Which statement best describes the difference between UN3480 and UN3481?

Which statement best describes the difference between UN3480 and UN3481?

• A. UN3480 is used for batteries shipped loose.
• B. UN3481 is used for batteries contained in equipment.
• C. UN3480 covers batteries shipped loose; UN3481 covers batteries contained in or packed with equipment.
• D. UN3480 and UN3481 are the same.

Answer: (C)

This question tests how lithium ion batteries are classified for transport based on whether they’re shipped alone or inside the equipment they power. UN3480 applies to lithium ion batteries shipped loose as standalone items. UN3481 applies when the batteries are contained in equipment or packed with equipment, meaning the battery is part of the device being shipped or accompanies the device in the same package. This distinction matters because the packing, labeling, and handling requirements differ between standalone batteries and those shipped with or inside equipment. For example, a spare battery sent separately would be UN3480, while a laptop shipped with its battery installed would be UN3481. The statement captures the full scope, whereas treating them as the same or focusing on only one scenario would miss the established distinction.

This question tests how lithium ion batteries are classified for transport based on whether they’re shipped alone or inside the equipment they power. UN3480 applies to lithium ion batteries shipped loose as standalone items. UN3481 applies when the batteries are contained in equipment or packed with equipment, meaning the battery is part of the device being shipped or accompanies the device in the same package. This distinction matters because the packing, labeling, and handling requirements differ between standalone batteries and those shipped with or inside equipment. For example, a spare battery sent separately would be UN3480, while a laptop shipped with its battery installed would be UN3481. The statement captures the full scope, whereas treating them as the same or focusing on only one scenario would miss the established distinction.