The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA, Rosslyn, VA) has released the ANSI C18.2M, Part 1-2001, American National Standard for Portable Rechargeable Cells and Batteries-General and Specifications, which replaces the 1999 version of the standard and covers the general dimensional and performance specifications of the most commonly used portable rechargeable batteries. Nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, sealed-lead acid and lithium-ion are also included.
”This particular revision added dimensional information for designers and specifiers for consumer batteries such as AAA, AA, C and D types," says Ramesh Shah, chairman of NEMA Subcommittee C18.2 on Portable Rechargeable Cells and Batteries. "We also took this opportunity to add IEC designations."
The purpose of the standard is to ensure electrical and physical interchangeability; to minimize proliferation of cell and battery types; to define standard performance tests; and to provide guidance to consumers, manufacturers and designers by specifying designations, dimensions, polarity, terminals, marking, test conditions and procedures. The cells and batteries covered by this standard are typically used in industrial, commercial, military and residential applications to power radios, portable CD players, computers and cell phones.
