UN 38.3 is a mandatory global safety standard that ensures lithium batteries are safe for international transport by air, sea, rail, or road. It subjects batteries to eight rigorous tests (T.1 to T.8) designed to simulate the extreme environmental, mechanical, and electrical stresses encountered during shipping.
| Test Code | Test Name | Purpose & Simulation |
|---|---|---|
| T.1 | Altitude Simulation | Simulates unpressurized aircraft cargo areas at altitudes up to 15,000m (low pressure). |
| T.2 | Thermal Test | Assesses seal integrity by cycling through extreme temperatures (-40℃--72℃) |
| T.3 | Vibration | Replicates the constant mechanical vibrations experienced during road, sea, or air transit. |
| T.4 | Shock | Simulates sudden, severe physical impacts, such as accidental drops or collisions. |
| T.5 | External Short Circuit | Evaluates safety if the battery terminals touch metal, ensuring no self-ignition or explosion. |
| T.6 | Impact / Crush | Tests the battery's structural strength against mechanical abuse to prevent internal shorts. |
| T.7 | Overcharge | Evaluates if rechargeable batteries can handle higher-than-recommended voltage safely. |
| T.8 | Forced Discharge | Assesses safety when a cell is forced into a deep-discharge or reverse-polarity state. |
