The International Fire Code (IFC) published its most robust ESS safety requirements in the most recent 2021 edition. By far the most dominant battery type installed in an energy storage system is lithium-ion, which brings with it particular fire risks.
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.
Electrical energy storage (EES) systems - Part 5-3. Safety requirements for electrochemical based EES systems considering initially non-anticipated modifications, partial replacement, changing application, relocation and loading reused battery.
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.
55 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems, 2020.‡ Greater separation distances may be appropriate from critical buildings and instal
Setting up minimum separation from walls, openings, and other structural elements. The National Fire Protection Association NFPA 855 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems provides the minimum requirements for mitigating hazards associated with ESS of diferent battery types.