Interpretation Response #09-0261 ([Westgate Transportation Services, Inc.] [Mr. Richard J. Lloyd])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Westgate Transportation Services, Inc.
Individual Name: Mr. Richard J. Lloyd
Location State: PA Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
January 22, 2010
Mr. Richard J. Lloyd
Westgate Transportation Services, Inc.
31 Bastian Lane
Allentown, PA 18104
Ref. No.: 09-0261
Dear Mr. Lloyd:
This responds to your letter dated November 6, 2009, regarding the requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to the transportation of lithium cells or batteries, including a lithium polymer cell or battery and a lithium-ion cell or battery. Specifically, you ask about regulatory requirements for cells that are connected in parallel and whether the requirements apply to any cells connected together in any configuration.
Section 173.185(a)(3) specifies that a lithium cell or battery, including a lithium polymer cell or battery and a lithium-ion cell or battery must be equipped with an effective means to prevent a dangerous reverse current flow (e.g., diodes, fuses, etc.) if a battery contains cells or series of cells that are connected in parallel (i.e., a closed circuit in which the current divides into two or more paths before recombining to complete the circuit). The requirement in §173.185(a)(3) means that if a battery contains cells or series of cells that are connected in parallel they must be equipped with an effective means to prevent a dangerous reverse current flow.
I hope this information is helpful. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.
Sincerely yours,
Charles E. Betts
Chief, Standards Office
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
173.185
Regulation Sections
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 173.185 | Lithium cells and batteries |