South Korea officially implemented KC 62619:2022, and mobile ESS batteries are included into control

On March 20, KATS issued an official document 2023-0027, officially releasing KC 62619:2022.

Compared with KC 62619:2019, KC 62619:2022 has the following differences:

The definition of terms has been modified to align with IEC 62619:2022, such as adding the definition of maximum discharge current and adding time limit for flame.

1) The scope has been changed. It is clear that mobile ESS batteries are also within the scope. The range of application has been modified to be above 500Wh and below 300kWh.

2) Requirement of current design for battery system is added. The battery should not exceed the maximum charge/discharge current of cell.

3) Requirement of battery system lock is added.

4) Requirement of EMC for battery system is added.

5)  Laser triggering of thermal runaway in thermal propagation test are added.

Compared with IEC 62619:2022, KC 62619:2022 has the following differences:

1) Scope: IEC 62619:2022 is applicable to industrial batteries; while KC 62619:2022 specifies that it is applicable to ESS batteries, and defines that mobile/stationary ESS batteries, camping power supply and mobile electric vehicle charging piles fall within the scope of this standard.

2) Sample quantity: In 6.2, IEC 62619:2022 requires the number of samples to be R (R is 1 or more); while in KC 62619:2022, three samples are required for each test item for a cell and one sample for battery system.    

3) KC 62619:2022 adds Annex E (Functional Safety Considerations for Battery Management Systems) which refers to Annex H of functional safety-related standards IEC 61508 and IEC 60730, describing the minimum system-level design requirements to ensure the integrity of safety functions within a BMS.

Tips

KC62619:2022 has been effective since March 20, the date of its promulgation. After the implementation of this new standard, KC certificate can be transferred by CB report in the latest standard. At the same time, portable energy storage power and portable electric vehicle charging piles are also included in the mandatory control scope of KC. KC 62619:2019 will expire one year after the Act is implemented, but the applied certificates in this standard will still be valid.

The South Korean government has ordered the recall of 29 non-conforming products, including three lithium-ion batteries

From November 2022 to February 2023, KATS conducted a safety survey on 888 products on the market, mainly covering children’s products, electrical products and household goods that are in high demand in the new spring semester. The results of the investigation were announced on March 3. A total of 29 products violated safety standards, and the relevant businesses were ordered to recall them. 3 batteries of them were found to have failed charging tests. The model and company information are as follow:

KATS advises consumers to check whether there is a KC certification mark when buying children’s products and electronic products.