The standard UL 4200A:2023 for consumer products containing button/coin cells

Detailed Explanation of UL 4200A-2023 Standard

1) Scope of Application:
1.1 These requirements cover household products that contain or may use button batteries or coin cells.
1.2 These requirements do not apply to products that specifically use zinc-air battery technology.
1.2A These requirements do not apply to toy products that comply with the battery accessibility and labeling requirements of ASTM F963 "Toy Safety Standard."
1.3 These requirements apply to consumer products that contain button batteries or coin cells.
They do not apply to products that are not intended to be used where children could access them due to their specialized purpose and instructions, such as products used for professional or commercial purposes in locations where children are usually or normally not present.
1.4 These requirements are intended to supplement other safety requirements for products containing button batteries or coin cells, rather than to replace specific requirements contained in other safety standards, in order to reduce the physiological hazards associated with button batteries or coin cells.

2) Definition of Button Batteries or Coin Cells:
A single cell with a maximum diameter not exceeding 32 millimeters (1.25 inches) and a diameter greater than its height.

3) Structural Requirements:
Products using button batteries/coin cells should be designed to minimize the risk of children removing, ingesting, or inhaling the batteries. The battery compartment must be secured so that it requires the use of tools or at least two separate and simultaneous hand movements to open, and these two opening actions cannot be combined into a single movement by one finger. Moreover, after performance testing, the battery compartment door/cap must not open and should remain functional. The batteries should be inaccessible.

4) Performance Testing:
Includes stress release testing, drop testing, impact testing, crush testing, torque testing, pull testing, pressure testing, and safety testing.

5) Labeling Requirements:
A. Product warning label requirements:

If there's not enough space on the product surface, the following symbols can be used, but their meaning must be explained in the product manual or any other printed materials included with the product packaging:

B. Requirements for warning labels on product packaging:

As an alternative to Figure 7B.1, Figure 7B.2 can also be used instead:

C. Requirements for the durability assessment of warning statements.

D. Warning statement requirements for the instruction manual:

The instruction manual and any brochures shall include all applicable markings from Figure 7B.1 or Figure 7B.2, as well as the following statements:

a) A statement that reads, "In accordance with local regulations, remove and immediately recycle or dispose of used batteries out of the reach of children. Do not discard batteries in household waste or burn them."

b) A statement that reads, "Even used batteries can cause serious injury or death."

c) A statement that reads, "Call your local poison control center for treatment information."

d) A statement indicating the types of compatible batteries (e.g., LR44, CR2032).

e) A statement indicating the nominal voltage of the batteries.

f) A statement that reads, "Rechargeable batteries must not be recharged."

g) A statement that reads, "Do not force discharge, recharge, disassemble, heat above the manufacturer's specified rated temperature, or burn. Doing so may cause injury due to fumes, leaks, or explosion, which can lead to chemical burns."

Products with replaceable button/coin batteries shall also include:

a) A statement that reads, "Make sure batteries are installed correctly according to polarity (+ and -)."

b) A statement that reads, "Do not mix new and old batteries, or batteries of different brands or types, such as alkaline, carbon-zinc, or rechargeable batteries."

c) A statement that reads, "In accordance with local regulations, remove and immediately recycle or dispose of batteries from devices that have not been used for an extended period of time."

d) A statement that reads, "Always secure the battery compartment completely. If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product, remove the batteries, and keep them out of the reach of children."

Products with non-replaceable button/coin batteries shall also include a statement indicating that the product contains non-replaceable batteries.