Shipping
Lithium BatteriesShipping
Lithium Batteries
Discussed below are:
DO NOT RETURN USED LITHIUM BATTERIES to Sea-Bird. Remove the batteries from the instrument prior to shipping to Sea-Bird.
Shipping Instructions
The information provided below is intended only to assist you in shipping an instrument from your lab to a deployment location and vice versa.
Depending on their classification, the shipment of lithium batteries is subject to safety regulation concerning Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Material imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA). Other countries may also have their own regulations. YOU, the shipper, are responsible for compliance with the law. We can only advise you of the existence of the law and the classification of the battery pack (our product) under the law.
Standard Lithium Battery used in SBE 39 and 39-IM Temperature Recorder
The SBE 39 and 39-IM use a 9-volt lithium battery that contains 1.35 g of lithium metal. In this form, the battery is not considered Dangerous/Hazardous Goods, and may be shipped without restriction unless more than 12 batteries are in one package.
If more than 12 batteries are in one package, the package is not considered Dangerous/Hazardous Goods if it meets the following criteria:
The package must be marked and accompanied by a document stating that the package contains lithium batteries and indicating the appropriate handling of the package.
The package must be capable of withstanding a 1.2 meter drop test.
The package must not exceed 30 kg in gross mass unless the batteries are installed in the instruments (i.e., this applies mainly to shipping large quantities of spare batteries).
In compliance with this regulation for shipments of more than 12 batteries, Sea-Bird includes a Lithium Battery Notification document in the shipment, and places the appropriate markings on the package.
Standard Lithium Batteries used in MicroCATs (SBE 37-IM, -SM, -IMP, and -SMP) and SBE 44 Underwater Inductive Modems
MicroCATs and SBE 44s use a lithium battery pack comprised of six parallel 9-volt batteries. The total lithium contained in each 9-volt battery is less than 2 grams. In this form, the batteries are not considered Dangerous/Hazardous Goods, and may be shipped without restriction if they meet all of the following criteria:
if they are NOT connected together,
they are packaged to prevent accidental shorting of the battery contacts, and
there are no more than 12 batteries in one package.
See our Certificate of Compliance for these batteries.
When two or more 9-volt battery sticks are assembled into the instrument’s battery pack (either inside or outside the instrument housing), they are connected in parallel and ARE classified as Dangerous/Hazardous Goods. The assembled battery pack does not comply with DOT and IATA regulations requiring battery packaging test documentation and therefore MUST NOT BE SHIPPED VIA COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT (those governed by DOT or IATA), INCLUDING PASSENGER AIRLINES, OR CARGO CARRIERS SUCH AS FEDEX, DHL, UPS, ETC.
If more than 12 batteries are shipped in one package, the package is not considered Dangerous/Hazardous Goods if it meets the following criteria:
The package must be marked and accompanied by a document stating that the package contains lithium batteries and indicating the appropriate handling of the package.
The package must be capable of withstanding a 1.2 meter drop test.
The package must not exceed 30 kg in gross mass if shipping batteries without their accompanying instruments (i.e., this applies mainly to shipping large quantities of spare batteries).
In compliance with this regulation for shipments of more than 12 batteries, Sea-Bird includes a Lithium Battery Notification document in the shipment, and places the appropriate markings on the package.
Optional Electro Chem Lithium Batteries used in SBE 16, 16plus, and 16plus-IM SEACATs, and SBE 26 (not 26plus) SEAGAUGE Wave & Tide Recorders
As of February 2004, Sea-Bird is no longer shipping assembled Electro Chem lithium battery packs, due to changes in U.S. DOT and IATA regulations. If shipping Electro Chem cells or batteries by commercial carrier, transport them in accordance with DOT and IATA regulations. Sea-Bird cannot advise you on this matter; consult the proper authorities.
Note: We are now selling a battery pack kit (which does not include the batteries); you can use the kit to build a battery pack with Electro Chem lithium cells that you purchase elsewhere (see WGT's website for purchasing information). See the SBE 16, 16plus, 16plus-IM, or 26 listing on our Spare Parts Kit page for a link to the battery pack kit instructions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / LINKS:
