Standards as an aid to stationary lead-acid battery specification and procurement

摘要

An historical overview of standards is given from the traditional development of product standards, through to product standardisation for new battery products. Related issues such as European harmonisation, the role of private standards, environmental and safety legislation, and the restructuring of industry are considered. The development of the first product standard for VRLA batteries, BS6290-4:1987 is reviewed in terms of its scope, document structure, and philosophy of application. This review identifies the main issues which brought about the development of the BS6290-4:1997 standard. The principal thrust of the new standard arises from its requirements to produce a Type Test Certificate and a Classification Table. The benefits arising to users are identified and explained.