Un 3481 applies to which battery scenario?

• A. Lithium ion cells or batteries contained in or packed with equipment
• B. Lithium ion batteries shipped loose without equipment
• C. Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment
• D. Dry cell batteries shipped separately

Answer: (A)

UN 3481 designates lithium ion batteries that are contained in equipment or packed with equipment. This covers batteries that are already inside a device or shipped together with the device, so they’re treated as part of the equipment rather than as loose batteries. Packaging rules under this UN number are built around keeping the battery secure and protected from short circuits and damage when it’s part of the device or shipped with it. That’s why the scenario describing lithium ion cells or batteries contained in or packed with equipment is the correct one. If the battery were shipped loose, or if it were a lithium metal battery or a dry cell shipped separately, different UN numbers and handling rules would apply.