| Adopting Agency | BSC | BSC-
CG
|
SFM | HCD | DSA | OSHPD | BSCC | DPH | AGR | DWR | CEC | CA | SL | SLC | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-24 | T-19* | 1 | 2 | 1/AC | AC | SS | 1 | 1R | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||||
| Adopt Entire Chapter | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)
|
X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adopt only those
sections that are listed below
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chapter / Section | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1201.1 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1201.3 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1203.1 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1203.1.5.1 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1203.2.5 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1203.2.6 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1203.2.10 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1206.1 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1206.5 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1206.14 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1207 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
* The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user's convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same.
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 12 was added to address the current energy systems found in this code, and is provided for the introduction of a wide range of systems to generate and store energy in, on and adjacent to buildings and facilities. The expansion of such energy systems is related to meeting today's energy, environmental and economic challenges. Ensuring appropriate criteria to address the safety of such systems in building and fire codes is an important part of protecting the public at large, building occupants and emergency responders. More specifically, this chapter addresses standby and emergency power, portable generators, photovoltaic systems, fuel cell energy systems, and energy storage systems.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, retrofitting, testing, commissioning and decommissioning of energy systems used for generating or storing energy. It shall not apply to equipment associated with the generation, control, transformation, transmission, or distribution of energy installations that is under the exclusive control of an electric utility or lawfully designated agency.
Electrical wiring and equipment used in connection with energy systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this chapter, Section 603 and the California Electrical Code.
Where approved, the aggregate nameplate kWh energy of all energy storage systems in a fire area shall not exceed the maximum quantity specified for any of the energy systems in this chapter. Where required by the fire code official, a hazard mitigation analysis shall be provided and approved in accordance with Section 104.8.2 to evaluate any potential adverse interaction between the various energy systems and technologies.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
Upcodes Diagrams
Emergency power systems and standby power systems required by this code or the California Building Code shall comply with Sections 1203.1.1 through 1203.1.9.
Stationary emergency and standby power generators required by this code shall be listed in accordance with UL 2200.
Fuel lines supplying a generator set inside a high-rise building or new Group I-2 occupancy having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be separated from areas of the building other than the room the generator is located in by one of the following methods:
- A fire-resistant pipe-protection system that has been tested in accordance with UL 1489. The system shall be installed as tested and in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, and shall have a rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the required rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
- An assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the required fire-resistance rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
- Other approved methods.
Emergency power systems and standby power systems shall be installed in accordance with the California Building Code, the California Electrical Code, NFPA 110 and NFPA 111.
Emergency power systems shall automatically provide secondary power within 10 seconds after primary power is lost, unless specified otherwise in this code. Standby power systems shall automatically provide secondary power within 60 seconds after primary power is lost, unless specified otherwise in this code.
Emergency power systems and standby power systems shall be designed to provide the required power for a minimum duration of 2 hours without being refueled or recharged, unless specified otherwise in this code.
Emergency power systems and standby power systems shall be designed to provide the required power for a minimum duration of 6 hours without being refueled or recharged. The minimum required fuel supply shall be maintained at all times.
An uninterrupted source of power shall be provided for equipment where required by the manufacturer's instructions, the listing, this code or applicable referenced standards.
Emergency power systems shall be an acceptable alternative for installations that require standby power systems.
In Group I-2 occupancies located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 of the California Building Code where new essential electrical systems are installed, and where new essential electrical system generators are installed, the systems and generators shall be located and installed in accordance with ASCE 24. Where connections for hook up of temporary generators are provided, the connections shall be located at or above the elevation required in ASCE 24.
Existing installations shall be maintained in accordance with the original approval and Section 1203.4.
Emergency and standby power systems shall be provided where required by Sections 1203.2.1 through 1203.2.19.
Essential electrical systems for ambulatory care facilities shall be in accordance with Section 422.6 of the California Building Code.
