What are the fire codes for storage battery rooms?

Two primary fire codes (International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 1: Fire Code) define the appropriate construction and supporting infrastructure that must be provided for storage battery rooms. These requirements often are overlooked because they are addressed in codes that aren’t regularly reviewed by electrical and mechanical engineers.

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.

Do battery cabinets need a fire rated partition?

The partitions separating the battery cabinets or open battery racks will help limit the spread of a fire from one battery or battery system to another. The partitions need to be floor to ceiling/roof/floor above. Any penetrations need to be firestopped for an hour rating. The partitions are not going to be a true fire rated partition or fire wall.

Are battery rooms a fire risk?

Battery rooms, especially those housing large energy storage systems (ESS), are critical components of modern infrastructure. However, they also pose significant fire risks due to the chemical nature of batteries, particularly lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lead-acid batteries.

How is battery room compliance interpreted?

Battery room compliance can be interpreted differently depending on your battery type, amount of cells or multi-cell units in a common area, volume of electrolyte and voltage present. Although the code is specific about requirements, the local interpretation can vary depending on the end users experience or awareness.

Does NFPA 1 require battery ventilation?

Li-ion and lithium-metal batteries don’t require ventilation. NFPA 1 is not as frequently adopted by municipalities as the IFC. While the basic requirements of NFPA 1 generally parallel those of the IFC, the technical provisions within NFPA 1 do have significant difference that can impacted the design of related battery ventilation systems.