Background

In the previous journals, we’ve mentioned some of devices and components testing requirements in GB 4943.1-2022. With the increasing use of battery-powered electronic devices, the new version of GB 4943.1-2022 adds new requirements based on 4.3.8 of the old version standard, and the relevant requirements are put into Appendix M. The new version has more comprehensive consideration on devices with batteries and protection circuits. Based on the evaluation of battery protection circuit, additional safety protection from devices are also required.

Battery test methods

Q&A

1.Q: Do we need to conduct Annex M test of GB 4943.1 with compliance of GB 31241?

A: Yes. GB 31241 and GB 4943.1 Appendix M cannot replace each other. Both standards should be met. GB 31241 is for the battery safety performance, regardless of the situation on the device. Annex M of GB 4943.1 verifies the safety performance of batteries in devices.

2.Q: Do we need to conduct GB 4943.1 Annex M test specially?

A: It is not recommended, because in general, M.3, M.4, and M.6 listed in Annex M need to be tested with a host. Only M.5 can be tested with battery separately. For M.3 and M.6 which require battery own a protection circuit and need to be tested under single fault, if the battery itself contains only one protection and no redundant components and the other protection is provided by the whole device, or the battery does not have its own protection circuit and the protection circuit is provided by the device, then it is the host to be tested.

3 .Q: Is grade V0 required for battery fire protection external case?

A: If the secondary lithium battery is provided with a fire protection external case of no less than Grade V-1, which meets the test requirements of M.4.3 and Annex M. It is also considered to meet the PIS isolation requirements of 6.4.8.4 if the distance is insufficient. Therefore it is not necessary to have a fire protection external case of level V-0 or conduct additional tests as Annex S.

4.Q: Does battery need to conduct a limited power supply (LPS) test?

A: This depends on the usage of batteries. According to the standard, power supply that is expected to connected to the building circuit, or is expected to connect with appendix devices, like mouse, keyboard, DVD driver, should meet the requirement of power limit, and conduct LPS based on Annex Q.