Standby power shall be provided for inbuilding, two-way emergency responder communication coverage systems as required in Section 510.4.2.3. The standby power supply shall be capable of operating the inbuilding, two-way emergency responder communication coverage system at 100-percent system operation capacity for a duration of not less than 12 hours.
Standby power shall be provided for mechanical exhaust ventilation systems as required in Section 1207.6.1.2.1. The system shall be capable of powering the required load for a duration of not less than 2 hours.
Emergency power shall be provided for exit signs as required in Section 1013.6.3. The system shall be capable of powering the required load for a duration of not less than 90 minutes.
Emergency power shall be provided for gas detection systems where required by Sections 1203.2.10 and 1203.2.17. Standby power shall be provided for gas detection systems where required by Sections 916.5 and 1207.6.1.2.4.
Essential electrical systems for Group I-2 occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 407.11 of the California Building Code.
Power-operated sliding doors or power-operated locks for swinging doors in Group I-3 occupancies shall be operable by a manual release mechanism at the door. Emergency power shall be provided for the doors and locks.
Exceptions:
- Emergency power is not required in facilities where provisions for remote locking and unlocking of occupied rooms in Occupancy Condition 4 are not required as set forth in the California Building Code.
- Emergency power is not required where remote mechanical operating releases are provided.
Emergency and standby power shall be provided in occupancies with hazardous materials as required in the following sections:
- Sections 5004.7 and 5005.1.5 for hazardous materials.
- Sections 6004.2.2.8 and 6004.3.4.2 for highly toxic and toxic gases.
- Section 6204.1.11 for organic peroxides.
Standby power and emergency power shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access as required in Section 403 of the California Building Code, and shall be in accordance with Section 1203.
Standby power shall be provided for horizontal sliding doors as required in Section 1010.3.3. The standby power supply shall have a capacity to operate not fewer than 50 closing cycles of the door.
Standby power shall be provided for hydrogen fuel gas rooms as required by Section 5808.7.
Standby or emergency power shall be provided in accordance with Section 5004.7 where laboratory suites are located above the sixth story above grade plane or located in a story below grade plane.
Emergency power shall be provided for means of egress illumination in accordance with Sections 1008.3 and 1104.5.1.
Standby power shall be provided for auxiliary inflation systems in permanent membrane structures in accordance with Section 2702 of the California Building Code. Auxiliary inflation systems shall be provided in temporary air-supported and airinflated membrane structures in accordance with Section 3103.10.4.
Emergency power shall be provided for semiconductor fabrication facilities as required in Section 2703.15.
Standby power shall be provided for smoke control systems as required in Section 909.11.
Emergency and standby power shall be provided in underground buildings as required in Section 405 of the California Building Code and shall be in accordance with Section 1203.
Required critical circuits shall be protected using one of the following methods:
- Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
- Electrical circuit protective systems shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
- Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
Emergency and standby power systems shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 110 and NFPA 111 such that the system is capable of supplying service within the time specified for the type and duration required.
In Group I-2 occupancies and ambulatory care facilities, emergency and standby power systems shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 99.
Inspection, testing and maintenance of emergency and standby power systems shall be in accordance with an approved schedule established upon completion and approval of the system installation.
Records of the inspection, testing and maintenance of emergency and standby power systems shall include the date of service, name of the servicing technician, a summary of conditions noted and a detailed description of any conditions requiring correction and what corrective action was taken. Such records shall be maintained.
Emergency and standby power system transfer switches shall be included in the inspection, testing and maintenance schedule required by Section 1203.4.2. Transfer switches shall be maintained free from accumulated dust and dirt. Inspection shall include examination of the transfer switch contacts for evidence of deterioration. When evidence of contact deterioration is detected, the contacts shall be replaced in accordance with the transfer switch manufacturer's instructions.
Emergency power systems, including all appurtenant components, shall be inspected and tested under load in accordance with NFPA 110 and NFPA 111.
