RTCA DO-227A battery testing helps aerospace manufacturers demonstrate that non-rechargeable lithium cells and batteries meet the safety and performance expectations required for aviation applications. It is commonly considered alongside ETSO-C142b, TSO-C142b, customer specifications and complementary cell-level standards such as UL 1642.
Battery qualification focus: Supports non-rechargeable lithium cells and batteries intended for airborne equipment and safety-critical aerospace use.
Standards alignment: Programmes can be planned against RTCA DO-227A, ETSO-C142b, TSO-C142b, UL 1642 and customer-defined qualification requirements.
Test planning inputs: Charge/discharge curves, battery drawings, dimensions, mass, datasheets and required reporting scope help define a robust test campaign.
Evidence generation: Produces traceable test data and reporting to support development, qualification or certification activity.
Engineer-led review: Early discussion helps confirm battery chemistry, test item quantities, safety controls, fixture needs and acceptance criteria.
Battery qualification programmes often need early review of the cell or battery design, chemistry, applicable aviation requirement, test item quantities and reporting evidence required by the customer or certification route.
Share charge/discharge curves, battery drawings, dimensions, mass, datasheets, safety information, required standard and reporting scope. Resonate Testing can review the practical test approach before quotation.
RTCA DO-227A battery qualification support
UL 1642 and customer requirement review
Non-rechargeable lithium cell and battery assessment
Datasheet, drawing, mass, dimensions and test quantity review
Development, qualification and certification support
Aerospace battery testing is driven by the battery chemistry, installation, certification route and the role of the battery within the airborne equipment. Requirements may reference RTCA DO-227A, ETSO-C142b, TSO-C142b, UL 1642, RTCA DO-160G or customer-specific procedures.
The objective is not simply to run a battery through a generic test list. The objective is to generate traceable evidence that the cell or battery satisfies the agreed safety, performance and qualification requirements for its intended aviation use.
Before testing begins, the programme should confirm chemistry, configuration, ratings, charge/discharge information, sample quantities, safety controls, instrumentation, acceptance criteria, qualification test procedure requirements and reporting scope.
Early standards review helps reduce rework and ensures the final test evidence aligns with the certification, customer approval or development route.
| Document reference | Description |
|---|---|
| ETSO-C142a (28/11/2008) ETSO-C142b (25/7/2020) |
European Technical Standard Order authored by EASA for non-rechargeable lithium cells and batteries. The ETSO defines the requirements that products manufactured on or after the effective date must meet to be identified with the applicable ETSO marking. |
| TSO-C142 TSO-C142b |
FAA Technical Standard Orders for lithium batteries. These prescribe the minimum performance standard that lithium cells and batteries must meet to be identified with the applicable TSO marking. |
| RTCA/DO-227 (June 23, 1995) RTCA/DO-227A (Sept. 21, 2017) |
Minimum Operational Performance Standards for non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Applies to non-rechargeable lithium cells, batteries and battery systems permanently installed on aircraft, including PEDs that form part of the type design. It does not apply to secondary rechargeable lithium batteries or passenger-carried items. |
| 14 CFR Part 121 | Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 121, including Subpart X and Appendix A. Covers air carrier certification context, including Appendix A requirements for first aid kits and emergency medical kits. |
| ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Doc 9284) | International Civil Aviation Organization instructions supporting the safe international transport of dangerous goods by air. These contain the detailed provisions needed to apply Annex 18 requirements. |
| AMC1.CAT.GEN.MPA.140 (f)(1) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 | Acceptable Means of Compliance covering how operators prevent portable electronic devices from adversely affecting aircraft systems and equipment. It addresses PED use in passenger, flight and cargo compartments, including controlled PEDs qualified and under operator configuration control. |
| AC-20-04 | Airworthiness Circular covering airworthiness requirements for equipment with non-rechargeable lithium batteries. It informs organisations managing equipment with NRLBs of NRLB-specific airworthiness considerations. |
| AC20-192 | Advisory Circular giving guidance on testing and installation of non-rechargeable lithium cells, batteries and batteries within end items on aircraft. It provides an acceptable means of compliance for installation, operation, maintenance, airworthiness requirements, safety objectives and safety criteria. |
| United Nations UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3 | Defines transport test requirements that lithium cells and batteries must pass before they can be transported. |
| Commission Regulation (EU) 965/2012 of 5 October 2012 | Air Operations Regulation laying down detailed rules for air operations with aeroplanes and helicopters, operator certification, declarations, oversight, privileges and responsibilities, and authorisations for certain high-risk commercial specialised operations in the interest of safety. |
Testing performed to RTCA DO-227A is intended to support qualification of non-rechargeable lithium cells and batteries used in airborne equipment. The standard is referenced within aviation battery approval routes such as ETSO-C142b and TSO-C142b. Typical objectives include assessing whether the battery test evidence is suitable for the specified aviation requirement, customer specification or certification route.
Test planning is normally based on the specific cell or battery design and the applicable requirement, including chemistry, configuration, ratings, charge/discharge curves, drawings, dimensions, mass, sample quantities, safety information, instrumentation and reporting expectations. Applicability should be confirmed for the exact battery, installation and programme requirements before testing begins.
Resonate Testing provides engineer-led aerospace battery testing support for lithium cells and batteries used in airborne equipment. Programmes can be planned against RTCA DO-227A, ETSO-C142b, TSO-C142b, UL 1642 and customer-defined battery qualification requirements.
The laboratory supports development, validation, qualification and certification evidence for battery products where the agreed scope, safety information, test item quantities and reporting requirements are confirmed before quotation.
Repeatedly moving the test item between defined hot and cold temperatures to reveal issues such as expansion, contraction, fatigue or changing operating conditions.
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