When sourcing or engineering battery packs, understanding the precise specifications of a battery cell is critical. To ensure global consistency, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established standardized naming conventions for rechargeable batteries. By decoding these letters and numbers, you can instantly identify the battery’s chemistry, size, discharge rate, and structural features.
Here is a complete guide to reading the IEC identification codes for Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), and Lithium-ion batteries.
IEC Identification for Ni-Cd and Ni-MH Batteries
According to IEC standards, the identification code for Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries consists of five main parts:
- 1. Battery Chemistry:
- KR: Represents a Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery.
- HF or HR: Represents a Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery.
- 2. Size Information: Indicates the diameter, height, width, and thickness of the battery in millimeters (mm). For non-cylindrical shapes, these values are separated by slashes (/).
- 3. Discharge Characteristics:
- L: Appropriate discharge current rate is under 0.5C.
- M: Appropriate discharge current rate is between 0.5C and 3.5C.
- H: Appropriate discharge current rate is between 3.5C and 7.0C.
- X: High-rate discharge, operating safely between 7C and 15C.
- 4. Temperature Rating: The symbol T indicates it is a high-temperature resistant battery series.
- 5. Battery Tabs (Connection Pieces):
- CF: No connection tabs.
- HH: Equipped with tabs designed for series connections.
- HB: Equipped with tabs designed for parallel/series strip connections.
Examples of Ni-MH / Ni-Cd Identification:
HF18/07/49: Represents a prismatic (square) Ni-MH battery with a width of 18mm, a thickness of 7mm, and a height of 49mm.
KRMT33/62HH: Represents a Ni-Cd battery (KR) with a medium discharge rate (M) and high-temperature resistance (T). It is a cylindrical cell with a 33mm diameter, 62mm height, and is equipped with series connection tabs (HH).
IEC 61960 Identification for Secondary Lithium Batteries
The naming convention for rechargeable lithium batteries (such as Li-ion) follows the IEC 61960 standard. The identification code consists of 3 letters followed by 5 numbers (for cylindrical cells) or 6 numbers (for prismatic cells).
- 1. First Letter (Negative Electrode Chemistry):
- I: Represents a Lithium-ion electrode.
- L: Represents a Lithium metal or Lithium alloy electrode.
- 2. Second Letter (Positive Electrode Chemistry):
- C: Cobalt-based electrode (LiCoO2).
- N: Nickel-based electrode.
- M: Manganese-based electrode.
- V: Vanadium-based electrode.
- 3. Third Letter (Physical Shape):
- R: Represents a cylindrical battery.
- L: Represents a prismatic (square or rectangular) battery.
- 4. Numerical Suffix (Dimensions): Represents the physical dimensions of the cell (diameter/thickness, width, and height) in millimeters.
Source Standardized, High-Quality Batteries with Hysincere
Decoding IEC standards ensures you are selecting the exact specifications required for your industrial applications. At Hysincere, we strictly adhere to international manufacturing standards. We provide premium lithium-ion, LiFePO4, and customized battery packs that meet global safety and performance benchmarks. Whether you need high-rate cylindrical cells or custom prismatic battery packs, Hysincere delivers the reliable power your business demands.
Discuss Your Battery Project Requirements
Share the application, voltage, capacity, load, charging method, dimensions, temperature, certification, and annual-volume requirements for an initial technical review by Hysincere.
How to Identify Rechargeable Batteries According to IEC Standards FAQ
Does an IEC designation prove that a battery is certified?
No. A designation can describe chemistry, dimensions or construction under an applicable standard, but certification requires valid documentation for the exact product and standard edition.
Can one IEC code be applied to every rechargeable battery?
No. The applicable standard and designation depend on chemistry, form factor, product level and intended use. Confirm the exact scope and current edition before specifying a code.
What should a B2B buyer request for IEC compliance?
Request the exact model datasheet, test report or certificate, issuing body, standard number and edition, scope, manufacturing-site information and evidence that the supplied product matches the tested configuration.
This article is intended for technical reference and preliminary project evaluation. Battery compatibility, charging limits, current capability, temperature range, BMS behavior, certifications, and installation requirements vary by model and application. Final selection and system configuration must follow the selected product datasheet, equipment-manufacturer requirements, and system-validation results.
