Stationary storage battery systems having
capacities exceeding the values shown in Table 608.1 shall
comply with Sections 608.1.2 through 608.6.6, as applicable.
TABLE 608.1
BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEM THRESHOLD QUANTITIES
TABLE 608.1
BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEM THRESHOLD QUANTITIES
| BATTERY TECHNOLOGY | CAPACITYa |
|---|---|
| Lead acid, all types | 70 kWh (252 Megajoules) |
| Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) | 70 kWh (252 Megajoules) |
| Lithium, all types | 20 kWh (72 Megajoules) |
| Sodium, all types | 20 kWh (72 Megajoules)c |
| Flow batteriesb | 20 kWh (72 Megajoules) |
| Other battery technologies | 10 kWh (36 Megajoules) |
- For batteries rated in amp-hours, kWh shall equal rated voltage times amphour rating divided by 1000.
- Shall include vanadium, zinc-bromine, polysulfide-bromide, and other flowing electrolyte type technologies.
- 70 kWh (252 Megajoules) for sodium-ion technologies
Permits shall be obtained for the installation
and operation of stationary storage battery systems
in accordance with Section 105.7.2.
The following information
shall be provided with the permit application:
- Location and layout diagram of the room in which the stationary storage battery system is to be installed.
- Details on hourly fire-resistant-rated assemblies provided.
- Quantities and types of storage batteries and battery systems.
- Manufacturer’s specifications, ratings and listings of storage batteries and battery systems.
- Details on energy management systems.
- Location and content of signage.
- Details on fire suppression, smoke detection and ventilation systems.
- Rack storage arrangement, including seismic support criteria.
A failure modes and
effects analysis (FMEA) or other approved hazard mitigation
analysis shall be provided in accordance with Section
104.7.2 under any of the following conditions:
- Battery technologies not specifically identified in Table 608.1 are provided.
- More than one stationary storage battery technology is provided in a room or indoor area where there is a potential for adverse interaction between technologies.
- When allowed as a basis for increasing maximum allowable quantities. See 608.3.
The hazard mitigation analysis
shall evaluate the consequences of the following
failure modes and others deemed necessary by the fire
code official. Only single failure modes shall be considered.
- Thermal runaway condition in a single battery storage rack, module or array.
- Failure of any energy management system.
- Failure of any required ventilation system.
- Voltage surges on the primary electric supply.
- Short circuits on the load side of the stationary battery storage system.
- Failure of the smoke detection, fire suppression, or gas detection system.
- Spill neutralization not being provided or failure of the secondary containment system.
The fire code official is
authorized to approve the hazardous mitigation analysis
provided the consequences of the hazard mitigation
analysis demonstrate:
- Fires or explosions will be contained within unoccupied battery storage rooms for the minimum duration of the fire-resistance-rated walls identified in IBC Table 509.1.
- Fires and explosions in battery cabinets in occupied work centers will be detected in time to allow occupants within the room to safely evacuate.
- Toxic and highly toxic gases released during fires and other fault conditions shall not reach concentrations in excess of lDLH level in the building or adjacent means of egress routes during the time deemed necessary to evacuate from that area.
- Flammable gases released from batteries during charging, discharging and normal operation shall not exceed 25 percent of their lower flammability limit (LFL).
- Flammable gases released from batteries during fire, overcharging and other abnormal conditions shall not create an explosion hazard that will injure occupants or emergency responders.
Construction,
equipment and systems that are required for the
stationary storage battery system to comply with the
hazardous mitigation analysis, including but not limited
to those specifically described in Section 608.1, shall be
installed, maintained and tested in accordance with
nationally recognized standards and specified design
parameters.
Stationary storage
battery systems shall comply with the seismic design
requirements in Chapter 16 of the California Building
Code, and shall not exceed the floor loading limitation of
the building.
Where stationary storage
battery systems are subject to impact by a motor vehicle,
including fork lifts, vehicle impact protection shall be
provided in accordance with Section 312.
Combustible materials not
related to the stationary storage battery system shall not
be stored in battery rooms, cabinets or enclosures. Combustible
materials in occupied work centers covered by
Section 608.2.5 shall not be stored less than 3 feet (915
mm) from battery cabinets.
