One of the major risks associated with the transport of batteries and battery-powered equipment is short-circuit of the battery as a result of the battery terminals coming into contact with other batteries or metal objects. Special Provision A164 requires that all batteries and battery-powered equipment must be packed to prevent short circuit an inadvertent operation as follows:
A164 Any electrical battery or battery-powered device, equipment of vehicle having the potential of a dangerous evolution of heat must be prepared for transport so as to prevent:
(a) a short circuit (e.g. in the case of batteries by the effective insulation of exposed terminals; or in the case of equipment, by disconnection of the battery and protection of exposed terminals); and
(b) unintentional activation.