ABSTRACT:
This Generic Requirements document (GR) presents the Telcordia and participating industry representatives' view of proposed generic criteria for sodium nickel chloride (molten salt) batteries, which are being considered for wider introduction within telecommunications networks. This GR provides users with a consistent set of criteria to evaluate the safety and fire protection implications of introducing sodium nickel chloride batteries into their facilities and network environments.

The objectives of GR-3176 are to:

• Simplify the complexities associated with product introduction, qualification, and deployment by providing a common framework for evaluating and qualifying sodium nickel chloride battery technologies relative to other alternative battery technologies.
• Help ensure robust battery design and quality manufacturing.
• Assure safety and evaluate the effectiveness of protection circuitry.
• Provide functional design and technical guidelines for this new technology.
• Present commentaries that address the complexities of assessing sodium nickel chloride battery service life.

• Specific safety and performance characteristics of sodium nickel batteries, which should be available for comparison with traditional lead-acid batteries and other alternative battery technology deployments.
• Information regarding safety documentation, which will assist end users with planning of fire-fighting measures, chemical safety issues, and specific personal protective equipment required for safe handling and maintenance of sodium nickel chloride battery systems.