These requirements cover portable primary (nonrechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries for use as power sources in products. These batteries consist of either a single electrochemical cell or two or more cells connected in series@ parallel@ or both@ that convert chemical energy into electrical energy by chemical reaction.These requirements are intended to reduce the risk of fire or explosion when batteries are used in a product. The proper use of these batteries in a particular application is dependent on their use in a complete product that complies with the requirements applicable to such a product.These requirements are intended to cover batteries for general use and do not include the combination of the battery and the host product which are covered by requirements in the host product standard.These requirements are also intended to reduce the risk of injury to persons due to fire or explosion when batteries are removed from a product to be transported@ stored@ or discarded.These requirements do not cover the toxicity risk that results from the ingestion of a battery or its contents@ nor the risk of injury to persons that occurs if a battery is cut open to provide access to its contents.