What are the safety requirements related to batteries & Battery rooms?

Employers must consider exposure to these hazards when developing safe work practices and selecting personal protective equipment (PPE). That is where Article 320, Safety Requirements Related to Batteries and Battery Rooms comes in.

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) stabilize the electrical grid, ensuring a steady flow of power to homes and businesses regardless of fluctuations from varied energy sources or other disruptions. However, fires at some BESS installations have caused concern in communities considering BESS as a method to support their grids.

Can batteries be used as energy storage systems?

Another important consideration when using batteries as an energy storage system is the guarding of live parts. Direction is given that guarding of live parts needs to comply with 110.27 titled “Grounding of Live Parts.” This includes protection against accidental contact or physical damage to the storage system.

Can you put a battery in a cabinet?

This document provides guidance for top clearance of valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, which are the most commonly used battery in cabinets. It is also made clear in 706.34 (C) that gas piping is not permitted in dedicated battery rooms. Mixture of a volatile gas in a corrosive location is a recipe for trouble.

Are battery storage systems dangerous?

There has been a fair amount of news about battery storage systems being involved in fire and explosion incidents around the world. Do not forget that these are not the only safety issues when dealing with batteries. Battery systems pose unique electrical safety hazards.

Are energy storage systems safe?

The emergence of energy storage systems (ESSs), due to production from alternative energies such as wind and solar installations, has driven the need for installation requirements within the National Electrical Code (NEC) for the safe installation of these energy storage systems.