By sion932 
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has long been a cornerstone in establishing global standards for electrical and electronic technologies, ensuring safety, reliability, and interoperability across industries. Among its extensive portfolio of standards, IEC 60623:2001 holds significant importance for the battery sector, specifically governing vented nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) prismatic rechargeable single cells. This article provides a detailed analysis of IEC 60623:2001, covering its scope, key technical requirements, testing specifications, application scenarios, and evolutionary context.
1. Scope and Core Definition of IEC 60623:2001
Published on September 26, 2001, as the 4th edition of the standard, IEC 60623:2001 is officially titled “Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes – Vented nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells”. Its primary scope is to specify uniform tests and requirements for vented nickel-cadmium prismatic secondary single cells, which are characterized by rectangular sides and a base (the definition of “prismatic” as clarified in the standard) .
Notably, the standard focuses on cells utilizing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes, a key distinction from acid-based battery technologies such as lead-acid batteries. It is important to highlight that IEC 60623:2001 applies specifically to single vented cells rather than battery packs, and it acknowledges that if there are conflicting IEC standards for cells used in special applications, the application-specific standard shall take precedence . The standard was assigned the ICS (International Classification for Standards) code 29.220.99, categorizing it under “Other cells and batteries” .
2. Key Technical Requirements and Specifications
IEC 60623:2001 encompasses a comprehensive set of technical requirements covering design, manufacturing, materials, performance, and safety aspects to ensure the consistency and reliability of vented Ni-Cd prismatic cells .
2.1 Design and Manufacturing Requirements
The standard stipulates detailed criteria for the structural design of prismatic cells, including dimensional tolerances for rectangular sides and the base, as well as requirements for terminals, vents, and casing materials . The venting mechanism, a critical feature of vented Ni-Cd cells, is strictly regulated to ensure the safe release of gas generated during charging or abnormal operation, preventing cell rupture. Manufacturing processes must adhere to rigorous quality control measures to maintain material consistency, electrolyte purity, and assembly precision, all of which directly impact cell performance and safety .
2.2 Performance Parameters
IEC 60623:2001 defines key electrical performance indicators for vented Ni-Cd prismatic cells, including nominal capacity, discharge rate characteristics, cycle life, and self-discharge rate. These parameters are specified under standardized test conditions to ensure comparability between cells from different manufacturers. The standard also addresses mechanical performance requirements, such as resistance to vibration, impact, and thermal stress, to validate the cell’s durability in various operating environments .
2.3 Safety and Environmental Requirements
Safety is a paramount focus of IEC 60623:2001. The standard outlines strict safety criteria for cell operation, storage, and transportation, including limits on internal pressure, overcharge protection, and short-circuit prevention. It also specifies requirements for the handling of battery waste to minimize environmental impact, aligning with global efforts to promote sustainable battery management . Additionally, the standard mandates clear marking on cells, including model specifications, manufacturer information, nominal voltage, and capacity, to ensure proper usage and traceability .
3. Testing Specifications Under IEC 60623:2001
To verify compliance with the standard’s requirements, IEC 60623:2001 prescribes a series of mandatory electrical and mechanical tests. These tests are designed to simulate real-world operating conditions and identify potential performance or safety flaws .
3.1 Electrical Tests
Electrical tests include capacity testing (measuring discharge capacity under specified current and temperature conditions), cycle life testing (evaluating performance degradation over repeated charge-discharge cycles), and overcharge/over-discharge testing (assessing cell behavior under abnormal electrical stress). Self-discharge testing is also required to determine the rate at which the cell loses capacity when not in use .
3.2 Mechanical and Environmental Tests
Mechanical tests cover vibration resistance (exposing cells to sinusoidal or random vibration), impact resistance (subjecting cells to controlled impacts), and mechanical shock testing. Environmental tests include thermal cycling (testing performance under varying temperature conditions) and humidity resistance (evaluating cell integrity in high-humidity environments). The venting function is also tested to confirm its effectiveness in relieving internal pressure during fault conditions .
4. Application Fields and Industry Impact
Vented Ni-Cd prismatic cells compliant with IEC 60623:2001 are widely used in applications requiring high energy density, high power output, and long cycle life . Key application areas include portable electronic equipment, industrial machinery, emergency backup systems, electric vehicles, and aerospace devices. The standard has played a crucial role in harmonizing product specifications across global markets, facilitating international trade and ensuring that end-users receive safe and reliable battery products .
Furthermore, IEC 60623:2001 was incorporated into the IECEE (IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components) system on October 1, 2007, enhancing its recognition as a benchmark for product certification in the battery industry .
5. Standard Evolution and Current Status
Like all IEC standards, IEC 60623:2001 has undergone regular revisions to keep pace with technological advancements. The 4th edition (2001) was withdrawn on January 23, 2017, and replaced by the 5th edition, IEC 60623:2017, which remains valid as of 2026 . The 2017 revision incorporated updated technical requirements and testing methods to reflect improvements in battery materials, manufacturing processes, and safety practices.
Looking ahead, the IEC is developing the 6th edition of the standard (IEC 60623 Edition 6.0), with a forecast publication date of September 11, 2026 . This upcoming revision is expected to address emerging industry needs, such as enhanced environmental sustainability, improved performance metrics, and compatibility with new application scenarios.
IEC 60623:2001 served as a vital international standard for vented nickel-cadmium prismatic rechargeable single cells, establishing uniform requirements for design, performance, safety, and testing. Its adoption ensured consistency across the global battery industry, supporting the reliable operation of countless electrical and electronic devices. While superseded by IEC 60623:2017, the 2001 edition laid the groundwork for subsequent revisions and remains a key reference for understanding the evolution of Ni-Cd battery standards.
As the battery industry continues to innovate, the ongoing development of the IEC 60623 series reflects the commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, performance, and sustainability, ensuring that vented Ni-Cd cells remain a viable energy storage solution for critical applications.
References
- IEC Webstore. (2001). IEC 60623 Revised. Retrieved from https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/2733
- Original Power Document. (2024). International Standard IEC 60623:2001 EN-FR. Retrieved from https://m.book118.com/html/2024/0706/8136036001006107.shtm
- IECEE. Standard IEC 60623:2001. Retrieved from https://www.iecee.org/certification/iec-standards/iec-606232001
- Renrendoc. (2024). IEC 60623:2001 EN-FR Secondary Cells and Batteries. Retrieved from https://www.renrendoc.com/paper/335855020.html
- Battery Standards Info. IEC/EN 60623. Retrieved from https://batterystandards.info/standard/iecen-60623
- MEGANORM. (2026). ГОСТ Р МЭК 60623—2008. Retrieved from https://meganorm.ru/Data/480/48045.pdf
- PDFCOFFEE.COM. IEC 60623 Preview. Retrieved from https://pdfcoffee.com/iec-60623-pdf-free.html