New domestic regulations on household energy storage

What are the international standards for battery energy storage systems?

Appendix 1 includes a summary of applicable international safety standards for domestic battery energy storage systems (BESSs). When a standard exists as a British standard (BS) based on a European (EN or HD) standard, the BS version is referenced. The standards are divided into the following categories: Safety standards for electrical installations.

Are domestic battery energy storage systems safe?

While few incidents involving domestic battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are known, questions have been raised regarding their safety. The concern stems from the large energy content within these systems.

What is a potential risk of domestic battery energy storage systems?

Even though few incidents with domestic battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are known in the public domain, the use of large batteries in the domestic environment represents a safety hazard.

What is a domestic battery energy storage system (BESS)?

A domestic battery energy storage system (BESS) is part of the electrical installation in residential buildings. It is covered by standards such as those shown in Table A 2, including the HD 60364 series from CENELEC.

What is the scope of energy storage system standards?

The energy storage system standards cover both industrial large-scale energy storage systems and domestic energy storage systems. Appendix 1 provides a summary of applicable international standards for domestic battery energy storage systems (BESSs).

Are battery energy storage systems protected against fire?

Protection against fire of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for use in dwellings came into practice on 31 March 2024. The standard identifies new requirements relating to the installation of electrical battery storage systems (BESS) in houses using stationary secondary batteries as the medium for energy storage.