Exception: Where the emergency power system is used for standby power or peak load shaving, such use shall be recorded and shall be allowed to be substituted for scheduled testing of the generator set, provided that appropriate records are maintained.
In Group I-2 occupancies and ambulatory care facilities, emergency and standby power systems shall be inspected and tested under load in accordance with NFPA 99.
The test of the transfer switch shall consist of electrically operating the transfer switch from the normal position to the alternate position and then return to the normal position.
Routine maintenance, inspection and operational testing shall be overseen by a properly instructed individual.
The use, operation and maintenance of portable generators shall comply with this section.
Portable generators manufactured after January 1, 2021, shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2201.
Portable generators shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Portable generators shall be operated only outdoors a minimum of 5 feet (1524 mm) from any building openings such as windows and doors or air intakes. Portable generators shall not be operated within buildings or enclosed areas. Additional separation shall be provided for tents, membrane structures and outdoor assembly events as specified in Chapter 31.
Extension cords and temporary wiring used to connect portable generators shall be in accordance with Section 603 and shall be provided with GFCI protection.
Connections to a premise wiring system shall comply with all of the following:
- Power shall not be provided in a manner that "backfeeds" receptacles or the premise wiring system.
- Connection to a premise served by commercial power shall be made through a listed transfer switch installed, used and maintained in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
- Connection to buildings not served by commercial power shall comply with the California Electrical Code.
Portable generators shall not be refueled while operating.
Storage and repair of fuel-fired portable generators shall comply with Section 313.
A listed portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C shall be provided not more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the portable generator.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems shall be installed in accordance with the California Building Code or California Residential Code. The electrical portion of solar PV systems shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Rooftop-mounted solar photovoltaic systems shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1205.2 through 1205.4.3. Ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems shall comply with Section 1205.5.
Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements shall be provided in accordance with Sections 1205.2.1 through 1205.3.3. Pathways shall be over areas capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof. Pathways shall be located in areas with minimal obstructions, such as vent pipes, conduit or mechanical equipment.
Exceptions:
- Detached, nonhabitable Group U structures including, but not limited to, detached garages serving Group R-3 buildings, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures.
- Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements need not be provided where the fire code official has determined that rooftop operations will not be employed.
- Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems where the BIPV systems are approved, integrated into the finished roof surface and are listed in accordance with a national test standard developed to address Section 690.12(B)(2) of the California Electrical Code. The removal or cutting away of portions of the BIPV system during fire-fighting operations shall not expose a fire fighter to electrical shock hazards.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for Group R-3 buildings shall comply with Sections 1205.2.1.1 through 1205.2.3.
Exceptions:
- These requirements shall not apply to structures designed and constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code.
- These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (16.7-percent slope) or less.
Upcodes Diagrams
Not fewer than two 36-inch-wide (914 mm) pathways on separate roof planes, from lowest roof edge to ridge, shall be provided on all buildings. Not fewer than one pathway shall be provided on the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, not fewer than one 36-inch-wide (914 mm) pathway from lowest roof edge to ridge shall be provided on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, on an adjacent roof plane or straddling the same and adjacent roof planes.
Upcodes Diagrams
For photovoltaic arrays occupying 33 percent or less of the plan view total roof area, a setback of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) wide is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, a setback of not less than 36 inches (457 mm) wide is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
Upcodes Diagrams
Where an automatic sprinkler system is installed within the dwelling in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3, setbacks at the ridge shall conform to one of the following:
- For photovoltaic arrays occupying 66 percent or less of the plan view total roof area, a setback of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) wide is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
- For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 66 percent of the plan view total roof area, a setback of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.
Upcodes Diagrams
Panels and modules installed on Group R-3 buildings shall not be placed on the portion of a roof that is below an emergency escape and rescue opening. A pathway of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide shall be provided to the emergency escape and rescue opening.
