What should a pre-shipment inspection of a lithium battery order cover?

Direct answer: A useful pre-shipment inspection (PSI) covers identity and quantity, visual and mechanical quality, electrical spot checks (voltage, SOC, alarms), labelling and serials, accessories and connectors, packing and protection, and the document pack that travels with the goods. Write the scope, sample size and pass/fail rules into the contract before production ends, and name who pays if rework is needed. Use the same checklist again on arrival so factory and receiving results can be compared without arguing about what was checked.

Identity. Confirm model names and counts against the PO for items such as 48V 100Ah golf cart batteries, 51.2V 200Ah rack modules and 48V 300Ah forklift packs, including colour, connector type and any agreed options (Bluetooth, heater, 4G). Spot-check that firmware or BMS stickers match what was quoted when that was part of the deal.

Visual and mechanical. Check case damage, weld or fastener quality, terminal condition, connector fit and that lifting points on heavy packs are present and marked. Look for missing screws, pinched harnesses and unfinished conformal coating where the specification calls for it.

Electrical sample. On an agreed sample size, record pack voltage, displayed SOC, cell-spread if available, and that no active fault codes are present. For air samples, expect mid SOC; for sea freight, agree the ship SOC in advance. If communication options were purchased, power a sample and confirm the app or bus responds.

Labels and serials. Photograph nameplates, warning labels, polarity marks and serial numbers. Serials must match the packing list and quality records. Mismatched serials are a stop-shipment item, not a paperwork footnote.

Accessories. Include harnesses, brackets, manuals, chargers if in scope, and monitoring hardware. Count loose parts against the packing list before the crate is closed.

Packing. Confirm carton or crate strength, inner cushioning, terminal protection, moisture barriers and that heavy forklift packs are blocked against movement. Receiving parallels the golf-cart checklist style in golf cart battery inspection and ongoing site checks in annual rack inspection.

Documents. Packing list, commercial invoice, UN38.3 summary references, and any agreed test sheets should be present; certificates remain documents available on request until verified separately.

Arrival mirror. Repeat critical measurements at goods-in. Differences between PSI and arrival highlight transit damage rather than factory disputes. Keep both reports with the PO so warranty and freight claims start from the same facts.