US-bound button cell batteries need UL4200A-2023

Starting from March 19, 2024, all products containing button batteries entering the US market must pass the UL4200A-2023 safety standard test before being placed on shelves for sale. UL4200A-2023, as a mandatory consumer product safety regulation, applies to consumer products containing button batteries and aims to reduce the risk of button battery ingestion for children aged 6 and under.

Key Points Emphasized:

- All products containing button batteries must meet the requirements of UL 4200A standard to be exported to the United States.

- The standard applies to all products containing button batteries, regardless of whether the batteries are replaceable or rechargeable.

UL 4200A standard covers various aspects including:

- Structure

- Testing

- Warning Labels (on the product body and packaging)

- Instructions

Structure:

For products with batteries that can be moved or replaced by the user, the structure must meet the following requirements:

1. The IEC 61032 probe No. 11 shall not contact the battery. If the housing can be opened without tools or with fewer than two independent consecutive actions, it must be opened for evaluation during inspection.

2. Products need to be designed to prevent children from moving the batteries: The battery compartment should require tools (such as screwdrivers, coins) to open, with a minimum rotational angle of 0.5Nm and 90 degrees to open the battery compartment, or fasteners should engage at least two complete threads; or when operated by hand, at least two independent and concurrent actions are required to open the cover or door of the battery compartment.

3. If the cover or door of the battery compartment is secured by screws or similar fasteners, the fasteners must be limited to the cover or door, for example, screws that cannot be removed.

For products with batteries that cannot be moved or replaced by the user, effective measures must be taken to prevent users or children from removing the batteries, and the product design should meet the following requirements:

1. The battery should be prevented from contacting the user through the housing or similar means.

2. Or the battery should be completely fixed by welding, riveting, or similar means.

Testing:

1. Pre-treatment

2. Drop test

3. Impact test

4. Crush test

5. Torque test

6. Pull test

7. Compression test

8. Secure mounting test (for batteries not allowed to be moved or replaced by users)

Warning Labels (Product Body):

1. If there is enough space on the product body, use the labels as shown in Figure 7C.1.

2. If the internal space of the product is limited, the label in Figure 7C.2 can be used, but the meaning of this symbol should be explained in the product manual, other printed materials accompanying the product, or hang tags.

Warning Labels (Packaging):

Warning labels should be attached to the packaging regardless of whether there is enough space on the product body.

1. If the main packaging space is sufficient, use Figure 7B.1 or Figure 7B.2.

2. If the main packaging space is insufficient, Figure 7B.3 should be used in the main packaging space, and Figure 7B.4 should be used in the secondary packaging space.

Notes on Warning Labels:

1. When the label contains multiple colors, ensure that the colors are consistent with the warning label colors specified in this specification.

2. The size of the icon should be at least 7mm wide and 9mm high; the icon size specified in Figure 7B.2 should be at least 8mm in diameter.

3. The labeling should use the official language of the country/region where the product is sold; if there is no official language, English should be used.

Button Battery Types:

1. CR Series: The CR series button batteries are common types. For example, CR2032 has a diameter of 20mm and a thickness of 3.2mm, with a capacity of approximately 220mAh, mainly used in calculators, watches, weighing scales, etc. CR2016 has a diameter of 20mm and a thickness of only 1.6mm, with a capacity of approximately 90mAh, commonly used in electronic toys, remote controls, etc.

2. LR Series: LR series button batteries are alkaline batteries. For example, LR44 has a diameter of 11.6mm and a thickness of 5.4mm, with a capacity of approximately 150mAh, commonly used in watches, remote controls, etc.; LR41 has a diameter of 7.9mm and a thickness of 3.6mm, with a capacity of approximately 25mAh, suitable for hearing aids, watches, and other small electronic products.

3. AG Series: AG series button batteries are also common, such as AG3, AG10, AG13, etc., which are usually used in toys and gifts.

4. SR Series: SR series button batteries include SR626SW, which is a silver oxide battery with a diameter of 6.8mm and a thickness of 2.6mm, with a capacity of approximately 28mAh, commonly used in watches, electronic toys, etc.; SR621SW has a diameter of 6.8mm and a thickness of 2.1mm, with a capacity of approximately 13mAh, suitable for small electronic devices.

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