Upcodes Diagrams
Where building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are installed in a manner that creates areas with electrical hazards to be hidden from view, markings shall be provided to identify the hazardous areas to avoid. The markings shall be reflective and be visible from grade.
Conduit, wiring systems and raceways for photovoltaic circuits shall be located as close as possible to the ridge or hip or valley and from the hip or valley as directly as possible to an outside wall to reduce trip hazards and maximize ventilation opportunities. Conduit runs between sub arrays and to DC combiner boxes shall be installed in a manner that minimizes the total amount of conduit on the roof by taking the shortest path from the array to the DC combiner box. The DC combiner boxes shall be located such that conduit runs are minimized in the pathways between arrays. DC wiring shall be installed in metallic conduit or raceways when located within enclosed spaces in a building. Conduit shall run along the bottom of load bearing members.
Access to systems for buildings, other than those containing Group R-3 occupancies, shall be provided in accordance with Sections 1205.3.1 through 1205.3.3.
Exception: Where it is determined by the fire code official that the roof configuration is similar to that of a Group R-3 occupancy, the residential access and ventilation requirements in Sections 1205.2.1.1 through 1205.2.1.3 are a suitable alternative.
Upcodes Diagrams
There shall be a minimum 6-foot-wide (1829 mm) clear perimeter around the edges of the roof.
Exception: Where either axis of the building is 250 feet (76 200 mm) or less, the clear perimeter around the edges of the roof shall be permitted to be reduced to a minimum width of 4 feet (1219 mm).
Upcodes Diagrams
Interior pathways shall be provided between array sections to meet the following requirements:
- Pathways shall be provided at intervals not greater than 150 feet (45 720 mm) throughout the length and width of the roof.
- A pathway not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) wide in a straight line to roof standpipes or ventilation hatches.
- A pathway not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) wide around roof access hatches, with not fewer than one such pathway to a parapet or roof edge.
Upcodes Diagrams
The solar installation shall be designed to meet the following requirements:
- Where nongravity-operated smoke and heat vents occur, a pathway not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) wide shall be provided bordering all sides.
- Where gravity-operated dropout smoke and heat vents occur, a pathway not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) wide on not fewer than one side.
- Smoke ventilation options between array sections shall be one of the following:3.1. A pathway not less than 8 feet (2438 mm) wide.3.2. A pathway not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) wide bordering 4-foot by 8-foot (1219 mm by 2438 mm) venting cutouts every 20 feet (6096 mm) on alternating sides of the pathway.
Upcodes Diagrams
Conduit, wiring systems and raceways for photovoltaic circuits shall be located as close as possible to the ridge or hip or valley and from the hip or valley as directly as possible to an outside wall to reduce trip hazards and maximize ventilation opportunities. Conduit runs between sub arrays and to DC combiner boxes shall be installed in a manner that minimizes the total amount of conduit on the roof by taking the shortest path from the array to the DC combiner box. The DC combiner boxes shall be located such that conduit runs are minimized in the pathways between arrays. DC wiring shall be installed in metallic conduit or raceways when located within enclosed spaces in a building. Conduit shall run along the bottom of load bearing members.
- For solar photovoltaic systems that shut down the array and the conductors leaving the array, a label shall be provided. The first two lines of the label shall be uppercase characters with a minimum height of 3/8 inch (10 mm) in black on a yellow background. The remaining characters shall be uppercase with a minimum height of 3/16 inch (5 mm) in black on a white background. The label shall be in accordance with Figure 1205.4.1(1) and state the following:
- For photovoltaic systems that only shut down conductors leaving the array, a label shall be provided. The first two lines of the label shall be uppercase characters with a minimum height of 3/8 inch (10 mm) in white on a red background and the remaining characters shall be capitalized with a minimum height of 3/16 inch (5 mm) in black on a white background. The label shall be in accordance with Figure 1205.4.1(2) and state the following:
FIGURE 1205.4.1(1)
FIGURE 1205.4.1(2)
The labels in Section 1205.4.1 shall include a simple diagram of a building with a roof. Diagram sections in red signify sections of the solar photovoltaic system that are not shut down when the rapid shutdown switch is turned off.
