Stationary storage battery systems located outdoors shall comply with Sections 1206.2.8.7 through 1206.2.8.7.4, in addition to all applicable requirements of Section 1206.2. Installations in outdoor enclosures or containers that can be occupied for servicing, testing, maintenance and other functions shall be treated as battery storage rooms.
Exception: Stationary battery arrays in noncombustible containers shall not be required to be spaced 3 feet (914 mm) from the container walls.
Stationary storage battery systems located outdoors shall be separated by a minimum 5 feet (1524 mm) from the following:
- Lot lines.
- Public ways.
- Buildings.
- Stored combustible materials.
- Hazardous materials.
- High-piled stock.
- Other exposure hazards.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to approve smaller separation distances if large-scale fire and fault condition testing conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory is provided showing that a fire involving the system will not adversely impact occupant egress from adjacent buildings, or adversely impact adjacent stored materials or structures.
Stationary storage battery systems located outdoors shall be separated from any means of egress as required by the fire code official to ensure safe egress under fire conditions, but not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to approve lesser separation distances if large-scale fire and fault condition testing conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory is provided showing that a fire involving the system will not adversely impact occupant egress.