What is BS EN 61951-1 – Secondary cells and batteries about?
BS EN 61951-1 is a European standard that discusses nickel-cadmium secondary sealed cells and batteries for portable applications for Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes.
BS EN 61951-1 specifies marking, designation, dimensions, tests and requirements for secondary sealed nickel-cadmium small prismatic, cylindrical and button cells and batteries, suitable for use in any orientation, for portable applications.
Who is BS EN 61951-1 – Secondary cells and batteries for?
BS EN 61951-1 on secondary sealed cells and batteries applies to:
- Manufacturer of secondary cells
- Electrical engineer
Why should you use BS EN 61951-1 – Secondary cells and batteries?
A sealed cell is a cell that remains closed and does not release either gas or liquid when operated within the limits of charge and temperature specified by the manufacturer. A portable cell is designed mainly for use in an easily hand-carried battery. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries compete with lead-acid batteries because they have a higher energy density (50-75 Wh/kg) and have a longer life (2000-2500 cycles).
As a user of BS EN 61951-1, you can ensure the quality of nickel-cadmium batteries as they can operate through a high-temperature range which simultaneously requires less maintenance as proceeds to works for a longer period.
With obedience and compliance to BS EN 61951-1, you can efficiently provide the ecosystem for portable application through secondary sealed cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 61951-1:2017 supersedes BS EN 61951-1:2014, which is withdrawn. It includes:
- Addition of battery type
- Revision of Figure 3 (6.1.3.1)
- Addition of “Optional pip” note to a positive contact
- Changed leader line position from pip to flats of positive contact (B and G).

