Class 8 - Batteries

Batteries are corrosive articles that are commonly transported by air. There are specific types of batteries that are classified as Class 8.

Wet cell batteries consist of a series of metal plates immersed in an electrolyte. The electrolyte is either a dilute of sulfuric acid or potassium hydroxide, both of which are extremely corrosive. These liquids are stored in plastic casings. However, damage to the casing can cause leakage or may produce a fire by short-circuiting the terminals. A car battery is a common example of a lead-acid wet cell battery.

Non-spillable batteries are designed and constructed to prevent the leakage of the electrolytes, regardless of the position of the battery, through use of a jellylike electrolyte or porous absorbent separators.

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