The rapid shutdown label in Section 1205.4.1 shall be located not greater than 3 feet (914 mm) from the service disconnecting means to which the photovoltaic systems are connected, and shall indicate the location of all identified rapid shutdown switches if not at the same location.
Solar photovoltaic systems that contain rapid shutdown in accordance with both Items 1 and 2 of Section 1205.4.1 or solar photovoltaic systems where only portions of the systems on the building contain rapid shutdown, shall provide a detailed plan view diagram of the roof showing each different photovoltaic system and a dotted line around areas that remain energized after the rapid shutdown switch is operated.
A clear, brush-free area of 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be required around the perimeter of the ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays. A noncombustible base of gravel or a maintained vegetative surface or a noncombustible base, approved by the fire code official, shall be installed and maintained under the photovoltaic arrays and associated electrical equipment installations.
Stationary fuel cell power systems in new and existing occupancies shall comply with this section.
Exception: The temporary use of a fuel cell-powered electric vehicle to power a Group R-3 or R-4 building while parked shall comply with Section 1206.14.
Stationary fuel cell power systems shall comply with the following:
- Prepackaged fuel cell power systems shall be listed and labeled in accordance with CSA FC 1.
- The modules and components in a preengineered fuel cell power system shall be listed and labeled in accordance with CSA FC 1 and interconnected to complete the assembly of the system at the job site in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the module and component listings.
- Field-fabricated fuel cell power systems shall be approved based on a review of the technical report provided in accordance with Section 104.8.2. The report shall be prepared by and bear the stamp of a registered design professional and shall include:
Stationary fuel cell power systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the California Electrical Code and NFPA 853, the manufacturer's installation instructions, and the listing. Stationary fuel cell power systems fueled by hydrogen shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 2 and the California Electrical Code, the manufacturer's installation instructions and the listing.
Stationary fuel cell power systems shall not be installed in Group R-3 and R-4 buildings, or dwelling units associated with Group R-2 buildings unless they are specifically listed for residential use.
Exception: The temporary use of a fuel cell-powered electric vehicle to power a Group R-3 or R-4 building while parked shall comply with Section 1206.14.
Stationary fuel cell power systems installed in indoor locations shall comply with Sections 1206.6 through 1206.6.2. For purposes of this section, an indoor location includes a roof and 50 percent or greater enclosing walls.
Stationary fuel cell power systems installed indoors shall be specifically listed and labeled for indoor use.
Rooms containing stationary fuel cell power systems shall be separated from the following occupancies by fire barriers or horizontal assemblies, or both, constructed in accordance with the California Building Code.
- Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies by 1-hour fireresistance-rated construction.
- Group A, E, I and R occupancies by 2-hour fireresistance-rated construction.
Exception: Stationary fuel cell power systems with an aggregate rating less than 50 kW shall not be required to be separated from other occupancies provided that the systems comply with Section 9.3 of NFPA 853.
Where stationary fuel cell power systems are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.
Upcodes Diagrams
Stationary fuel cell power systems located outdoors shall be separated by not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the following:
- Lot lines.
- Public ways.
- Buildings.
- Stored combustible materials.
- Hazardous materials.
- High-piled stock.
- Any portion of a designated means of egress system.
- Other exposure hazards.
The design, location and installation of the fuel supply for stationary fuel cell power systems shall comply with Chapter 53, Chapter 58 and the International Fuel Gas Code, based on the particular fuel being supplied to the system.
Access to a manual shutoff valve shall be provided for the fuel piping within 6 feet (1829 mm) of any fuel storage tank serving the fuel cell and within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the power system. If the fuel tank and the stationary fuel cell power system are less than 12 feet (3658 mm) apart, a single shutoff valve shall be permitted. If the stationary fuel cell power system is located indoors, the shutoff valve shall be located outside of the room in which the system is installed, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.
