ABSTRACT: GR-4228 presents the Telcordia and participating industry representatives' view of proposed generic criteria for Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries (VRLAs) that are intended to function seamlessly with DC power plants and provide reliable backup power to load equipment located in a network environment of a typical telecommunications service provider. VRLA batteries compliant with the criteria in this document are recommended for deployment in the Outside Plant (OSP) at locations such as Controlled Environmental Vaults (CEVs), Electronic Equipment Enclosures (EEEs), and huts, and in uncontrolled structures such as cabinets.

GR-4228 is designed to help ensure that critical stationary battery plant backing up communications or data centers will perform as expected and remain safe for the expected life of the product. The document's objective is to:

• Simplify the complexities associated with product introduction, qualification, and deployment by providing a common framework for evaluating and qualifying various VRLAs.
• Help ensure robust battery design and manufacturing early in the product's life cycle.
• Provide functional design and technical guidelines for VRLAs.
• Present the rationale for determining VRLA service life.
• Provide a comprehensive set of generic requirements for VRLA batteries, which includes traditional NEBS testing, battery safety requirements, battery performance parameters, and life testing.

• Safety documentation requirements and language to align with Global Harmonized Standard (GHS) formats and regulations.
• Information regarding additional battery safety documentation to assist end-users with fire-fighting measures, chemical safety issues, and reporting.
• Requirements requesting definitive information on battery electrolyte properties at mixtures and concentrations specific to the batteries under review.
• Revised references to other Telcordia GRs that were published after GR-4228, Issue 1 (e.g., to align with GR-63, Issue 4).
• Recommended information on ohmic testing parameters.