01
BATTERY SAFETY LAB
Battery Acupuncture Test
UN 38.3 · IEC 62133-2 · UL 1642 · UL 2054
NAIL PENETRATION / INTERNAL SHORT-CIRCUIT TESTING
NAIL PENETRATION
STATUS
100%
SOC TESTED
2 — 5 mm NAIL
● OPERATIONAL
TEST SPECS
2—5 mm
NEEDLE
DIAMETER
25 mm/s
PENETRATION
SPEED
4 STANDARDS
UN, IEC & UL
COMPLIANT
02
NAIL PENETRATION TEST
Battery Acupuncture Test
The Battery Acupuncture Test (also known as the nail penetration test) is a destructive safety test used to assess the behaviour of rechargeable batteries—particularly lithium-ion cells and packs—when subjected to internal short-circuit conditions caused by mechanical damage such as penetration by a nail, needle, or sharp object. This test simulates real-world abuse conditions such as vehicular crashes, crushing, or punctures that may lead to thermal runaway, fire, explosion, or leakage.
03
SPECIFICATIONS
Detailed Technical Specifications
| Needle Material | Hardened Steel |
| Needle Diameter | Typically 2 mm to 5 mm (varies by standard, e.g., 3 mm in GB/T 31485) |
| Penetration Speed | 10–40 mm/s (GB/T 31485 specifies ~25 mm/s) |
| Needle Angle | 90° (perpendicular to the largest flat surface of the battery) |
| Penetration Depth | Through center of battery or until fully penetrated |
| Test Environment | Ambient (~20–25°C), sometimes at elevated temperatures (e.g., 50°C) |
| Monitoring Period | Minimum of 1 hour post-penetration (may vary by standard) |
| State of Charge (SOC) | Typically tested at 100% SOC (fully charged) |
| Number of Samples | 3–5 cells/packs per configuration (varies by standard and test plan) |
04
MONITORING
During and after penetration, batteries are monitored for:
Rapid Temperature Rise
Vent Release
Smoke Emission
Fire / Open Flame
Explosion (Rupture with Force)
Electrolyte Leakage
05
STANDARDS
Standards Followed
UN 38.3
IEC 62133-2
UL 1642
UL 2054
06
APPLICATION AREAS
Application Areas
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Ensures traction battery safety in crash scenarios (e.g., GB/T 31485)
Consumer Electronics
Smartphones, laptops (IEC 62133, UL 2054)
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Grid-scale and industrial battery safety validation
Aerospace and Defence Systems
Mission-critical battery abuse testing for extreme environments
The acupuncture test or similar mechanical abuse tests are included in several international safety standards. These standards help ensure consistency in test methodology and define pass/fail criteria.
07
RELATED PRODUCTS
Related Testing Services
Discover complementary equipment for your testing needs. Optimized for accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
08
GET IN TOUCH