This article does not cover maintenance free or computer room type batteries and battery cabinets in its Battery Room Design Requirements. The main keywords for this article are vented lead acid batteries, battery room safety requirements, Battery Room Ventilation, and unit substations electrical. Batteries can be hazardous to both personnel and equipment.
Several factors need to be considered when designing a battery room floor. For VRLA batteries the simplest of protection is normally acceptable but rooms housing vented battery types need to be impermeable for battery acid or alkaline for nickel cadmium types.
Common standards in the battery room include those from American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Model codes are standards developed by committees with the intent to be adopted by states and local jurisdictions.
Vented lead acid batteries do not always require a separate, dedicated battery room when installed in medium voltage main substation buildings and unit substations, electrical equipment rooms, and control system rack rooms. However, the battery room and installation must comply with SES E14-S02, IEEE 484, NFPA 70, and OSHA 29 CFR.
For VRLA batteries the simplest of protection is normally acceptable but rooms housing vented battery types need to be impermeable for battery acid or alkaline for nickel cadmium types. An alternative to having a complete floor treated is a bunded floor lip, which prevents any spillage from spreading beyond the immediate vicinity of the battery.
To ensure safety, most regulations such as the Uniform Fire Code and the International Fire Code stipulate a maximum hydrogen concentration below the level of 1% or 25% of the lower explosion limit in a battery room. H = Hydrogen generated, in cubic feet per hour (ft3/hr).