Mandatory requirements for energy storage fire protection systems

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.

What are fire codes & standards?

Fire codes and standards inform energy storage system design and installation and serve as a backstop to protect homes, families, commercial facilities, and personnel, including our solar-plus-storage businesses. It is crucial to understand which codes and standards apply to any given project, as well as why they were put in place to begin with.

What are the requirements for a fire suppression system?

Key requirements: Location-specific safety: Minimum spacing between systems, setbacks from occupied buildings, and restricted access zones. Fire suppression systems: Requirements for sprinklers, clean agents, or other suppression technologies.

What is energy storage management system (ESMs) NFPA 855?

The NFPA 855 defines Energy Storage Management System (ESMS) as a system that monitors, controls, and optimizes the performance of ESS and has the ability to control the disconnection of the ESS in the event of abnormal conditions.

Why are building and fire codes important?

Before diving into the specifics of energy storage system (ESS) fire codes, it is crucial to understand why building and fire codes are so relevant to the success of our industry. The solar industry is experiencing a steady and significant increase in interest in energy storage systems and their deployment.

How did NFPA 855 impact the energy storage industry?

In Maryland and New York, the energy storage industry supported new regulations that enforced the latest NFPA 855 requirements. In California, the industry offered a suite of policy recommendations to address unique safety questions arising from the Moss Landing incident, including enforcing key provisions of NFPA 855.