Rosslyn, VA, January 29, 2003 -- NEMA, The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, has released three revised standards on portable cells and batteries: ANSI C18.1M, Part 2-2003, Portable Primary Cells and Batteries with Aqueous Electrolyte-Safety Standard; ANSI C18.2M, Part 1-2003, Portable Rechargeable Cells and Batteries -- General and Specifications; and ANSI C18.3M, Part 2-2003, Portable Lithium Primary Cells and Batteries -- Safety Standard.

ANSI C18.1M, Part 2-2003, covers performance requirements for portable primary batteries with aqueous electrolyte and zinc anode (non-lithium). It includes sampling, information for safety, instructions for use, and marking requirements for cells and batteries.

ANSI C18.2M, Part 1-2003, covers specifications and requirements (designations, dimensions, terminals, test conditions, mechanical tests, and marking) for nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, sealed lead-acid, and lithium-ion portable rechargeable or secondary cells and batteries. Since the last version was published, dimensions have been added to specification sheets and test procedures have been harmonized with various ANSI standards.

ANSI C18.3M, Part 2-2003, covers performance requirements for portable primary lithium cells and batteries. The standard also includes sampling, information for safety, instructions for use, and marking requirements. It was developed to account for those who follow the ANSI standards but must also adhere to the United Nations' new model regulations for the transport of lithium batteries.

"Both part 2 documents represent an update in the safety standards to accommodate new rules and regulations and the latest thinking in nonrechargeable batteries," says Marc Boolish of Energizer, chairman of the ANSI 18.3 subcommittee. "C18.2M, Part 1 updates rechargeable battery specifications and general information. All of these documents are welcome additions to keep the ANSI battery standards among the most sophisticated in the world."

ANSI C18.1M, Part 2-2003 may be purchased for $57 by visiting http://www.nema.org/r/std/c181m_2/, C18.2M, Part 1-2003 for $63 by visiting http://www.nema.org/r/std/c182m_1/, and C18.3M, Part 2-2003 for $57 by visiting http://www.nema.org/r/std/c183m_2/, or by contacting Global Engineering Documents at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), or 303-397-2740 (fax).