IEC 60086:2026 Update - What Has Changed for Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon Batteries?

What is IEC 60086?

IEC 60086 is the international standard series for primary batteries developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It provides a common framework for battery manufacturers, users and device designers, covering areas such as battery dimensions, nomenclature, terminal configurations, markings, test methods, performance and safety.

The IEC 60086 series covers different types of primary batteries and is divided into several parts. In the 2026 edition, the key parts include:

· IEC 60086-1:2026 - General ¹: Covers the general requirements, classification, nomenclature and standard test methods for primary batteries.

· IEC 60086-2-1:2026 - Batteries with Aqueous Electrolyte ²: Covers the physical and electrical specifications, discharge test conditions and performance requirements for primary batteries using aqueous electrolytes.

· IEC 60086-2-2:2026 - Lithium Batteries ³: Covers primary batteries based on standardized lithium non-aqueous electrochemical systems.

· The series also includes other parts covering areas such as watch batteries, safety, and environmental aspects

For manufacturers of alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries, the most relevant changes are contained in IEC 60086-1:2026 and IEC 60086-2-1:2026, particularly the revised application tests and discharge conditions.

What Are the Key Changes in IEC 60086-1:2026 - Primary batteries - Part 1: General? ¹

IEC 60086-1:2026 - Primary batteries - Part 1: General is the 14th edition cancels and replaces the thirteenth edition published in 2021. The standard covers the general requirements and standardization framework for primary batteries, including dimensions, nomenclature, terminal configurations, markings, test methods, typical performance, safety and environmental aspects.

The 2026 edition introduces several technical revisions:

· In Clause 3, terms were reordered according to their functions: basic terms, electrochemical systems, battery shapes, electrical characteristics, specifications, failure modes;

· New letter "T" was added in Table 1, Standardized electrochemical systems of 4.1.4 classification;

· Maximum open circuit voltage of letter "F" was changed from 1,83 to 1,90 V;

· Drawing of pulse tests with multiple load was moved from IEC 60086-2 to 5.2.2.2, Application tests with multiple loads;

· Annex F, Guidance for proposing value of minimum average duration was modified;

· Annex D of IEC 60086-2:2021, Common designation, has been transferred to Annex H of this document;

· Table H.1, Common designation index, was modified to provide reference to IEC 60086 2 1 and IEC 60086-2-2 for each battery;

· Annex I identifies the batteries of general use and the applicable tests to compare their performance, in support of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (Batteries Regulation).

IEC 60086-2-1:2026 - Batteries with Aqueous Electrolyte ²

IEC also published IEC 60086-2-1:2026 - Primary batteries - Part 2-1: Physical and electrical specifications of batteries with aqueous electrolyte.

IEC 60086-2-1:2026 is applicable to primary batteries which are based on standardised electrochemical systems using aqueous electrolytes.

It specifies:

- the physical dimensions,

- the discharge test conditions and discharge performance requirements.

IEC 60086-2-1: 2026 cancels and replaces the fourteenth edition of IEC 60086 2 published in 2021. This edition constitutes a technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:

· Separation of lithium batteries into IEC 60086-2-2: Physical and electrical specifications

· In Clause 3, terms were reordered according to their functions: electrochemical systems, electrical characteristics and specifications;

· TR03 and TR6 were added in Category 1, Round batteries;

· Load of digital audio test for LR03, TR03 and R03 was changed from 50 mA to 75 mA and MAD was modified;

· Personal grooming test of LR6 was added instead of high drain application test;

· High drain application test was added for TR6;

· Radio /clock /remote control test was added for R6S;

· CD, digital audio, wireless gaming and accessories test was removed for LR6, R6P and R6S;

· 4,5 V of common designation was added for 3LR12, 3R12P and 3R12S;

· Annex D for common designation of IEC 60086 2:2021 was moved to IEC 60086 1:2026, as Annex H;

· Annex E for Compliance checklist of IEC 60086 2:2021 was removed and merged into Annex J of IEC 60086 1:2026.

Comparison with the Previous Standards

The following table summarizes the changes based only on the significant technical changes officially published by IEC, avoiding assumptions about requirements that IEC has not specifically identified as changed.