The energy storage cabinet issues a smoke alarm

How do lithium-ion battery energy storage systems protect against fires?

The fire protection challenge with lithium-ion battery energy storage systems is met primarily with early-warning smoke detection devices, also called aspirating smoke detectors (ASD), and the release of extinguishing agents to suppress the fires.

Should heat detectors be interconnected to smoke alarms?

The 2021 IRC requires heat detectors to be interconnected to smoke alarms. However, detectors and alarms are different systems that cannot be interconnected. Heat alarms have an onboard annunciator with a bell, a light, or some other warning signal, and battery backup.

Where should a smoke alarm be placed?

Per the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, you can use a smoke alarm to comply with the code, but only within conditioned space. Heat detectors are designed to work with Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACP) and whole home fire and alarms systems.

Can a smoke alarm be used in a conditioned room?

Per the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, you can use a smoke alarm to comply with the code within conditioned space. These systems typically have a central annunciator and battery backup for the FACP. The utility room inside the dwelling area might be air conditioned.

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.

Are energy storage systems a fire risk?

However, a number of fires occurred in recent years have shown that the existing regulations do not show sufficient recogni- tion of the fire risks of energy storage systems and specific fire early warning methods and fire-fighting measures have not yet been developed.