Special provision 361

This entry applies to electric double layer capacitors with an energy storage capacity greater than 0.3 Wh. Capacitors with an energy storage capacity of 0.3 Wh or less are not subject to ADR. Energy storage capacity means the energy held by a capacitor, as calculated using the nominal voltage and capacitance. All capacitors to which this entry applies, including capacitors containing an electrolyte that does not meet the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods, shall meet the following conditions: 1 If the country of manufacture is not a Contracting Party to ADR, the approval shall be recognized by the competent authority of a Contracting Party to ADR. (a) Capacitors not installed in equipment shall be carried in an uncharged state. Capacitors installed in equipment shall be carried either in an uncharged state or protected against short circuit; (b) Each capacitor shall be protected against a potential short circuit hazard in carriage as follows: (i) When a capacitor’s energy storage capacity is less than or equal to 10 Wh or when the energy storage capacity of each capacitor in a module is less than or equal to 10 Wh, the capacitor or module shall be protected against short circuit or be fitted with a metal strap connecting the terminals; and (ii) When the energy storage capacity of a capacitor or a capacitor in a module is more than 10 Wh, the capacitor or module shall be fitted with a metal strap connecting the terminals; (c) Capacitors containing dangerous goods shall be designed to withstand a 95 kPa pressure differential; (d) Capacitors shall be designed and constructed to safely relieve pressure that may build up in use, through a vent or a weak point in the capacitor casing. Any liquid which is released upon venting shall be contained by the packaging or by the equipment in which a capacitor is installed; and (e) Capacitors shall be marked with the energy storage capacity in Wh. Capacitors containing an electrolyte not meeting the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods, including when installed in equipment, are not subject to other provisions of ADR. Capacitors containing an electrolyte meeting the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods, with an energy storage capacity of 10 Wh or less are not subject to other provisions of ADR when they are capable of withstanding a 1.2 metre drop test unpackaged on an unyielding surface without loss of contents. Capacitors containing an electrolyte meeting the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods that are not installed in equipment and with an energy storage capacity of more than 10 Wh are subject to ADR. Capacitors installed in equipment and containing an electrolyte meeting the classification criteria of any class of dangerous goods, are not subject to other provisions of ADR provided the equipment is packaged in a strong outer packaging constructed of suitable material, and of adequate strength and design in relation to the packaging’s intended use and in such a manner as to prevent accidental functioning of capacitors during carriage. Large robust equipment containing capacitors may be offered for carriage unpackaged or on pallets when capacitors are afforded equivalent protection by the equipment in which they are contained. NOTE: Capacitors which by design maintain a terminal voltage (e.g. asymmetrical capacitors) do not belong to this entry.