Wearable Technology: New Frontier in Regulatory Compliance

RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Nov. 24, 2015 - PRLog -- Wearable Batteries Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Devices can make life easier, and to do so, they need a power source. Lithium-based batteries are the main power source for wearable technology today.  Wearable batteries come in different shapes and sizes: clothing with LED lights is usually powered by lithium coin cells that are not rechargeable, while fitness tracking devices use small, rechargeable lithium-ion pouch cells. In contrast, a heated winter jacket requires a larger power source, similar to a laptop battery, because it supplies power to a bigger device and needs to last for longer periods of time.

Battery Standards Need Updating

Batteries used in electronics such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones or medical devices are tested against rigorous standards to reduce the risk of fire and explosions, and ensure their safety for consumer use. Some of the testing procedures for batteries include overcharge, forced discharge, short circuit, mechanical durability, and abnormal heating.

Similar safety standards for batteries powering wearable technology are currently unavailable or are not enforced, which leaves the door open for product failures, and worse: injuries to consumers. The list of potential risks that wearable technology poses to consumers is not a short one: radio frequency exposure, electric shocks, burns and cuts, chemical reactions, fire and explosion.

In contrast to their batteries, wearable technology products themselves have to pass various testing procedures and performance evaluations covering product safety, EMC (electromagnetic compatibility), SAR (specific absorption rate), wireless interoperability, hazardous chemicals, sustainability, energy efficiency and privacy and security.

Regulatory Compliance Means Improved Consumer Safety

A heated jacket is a useful product that keeps its owner warm on cold days, while reducing the need to wear a multitude of layers of clothing. However, if the battery powering it should short circuit and not be equipped with relevant safety mechanisms, overheating would occur, potentially causing an explosion or a fire. Depending on the positioning of the battery within the clothing item, the consumer’s ability to notice and react to a battery fire, leak or explosion could be significantly reduced and would increase the risk of injury.

Such hazards to consumers should not be ignored by manufacturers (and retailers) of wearable technology, who need to consider all the risks associated with lithium batteries and make smart product development decisions starting from the design phase. Depending on the type of product developed, various use scenarios need to be considered. What happens if the product comes in contact with water through rain exposure or washing?

What if the product is dropped or is subjected to significant pressure from human body weight? Or if the product is exposed to sunlight, excessive temperatures or chemical compounds?

The consequences of poor product performance or failure caused by battery issues could lead to the product being returned, but more importantly they could be more dramatic and harmful, such as the heated jacked catching fire while being worn by an unaware consumer. Manufacturers need to consider all these scenarios in addition to current battery standards and adapt the designs of their wearable tech products to ensure that consumers are never at risk.

About SGS Battery Testing Services

The SGS team of battery experts can help companies develop a test plan that aligns with their particular product and its intended use. SGS offers cell and battery testing services and teams in Suwanee (Atlanta, GA, USA), Shenzhen (China), Shanghai (China), Munich (Germany) and Taipei (Taiwan).

SGS experts have extensive experience in the regulatory compliance industry and in the field of renewable energy sources. Several SGS specialists are voting members and hold management positions with many different battery standards development bodies.

For more information on SGS Battery Testing Services (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Electrical-an...), please contact an SGS expert.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Jody Leber
Battery and Accumulator Global
Technical Manager
SGS North America, Inc.

Website: www.sgs.com/ee
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.