IRC 2018 requirements specify that ESS must be:Listed and labeled in accordance with UL 9540Installed per manufacturer's instructionsNot installed within a habitable space of a dwelling unitProtected from impact from vehicles with an approved barrierVentilated if battery chemistry produces flammable gas during normal operation.
What are the fire and building codes for energy storage systems?
However, many designers and installers, especially those new to energy storage systems, are unfamiliar with the fire and building codes pertaining to battery installations. Another code-making body is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Some states adopt the NFPA 1 Fire Code rather than the IFC.
Automatic smoke detection system per Section 907.2. Signage on or near battery room doors: Cautionary markings to identify hazards with specific batteries (corrosives, water reactive, hydrogen gas, Li-ion batteries, etc.) Battery rooms need a NFPA 13 system Commodity classifications per Chapter 5 of NFPA 13.
Should battery fire suppression systems be mandatory?
Today's larger battery systems use tens of thousands of cells, so fires are inevitable. Battery fires emit toxic fumes and pose a risk to the community. Fire suppression systems should be mandatory for all lithium-ion battery systems. Energy storage battery fires are decreasing as a percentage of deployments.
Facilities use multiple strategies to maintain safety, including using established safety equipment and techniques to ensure that operation of the battery systems are conducted safely. Energy storage technologies are a critical resource for America's power grid, boosting reliability and lowering costs for families and businesses.
Are energy storage facilities safe?
These established safety standards, like NFPA 855 and UL 9540, ensure that all aspects of an energy storage project are designed, built, and operated with safety as the highest priority. Energy storage facilities are monitored 24/7 by trained personnel prepared to maintain safety and respond to emergency events.
Why do energy storage projects need a fire service?
The energy storage industry is committed to partnering with the fire service to promote safe and reliable operation. From the blueprint of a project site to the specially engineered battery containers, energy storage projects are inherently designed to perform safely and reliably on the grid.