This instruction applies to UN Nos. 3090, 3091, 3480 and 3481 production runs consisting of not more than 100 cells or batteries and to pre-production prototypes of cells or batteries when these prototypes are transported for testing.

The following large packagings are authorized for a single battery and for a single item of equipment containing cells and batteries, provided that the general provisions of 4.1.1 and 4.1.3 are met:

• (1) For a single battery:

Rigid large packagings conforming to the packing group II performance level, made of: steel (50A);

aluminium (50B);

metal other than steel or aluminium (50N);rigid plastics (50H);

natural wood (50C); plywood (50D); reconstituted wood (50F); rigid fibreboard (50G).

Large packagings shall also meet the following requirements:

• (a) A battery of different size, shape or mass may be packed in an outer packaging of a tested design type listed above provided the total gross mass of the package does not exceed the gross mass for which the design type has been tested;
• (b) The battery shall be packed in an inner packaging and placed inside the outer packaging;
• (c) The inner packaging shall be completely surrounded by sufficient non-combustible and electrically non- conductive thermal insulation material to protect against a dangerous evolution of heat;
• (d) Appropriate measures shall be taken to minimize the effects of vibration and shocks and prevent movement of the battery within the package that may lead to damage and a dangerous condition during transport. When cushioning material is used to meet this requirement it shall be non-combustible and electrically non-conductive; and
• (e) Non-combustibility shall be assessed according to a standard recognized in the country where the large packaging is designed or manufactured.

• (2) For a single item of equipment containing cells or batteries:

Rigid large packagings conforming to the packing group II performance level, made of: Steel (50A);

Aluminium (50B);

Metal other than steel or aluminium (50N); Rigid plastics (50H);

Natural wood (50C); Plywood (50D); Reconstituted wood (50F); Rigid fibreboard (50G).

Large packagings shall also meet the following requirements:

• (a) A single item of equipment of different size, shape or mass may be packed in an outer packaging of a tested design type listed above provided the total gross mass of the package does not exceed the gross mass for which the design type has been tested;
• (b) The equipment shall be constructed or packed in such a manner as to prevent accidental operation during transport;
• (c) Appropriate measures shall be taken to minimize the effects of vibration and shocks and prevent movement of the equipment within the package that may lead to damage and a dangerous condition during transport. (c) Appropriate measures shall be taken to minimize the effects of vibration and shocks and prevent movement of the equipment within the package that may lead to damage and a dangerous condition during transport. When cushioning material is used to meet this requirement, it shall be non-combustible and electrically non-conductive; and

(e) Non-combustibility shall be assessed according to a standard recognized in the country where the large packaging is designed or manufactured.

Additional requirement:

Cells and batteries shall be protected against short circuit.