Battery Standards Overview

This is the eleventh in a series of units that will educate the reader on the part played by a battery in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system. In this unit we look at the role of battery standardization and why it matters to users of large stationary battery systems.

Why standards?

Standards in general are essential to ensure proper communication among everybody associated with a system. These can include manufacturers, transporters, distributors, installers, technicians, operators, fire and safety regulators, environmental regulators, and recyclers (to name only a few). Standards ensure interoperability and compatibility between the many elements of a battery system. Other considerations include product safety and testing, quality, reliability and environmental compliance. Many standards apply to the design, manufacturing, and testing of battery equipment. In this unit however, we limit the scope from many dozens of existing standards to only those most relevant to a user.

What is the difference between a code and a standard?

A “standard” (with a lower case “s”) is generally voluntary, although strict adherence to certain standards may be necessary for marketing or other reasons. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE™) publishes three different levels of standards. At the low end is the “Guide” which is primarily tutorial in nature, characterized by use of words such as “may,” “might,” or “could.” In the middle is the “Recommended Practice” which is more about how to do something, characterized by use of the word “should.” At the top is the Standard (with upper case “S”) directing the exact way something must be done, characterized by use of the word “shall.” While adoption of a Standard may be voluntary, strict compliance with the Standard is necessary when it is adopted. Some government regulations might require that “safety standards” must be followed even if they are not specifically codified. For example, if a worker is injured because the employer ‘could have and should have’ followed existing safety standards and best practices but failed to do so, the company might be subject to penalties and fines.

A “code” is the same as a law or regulation. It is implemented and enforced by a government body. Typically a government (city, state or region) will “adopt” an existing standard – but not necessarily the most current edition. When that happens, compliance is mandatory. Some standards-writing organizations (for example the National Fire Protection Association® [NFPA®] in the U.S.A.) publish “model codes.” A government agency might modify the text of a model code to fit local requirements. Local fire codes and building codes are examples. Failure to comply can lead to citations and penalties.

What standards are most important to users of large battery systems?

First and foremost, the user should ensure that the battery supplier guarantees compliance to applicable manufacturing and quality standards. More important to battery users are standards relating to installation procedures, maintenance procedures, and recycling.

Who are the primary publishers of battery standards?

The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (Cenelec) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) are the main battery standardisation bodies covering Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. In the Americas and much of the rest of the world, IEEE is the predominant publisher of battery standards. Some other nations create their own standards and codes.

What are the standards most relevant to users of large stationary battery systems?

In this paper we will focus on IEEE standards. The following table identifies those of greatest interest to the user:

This table is not an all-encompassing list of battery standards. It is intended to direct the user to about eighty percent of the standards likely to be encountered. The full list would include dozens more. The reader should contact the battery or UPS manufacturer with specific questions about compliance with any standard. The reader should contact the local enforcement agency with questions about applicable codes.