Ventilation and exhaust for stationary fuel cell power systems shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 853.
Fire protection systems for stationary fuel cell power system installations shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 853.
Stationary fuel cell power systems shall be provided with a gas detection system. Detection shall be provided in approved locations in the fuel cell power system enclosure, the exhaust system or the room that encloses the fuel cell power system. The system shall be designed to activate at a flammable gas concentration of not more than 25 percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL).
The provisions in this section are applicable to stationary and mobile electrical energy storage systems (ESS).
ESS having capacities exceeding the values shown in Table 1207.1.1 shall comply with this section.
TABLE 1207.1.1
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (ESS) THRESHOLD QUANTITIES
| TECHNOLOGY | ENERGY CAPACITYa |
| Capacitor ESS | 3 kWh |
| Flow batteriesb | 20 kWh |
| Lead-acid batteries, all types | 70 kWhc |
| Lithium-ion batteries | 20 kWh |
| Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) | 70 kWh |
| Nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd) | 70 kWh |
| Other battery technologies | 10 kWh |
| Other electrochemical ESS technologies | 3 kWh |
For SI: 1 kilowatt hour = 3.6 megajoules.
- Energy capacity is the total energy capable of being stored (nameplate rating), not the usable energy rating. For units rated in amp-hours, kWh shall equal rated voltage times amp-hour rating divided by 1,000.
- Shall include vanadium, zinc-bromine, polysulfide-bromide and other flowing electrolyte-type technologies.
- Fifty gallons of lead-acid battery electrolyte shall be considered equivalent to 70 kWh.
- Construction permits shall be obtained for stationary ESS installations and for mobile ESS charging and storage installations covered by Section 1207.10.1. Permits shall be obtained in accordance with Section 105.6.5.
- Operational permits shall be obtained for stationary ESS installations and for mobile ESS deployment operations covered by Section 1207.10.3. Permits shall be obtained in accordance with Section 105.5.14.
Operational permits shall not be required for lead-acid and nickelcadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that comply with NFPA 76 and operate at less than 50 voltage alternating current (VAC) and 60 voltage direct current (VDC).
The following information shall be provided with the permit application:
- Location and layout diagram of the room or area in which the ESS is to be installed.
- Details on the hourly fire-resistance ratings of assemblies enclosing the ESS.
- The quantities and types of ESS to be installed.
- Manufacturer's specifications, ratings and listings of each ESS.
- Description of energy (battery) management systems and their operation.
- Location and content of required signage.
- Details on fire suppression, smoke or fire detection, thermal management, ventilation, exhaust and deflagration venting systems, if provided.
- Support arrangement associated with the installation, including any required seismic restraint.
- A commissioning plan complying with Section 1207.2.1.
- A decommissioning plan complying with Section 1207.2.3.
A failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) or other approved hazard mitigation analysis shall be provided in accordance with Section 104.8.2 under any of the following conditions:
- Where ESS technologies not specifically identified in Table 1207.1 are provided.
- More than one ESS technology is provided in a room or enclosed area where there is a potential for adverse interaction between technologies.
- Where allowed as a basis for increasing maximum allowable quantities. See Section 1207.5.2.
The hazard mitigation analysis shall evaluate the consequences of the following failure modes. Only single failure modes shall be considered.
- A thermal runaway condition in a single ESS rack, module or unit.
- Failure of any battery (energy) management system.
- Failure of any required ventilation or exhaust system.
- Voltage surges on the primary electric supply.
- Short circuits on the load side of the ESS.
- Failure of the smoke detection, fire detection, fire suppression or gas detection system.
- Required spill neutralization not being provided or failure of a required secondary containment system.
