Battery Energy Storage Systems

Powering the Future: Safeguarding Today with Energy Storage Systems

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an energy storage system (ESS), is a device or group of devices assembled together, capable of storing energy in order to supply electrical energy at a later time. Battery ESS are the most common type of new installation.

 

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Energy Storage Systems Webinar

Watch the energy storage systems webinar now to learn more about 2022 intervening code changes to Ch 12 in the Fire Code, residential energy storage, commercial energy storage, and micro mobility devices.

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Navigating Fire Safety in a Battery-Powered World

ICC Region 1 hosted a podcast on “Navigating Fire Safety in a Battery-Powered World” where Chief Michael O'Brian discusses the evolving landscape of fire safety, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries and the importance of community risk reduction.

 

 

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Organization Resource Date Shared
California Energy Commission California Energy Commission Website 2/7/2025
California Environmental Protection Agency Battery Reporting Guidance for Unified Program Agencies 2/7/2025
Consumer Product Safety Commission Consumer Product Safety Commission Website 2/7/2025
Electrical Safety Foundation Electrical Safety Foundation Website 2/7/2025
Electrical Safety Foundation How to Spot Battery Problems: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety 2/7/2025
Electrical Safety Foundation How to Recycle Batteries: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety 2/7/2025
Fire Safety Research Institute Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety 2/7/2025
Fire Safety Research Institute The Impact of Batteries on Fire Dynamics 2/7/2025
International Code Council Batteries and Energy Storage Ad Hoc Committee
(AH-BES)		 2/7/2025
Interstate Renewable Energy Council Charging Smart 2/7/2025
National Fire Protection Association National Fire Protection Association Webinars 2/7/2025
National Fire Protection Association Lithium-Ion Battery Safety 2/7/2025
Sustainable Energy Action Committee Informational Bulletin on the UL 9540 Safety Standard and the UL 9540A Test Method 2/7/2025
US Fire Administration Battery Fire Safety 2/7/2025

Residential
  • Limited to ≤ 20kWh unit size.
  • Specific code language for detached one- and two-family dwellings.

Commercial

  • Retail and manufacturing facilities, etc.
  • Limited to 600 kWh unit size.

Utility

  • Front-of-meter installations under exclusive control of the operating utility.

  • Be familiar with potential hazards relevant to the type of energy storage systems being inspected.
  • Procure and be prepared to use the appropriate personal protection equipment.
  • Review and print out/download relevant technical documents.
  • Understand what aspects of the energy storage systems need to be reviewed.

  • Have a Safety meeting prior to entering the site.
  • General inspection of the overall site.
  • Inspection of the energy storage systems equipment (Exterior and Interior).
  • Commission plan.
  • Emergency operation plan.
  • Fire and explosion control summary.
  • Signage.

Information Bulletins

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OSFM Resources

Comprehensive resources, news, and contact information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal

Code Interpretations

Explore the OSFM Code Interpretations page for authoritative guidance on building regulations.
Submit suggested educational materials to:

CodeDevelopment@fire.ca.gov