Storage batteries
and associated equipment and systems shall be
tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. Any storage batteries or system components
used to replace existing units shall be compatible
with the battery charger, energy management systems,
other storage batteries, and other safety systems. Introducing
other types of storage batteries into the stationary
storage battery system, or other types of electrolytes into
flow battery systems, shall be treated as a new installation
and require approval by the fire code official before the
replacements are introduced into service.
Rooms and areas containing
stationary storage battery systems shall be designed,
located and constructed in accordance with this section.
Stationary storage battery systems shall
not be located in areas where the floor is located more
than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire
department vehicle access, or where the floor level is more
than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the finished floor of the lowest
level of exit discharge.
Exceptions:
- Lead acid and nickel cadmium stationary storage battery systems.
- Installations on noncombustible rooftops of buildings exceeding 75 feet (22 860 mm) in height that do not obstruct fire department rooftop operations shall be permitted where approved by the fire code official.
Rooms containing stationary storage
battery systems shall be separated from other areas of the
building in accordance with Section 509.1 of the California
Building Code. Battery systems shall be allowed to be
in the same room with the equipment they support.
Storage batteries, prepackaged
stationary storage battery systems and pre-engineered
stationary storage battery systems shall be
segregated into stationary battery arrays not exceeding 50
kWh (180 Megajoules) each. Each stationary battery
array shall be spaced a minimum 3 feet (914 mm) from
other stationary battery arrays and from walls in the storage
room or area. The storage arrangements shall comply
with Chapter 10.
Exceptions:
- Lead acid and nickel cadmium storage battery arrays.
- Listed pre-engineered stationary storage battery systems and prepackaged stationary storage battery systems shall not exceed 250 kWh (900 Megajoules) each.
- The fire code official is authorized to approve listed pre-engineered and prepackaged battery arrays with larger capacities or smaller battery array spacing 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 one array will not propagate to an adjacent array, and be contained within the room for a duration equal to the fireresistance rating of the room separation specified in Table 509 of the California Building Code.
Where stationary batteries are
installed in a separate equipment room accessible only to
authorized personnel, they shall be permitted to be
installed on an open rack for ease of maintenance.
Where stationary storage
batteries are located in an occupied work center, they
shall be housed in a noncombustible cabinet or other
enclosure to prevent access by unauthorized personnel.
Where stationary batteries are
contained in cabinets in occupied work centers, the
cabinet enclosures shall be located within 10 feet (3048
mm) of the equipment that they support.
Approved signs shall be provided on
doors or in locations near entrances to stationary storage
battery system rooms and shall include the following or
equivalent.
- The room contains energized battery systems.
- The room contains energized electrical circuits.
- The additional markings required in Section 608.6 for the types of storage batteries contained within the room.
Exception: Existing stationary storage battery
systems shall be permitted to include the signage
required at the time it was installed.
Where the stationary
storage battery system disconnecting means is not
within sight of the main service disconnecting means,
placards or directories shall be installed at the location
of the main service disconnecting means indicating the
location of stationary storage battery system disconnecting
means in accordance with California Electrical
Code.
Battery storage cabinets
provided in occupied work centers in accordance with
Section 608.2.5 shall have exterior labels that identify
the manufacturer and model number of the system and
electrical rating (voltage and current) of the contained
battery system. There shall be signs within the cabinet
that indicate the relevant electrical, chemical and hazards,
as required by Section 608.6.
Stationary storage battery
systems located outdoors shall comply with this section, in
addition to all applicable requirements of Section 608.
Installations in outdoor enclosures or containers which
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 in no case
less than 10 feet (3048 mm).
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.
Outdoor areas in
which stationary storage battery systems are located
shall be secured against unauthorized entry and safeguarded
in an approved manner.
Where a stationary storage
battery system includes an outer enclosure, the unit
shall only be entered for inspection, maintenance and
repair of batteries and electronics, and shall not be
occupied for other purposes.
Fire areas within
buildings containing stationary storage batteries systems
exceeding the maximum allowable quantities in Table 608.3
shall comply with all applicable High Hazard Group H occupancy
requirements in this code and the California Building
Code.