The fire code official is authorized to approve the hazardous mitigation analysis provided that the consequences of the hazard mitigation analysis demonstrate:
- Fires will be contained within unoccupied ESS rooms or areas for the minimum duration of the fire-resistance-rated separations identified in Section 1207.7.4.
- Fires in occupied work centers will be detected in time to allow occupants within the room or area to safely evacuate.
- Toxic and highly toxic gases released during fires will not reach concentrations in excess of the IDLH level in the building or adjacent means of egress routes during the time deemed necessary to evacuate occupants from any affected area.
- Flammable gases released from ESS during charging, discharging and normal operation will not exceed 25 percent of their lower flammability limit (LFL).
- Flammable gases released from ESS during fire, overcharging and other abnormal conditions will be controlled through the use of ventilation of the gases, preventing accumulation, or by deflagration venting.
Construction, equipment and systems that are required for the ESS to comply with the hazardous mitigation analysis, including but not limited to those specifically described in Section 1207, shall be installed, maintained and tested in accordance with nationally recognized standards and specified design parameters.
Where required elsewhere in Section 1207, large-scale fire testing shall be conducted on a representative ESS in accordance with UL 9540A. The testing shall be conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory and show that a fire involving one ESS will not propagate to an adjacent ESS, and where installed within buildings, enclosed areas and walk-in units will be contained within the room, enclosed area or walk-in unit for a duration equal to the fire-resistance rating of the room separation specified in Section 1207.7.4. The test report shall be provided to the fire code official for review and approval in accordance with Section 104.8.2.
Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety that trained personnel be on-site to respond to possible ignition or re-ignition of a damaged ESS, the system owner, agent or lessee shall immediately dispatch one or more fire mitigation personnel to the premise, as required and approved, at their expense. These personnel shall remain on duty continuously after the fire department leaves the premise until the damaged energy storage equipment is removed from the premises, or earlier if the fire code official indicates the public safety hazard has been abated.
On-duty fire mitigation personnel shall have the following responsibilities:
- Keep a diligent watch for fires, obstructions to means of egress and other hazards.
- Immediately contact the fire department if their assistance is needed to mitigate any hazards or extinguish fires.
- Take prompt measures for remediation of hazards in accordance with the decommissioning plan per Section 1207.2.3.
- Take prompt measures to assist in the evacuation of the public from the structures.
Commissioning, decommissioning, operation and maintenance shall be conducted in accordance with this section.
Commissioning of newly installed ESS and existing ESS that have been retrofitted, replaced or previously decommissioned and are returning to service shall be conducted prior to the ESS being placed in service in accordance with a commissioning plan that has been approved prior to initiating commissioning. The commissioning plan shall include the following:
- A narrative description of the activities that will be accomplished during each phase of commissioning, including the personnel intended to accomplish each of the activities.
- A listing of the specific ESS and associated components, controls and safety-related devices to be tested, a description of the tests to be performed and the functions to be tested.
- Conditions under which all testing will be performed, which are representative of the conditions during normal operation of the system.
- Documentation of the owner's project requirements and the basis of design necessary to understand the installation and operation of the ESS.
- Verification that required equipment and systems are installed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
- Integrated testing for all fire and safety systems.
- Testing for any required thermal management, ventilation or exhaust systems associated with the ESS installation.
- Preparation and delivery of operation and maintenance documentation.
- Training of facility operating and maintenance staff.
- Identification and documentation of the requirements for maintaining system performance to meet the original design intent during the operation phase.
- Identification and documentation of personnel who are qualified to service, maintain and decommission the ESS, and respond to incidents involving the ESS, including documentation that such service has been contracted for.
- A decommissioning plan for removing the ESS from service, and from the facility in which it is located. The plan shall include details on providing a safe, orderly shutdown of energy storage and safety systems with notification to the code officials prior to the actual decommissioning of the system. The decommissioning plan shall include contingencies for removing an intact operational ESS from service, and for removing an ESS from service that has been damaged by a fire or other event.
