ADR special provision 238
Non-spillable batteries pass vibration and pressure tests; they are outside ADR if no electrolyte flows at 55 °C and terminals are protected.
Limb (a) sets the tests a battery must pass without leaking fluid to count as non-spillable. Limb (b) exempts non-spillable batteries from ADR when, at 55 °C, no electrolyte will flow from a ruptured or cracked case, there is no free liquid to flow, and the terminals are protected from short circuit as packaged.
| Value | Applies when |
|---|---|
| 0.8 mm | vibration amplitude (1.6 mm maximum total excursion) |
| 1 Hz/min | frequency sweep rate between 10 Hz and 55 Hz |
| 95 ± 5 minutes | per full frequency sweep and return, per mounting position |
| 6 hours | storage after vibration, at 24 °C ± 4 °C, per position |
| 88 kPa | minimum pressure differential |
| 55 °C | temperature at which electrolyte must not flow for exemption |
Conditions
- (a) Vibration test: battery clamped rigidly to a vibration platform, simple harmonic motion of 0.8 mm amplitude, frequency swept at 1 Hz/min between 10 Hz and 55 Hz, full sweep and return in 95 ± 5 minutes per position, three mutually perpendicular positions (including fill openings and vents inverted) for equal times.
- (a) Pressure differential test: after vibration, battery held six hours at 24 °C ± 4 °C under at least 88 kPa differential, in three mutually perpendicular positions, at least six hours each.
- (b) Exemption: at 55 °C no electrolyte flows from a ruptured or cracked case, no free liquid can flow, and terminals are protected against short circuit as packaged.
Carried by 1 Table A entry
Source: ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Volume I, section 3.3.1, special provision 238, page 615.
Paraphrase in FreightUtils' own words, not the official text. Not yet reviewed.
ADR 2027 amendments (accepted, applying from 1 January 2027) are not yet reflected on this page.