TABLE 608.3
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE BATTERY QUANTITIES
Exception: Where approved by the fire code official,
areas containing stationary storage batteries that exceed
the amounts in Table 608.3 shall be permitted to be
treated as incidental use areas and not Group H occupancies
based on a hazardous mitigation analysis in accordance
with 608.1.3 and large-scale fire and fault condition
testing conducted or witnessed and reported by an
approved testing laboratory.
TABLE 608.3
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE BATTERY QUANTITIES
| BATTERY TECHNOLOGY | MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIESa | GROUP H OCCUPANCY |
|---|---|---|
| Lead acid, all types | unlimited | Not Applicable |
| Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) | unlimited | Not Applicable |
| Lithium, all types | 600 kWh | Group H-2 |
| Sodium, all types | 600 kWh | Group H-2 |
| Flow batteriesb | 600 kWh | Group H-2 |
| Other battery technologies | 200 kWh | Group H-2c |
- For batteries rated in amp-hours, Watt-hours (Wh) shall equal rated battery voltage times the amp-hour rating divided by 1000.
- Shall include vanadium, zinc-bromine, polysulfide-bromide, and other flowing electrolyte type technologies.
- Shall be a Group H-4 occupancy if the fire code official determines that a fire or thermal runaway involving the battery technology does not represent a significant fire hazard.
Where areas within buildings
contain different types of storage battery technologies,
the total aggregate quantities of batteries shall be
determined based on the sum of percentages of each battery
type quantity divided by the maximum allowable quantity
of each battery type. lf the sum of the percentages
exceeds 100 percent, the area shall be treated as a highhazard
Group H occupancy in accordance with Table
608.3.
Storage batteries and battery storage
systems shall comply with all of the following:
- Storage batteries shall be listed in accordance with UL 1973.
- Prepackaged and pre-engineered stationary storage battery systems shall be listed in accordance with UL 9540.
Exception: Lead-acid batteries are not required
to be listed.
Prepackaged
and pre-engineered stationary storage battery
systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing
and the manufacturer’s instructions.
An approved energy
management system shall be provided for battery technologies
other than lead acid and nickel cadmium for monitoring
and balancing cell voltages, currents and
temperatures within the manufacturer’s specifications.
The system shall transmit an alarm signal to an approved
location if potentially hazardous temperatures or other
conditions such as short circuits, overvoltage (overcharge)
or under voltage (over discharge) are detected.
Battery chargers shall be compatible
with the battery chemistry and the manufacturer’s
electrical ratings and charging specifications. Battery
chargers shall be listed and labeled in accordance with
the UL 1564 or provided as part of a listed pre-engineered
or prepackaged stationary storage battery system.
Vented batteries shall be provided
with flame-arresting safety caps.
Where required by Section
608.6 storage batteries shall be provided with a listed
device or other approved method to prevent, detect and
control thermal runaway.
Stationary storage
battery systems that have the potential to release toxic and
highly toxic gas during charging, discharging and normal
use conditions shall comply with Chapter 60.
Rooms containing stationary
storage battery systems shall be equipped with an
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1. Commodity classifications for specific
technologies of storage batteries shall be in accordance
with Chapter 5 of NFPA 13. If the storage battery types
are not addressed in Chapter 5 of NFPA 13, the fire code
official is authorized to approve the fire suppression system
based on full-scale fire and fault condition testing
conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved laboratory.
Exception: Spaces or areas containing stationary storage
battery systems used exclusively for telecommunications
equipment in accordance with Section 903.2.
Battery systems
that utilize water reactive materials shall be protected
by an approved alternative automatic fireextinguishing
system in accordance with Section 904.
The system shall be listed for protecting the type,
arrangement and quantities of storage batteries in the
room. The fire code official shall be permitted to
approve the alternate fire suppression system based on
full-scale fire and fault condition testing conducted or
witnessed and reported by an approved laboratory.
An approved automatic
smoke detection system shall be installed in rooms containing
stationary storage battery systems in accordance
with Section 907.2.
