Air passengers face new battery rules

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 02 January 2008 06:28

Your IT - Home IT

New US Department of Transportation rules impose limits on lithium batteries in checked and carry-on baggage.

The rules, effective January 1, 2008, restrict US airline passengers from carrying excessive amounts of lithium batteries due to the fire risk. Both lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries are covered.  Cell phones, notebook computers and cameras typically use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Lithium metal batteries, which are not rechargeable, are used in cameras, calculators, watches and other devices.

Batteries are treated differently according to whether they are installed in a device or carried separately. So-called 'spare batteries' must be carried in carry-on baggage and protected against short-circuits by the original packaging, electrical tape or by packing in a separate plastic bags.

Lithium batteries installed in devices may also go in checked baggage, but this practice is not recommended. Measures should be taken to ensure that the device cannot be accidentally activated in transit.

Passengers may carry lithium-ion batteries of up to 8 grams 'lithium equivalent weight' (approximately 100 watt-hours). One or two spares with an aggregate of up to 25 grams lithium equivalent weight may also be carried. Alternatively, up to two batteries (spare or installed) with a lithium equivalent content of between 8 and 25 grams may be carried whether installed or spare. Lithium metal batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery, which covers most consumer batteries.

The regulations rules bring the US into line with international rules.