For ‘ia’ and ‘ib’ all current-limiting devices external to the cell or battery shall be shortcircuited for the test. The test shall be carried out both with internal current-limiting devices in circuit and with the devices short-circuited using 10 cells in each case. The 10 samples having the internal current-limiting devices short-circuited shall be obtained from the cell/battery manufacturer together with any special instructions or precautions necessary for safe use and testing of the samples. If the internal current limiting devices protect against internal shorts then these devices need not be removed. However, such devices shall only be considered for Level of Protection ‘ib’.