Where required by Section 608.6 or
Section 608.1.3, ventilation of rooms containing stationary
storage battery systems shall be provided in accordance
with the California Mechanical Code and the
following:
- The ventilation system shall be designed to limit the maximum concentration of flammable gas to 25 percent of the lower flammability limit, or for hydrogen 1.0 percent of the total volume of the room; or
- Continuous ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute (cfm) per square foot [0.00508 m3/(s • m2)] of floor area, but not less than 150 cfm (4 m3/min).
- The exhaust system shall be designed to provide air movement across all parts of the floor for gases having a vapor density greater than air and across all parts of the ceiling for gases having a vapor density less than air.
Where cabinets located
in occupied spaces contain the storage batteries that
are required by Section 608.6 or 608.1.3 to be provided
with ventilation, the cabinet shall be provided with ventilation
in accordance with Section 608.5.3.
Required mechanical ventilation
systems for rooms and cabinets containing storage
batteries shall be supervised by an approved central
station, proprietary or remote station service or shall
initiate an audible and visual signal at an approved
constantly attended on-site location.
Where required by Section
608.6 or 608.1.3, rooms containing stationary storage battery
systems shall be protected by a continuous gas detection
system complying with Section 916. The gas detection
system shall be designed to activate where the level of
flammable gas exceeds 25 percent of the lower flammable
limit (LFL), or where the level of toxic or highly toxic gas
exceeds 1/2 of the IDLH.
Activation of the gas
detection system shall result in all the following:
- Initiation of distinct audible and visible alarms in the battery storage room.
- Transmission of an alarm to an approved location.
- De-energizing of the battery charger.
- Activation of the mechanical ventilation system, where the system is interlocked with the gas detection system.
Exception: Lead acid and nickel cadmium
stationary storage battery systems shall not be
required to comply with Items 1, 2, and 3
above.
Where required
by Section 608.6, approved methods and materials shall
be provided for the control and neutralization of spills of
electrolyte or other hazardous materials in areas containing
stationary storage batteries as follows:
- For batteries with free-flowing electrolyte, the method and materials shall be capable of neutralizing a spill of the total capacity from the largest cell or block to a pH between 5.0 and 9.0.
- For batteries with immobilized electrolyte, the method and material shall be capable of neutralizing a spill of 3.0 percent of the capacity of the largest cell or block in the room to a pH between 5.0 and 9.0.
This section
includes requirements applicable to specific types of storage
batteries. Stationary storage battery systems with more than
one type of storage battery shall comply with requirements
applicable to each battery type.
Stationary battery
systems utilizing lead acid storage batteries shall comply
with the following:
- Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 608.5.3.
- Spill control and neutralization shall be in accordance with Section 608.5.5.
- Thermal runaway protection shall be provided for VRLA storage batteries in accordance with Section 608.4.7.
- The signage in Section 608.2.6 shall also indicate the room contains lead acid batteries.
Stationary
battery systems utilizing nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd)
storage batteries shall comply with the following:
- Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 608.5.3.
- Spill control and neutralization shall be in accordance with Section 608.5.5.
- Thermal runaway protection shall be provided for valve regulated sealed nickel cadmium storage batteries in accordance with Section 608.4.7.
- The signage in Section 608.2.6 shall also indicate the room contains nickel cadmium batteries.
The signage in
Section 608.2.6 shall also indicate the type of lithium batteries
contained in the room.
Stationary battery
systems utilizing sodium beta storage batteries shall comply
with the following:
- Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 608.5.3.
- The signage in Section 608.2.6 shall also indicate the type of sodium batteries in the room and APPLY NO WATER
Stationary battery systems utilizing
flow batteries shall comply with the following:
- Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 608.5.3.
- Spill control and neutralization shall be in accordance with Section 608.5.5.
Stationary battery
systems utilizing battery technologies other than those
described in Sections 608.6.1 through 608.6.5 shall comply
with the following:
- Gas detection systems complying with Section 916 shall be provided in accordance with Section 608.5.4 where the batteries have the potential to produce toxic or highly toxic gas in the storage room or cabinet in excess of the permissible exposure limits (PEL) during charging, discharging and normal system operation.
- Mechanical ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 608.5.3.
- Spill control and neutralization shall be in accordance with Section 608.5.5.
- In addition to the signage required in Section 608.2.6, the marking shall identify the type of batteries present, describe the potential hazards associated with the battery type, and indicate the room contains energized electrical circuits.