≥ 8,5 V
Very low water loss
batteries (VL)
Corrosion test 9.6.1.1 Number of units
≥4
Endurance in cycle test 9.6.1.2 Flooded (vented)
≥ 60 cycles
VRLA ≥ 250 cycles
Optional endurance in 9.6.2 Number of cycles = 34 × RC n – Optional
cycle test 581
Water consumption 9.7 No requirement
Normal batteries (N)
Water consumption 9.7 Maximum 4 g/Ah
Low water loss batteries
(L)
Water consumption 9.7 Maximum 1 g/Ah
Very low water loss
batteries (VL)
Vibration 9.8 U 30 s ≥ 7,2 V
Electrolyte retention 9.9 No evidence of liquid on the
vent plugs (or from the single
point vent outlet)
Cranking performance 9.10 U 30 s ≥ 7,2 V
after activation

For both C e or RC e and the cranking performance, the specified values shall be met in at least one of the three
relevant discharges above (see 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3).
 – 22 – IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Annex A
(normative)

Correlation between C n and RC n

The value of RC n (in minutes) may be estimated from C n (in ampere hours) using the following
equation:

RC n = β (C n ) α

where
α = 1,182 8 for flooded batteries, or 1,120 1 for valve-regulated batteries;
β = 0,773 2 for flooded batteries, or 1,133 9 for valve-regulated batteries.

Reciprocal equation:

C n = δ (RC n ) γ

where
γ = 0,845 5 for flooded batteries, and 0,892 8 for valve-regulated batteries;
δ = 1,242 9 for flooded batteries, and 0,893 9 for valve-regulated batteries.
 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 – 23 –
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Annex B
(informative)

Water consumption test – Conversion of

test temperatures and test durations

B.1 General

This document recommends that the water consumption test be performed according to 9.7 at
40 °C. Other regional standards request a test temperature of 60 °C. If the same charging
voltage of 14,4 V is used it is possible to convert the results from the 60 °C test to 40 °C
conditions following Arrhenius law and a compensation reflecting possible differences in test
duration.

B.2 Conversion formula

500 h 1
WL=
40 × × WL60
d 4

where
WL 40 is the water loss result according to IEC 60095-1 after 500 h charging with 14,4 V at
40 °C;
WL 60 is the water loss result according to regional standard after d hours charging with
14,4 V at 60 °C;
d is the duration of 60 °C test procedure in hours.
 – 24 – IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Annex C
(informative)

Safety labelling

C.1 Definition of the six coloured symbols

If coloured safety symbols are required to be used by national regulations, they should refer
to the designs in accordance with ISO 7010.

Table C.1 – Definition of safety symbols according to ISO 7010

Reference Description Graphical symbol

ISO 7010 P003:2011-05 No open flame; Fire, open ignition
source and smoking prohibited

ISO 7010 M004:2011-05 Wear eye protection

ISO 7010 P036:2012-06 No children allowed

ISO 7010 W023:2011-05 Warning; Corrosive substance

ISO 7010 M002:2011-05 Refer to instruction manual/booklet

ISO 7010 W002:2011-05 Warning; Explosive material

The individual symbols shall have common dimensions, as shown in Figure C.1, with minimum
dimensions of 10 mm.

Figure C.1 – Symbol dimensions

C.2 Safety labelling – Label for North America area

For information, specific safety labelling is used in North America: see Figures C.2 and C.3.
 IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018 – 25 –
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Figure C.2 – Safety labelling – Label for North America area,

former version (still valid)

Figure C.3 – Safety labelling – Label for North America area, new version
 – 26 – IEC 60095-1:2018 © IEC 2018
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

Bibliography

ISO 7010, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs

___________
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION
COPYRIGHT © IEC. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR REPRODUCTION

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