Exception: Commissioning shall not be required for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that comply with NFPA 76 and operate at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC. A decommissioning plan shall be provided and maintained where required by the fire code official.
During the commissioning process an ESS shall be evaluated for proper operation in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the commissioning plan prior to final approval.
A report describing the results of the system commissioning, including the results of the initial acceptance testing required in Section 1207.2.1.1, shall be provided to the fire code official prior to final inspection and approval and maintained at an approved on-site location.
An operation and maintenance manual shall be provided to both the ESS owner or their authorized agent and the ESS operator before the ESS is put into operation and shall include the following:
- Manufacturer's operation manuals and maintenance manuals for the entire ESS, or for each component of the system requiring maintenance, that clearly identify the required routine maintenance actions.
- Name, address and phone number of a service agency that has been contracted to service the ESS and its associated safety systems.
- Maintenance and calibration information, including wiring diagrams, control drawings, schematics, system programming instructions and control sequence descriptions, for all energy storage control systems.
- Desired or field-determined control set points that are permanently recorded on control drawings at control devices or, for digital control systems, in system programming instructions.
- A schedule for inspecting and recalibrating all ESS controls.
- A service record log form that lists the schedule for all required servicing and maintenance actions and space for logging such actions that are completed over time and retained on-site.
The code official shall be notified prior to the decommissioning of an ESS. Decommissioning shall be performed in accordance with the decommissioning plan that includes the following:
- A narrative description of the activities to be accomplished for removing the ESS from service, and from the facility in which it is located.
- A listing of any contingencies for removing an intact operational ESS from service, and for removing an ESS from service that has been damaged by a fire or other event.
ESS shall be listed in accordance with UL 9540.
Exception: Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems installed in facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities, and operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC in accordance with NFPA 76, are not required to be listed.
Chargers, inverters and energy storage management systems shall be covered as part of the UL 9540 listing or shall be listed separately.
Where required by the ESS listing, an approved energy storage management system that monitors and balances cell voltages, currents and temperatures within the manufacturer's specifications shall be provided. The system shall disconnect electrical connections to the ESS or otherwise place it in a safe condition if potentially hazardous temperatures or other conditions such as short circuits, over voltage or under voltage are detected.
Enclosures of ESS shall be of noncombustible construction.
Repairs of ESS shall only be done by qualified personnel. Repairs with other than identical parts shall be considered retrofitting and comply with Section 1207.3.7. Repairs shall be documented in the service records log.
- A construction permit shall be obtained in accordance with Section 105.6.5.
- New batteries, battery modules, capacitors and similar ESS components shall be listed.
- Battery management and other monitoring systems shall be connected and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- The overall installation shall continue to comply with UL 9540 listing requirements, where applicable.
- Systems that have been retrofitted shall be commissioned in accordance with Section 1207.2.1.
- Retrofits shall be documented in the service records log.
Section 1207.3.7 shall not apply to retrofitting of lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries with other lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that comply with NFPA 76 and operate at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC.
Replacements of ESS shall be considered new ESS installations and shall comply with the provisions of Section 1207 as applicable to new ESS. The ESS being replaced shall be decommissioned in accordance with Section 1207.2.3.
Equipment and materials shall only be reused or reinstalled as permitted in Section 104.8.1. Storage batteries previously used in other applications, such as electric vehicle propulsion, shall not be reused in applications regulated by Chapter 12 unless approved by the fire code official and unless the equipment is refurbished by a battery refurbishing company approved in accordance with UL 1974.
Where the ESS disconnecting means is not within sight of the main electrical service disconnecting means, placards or directories shall be installed at the location of the main electrical service disconnecting means indicating the location of stationary storage battery system disconnecting means in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
Exception: Electrical disconnects for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities and operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC shall be permitted to have electrical disconnects signage in accordance with NFPA 76.
Rooms and other indoor areas containing ESS shall be separated from other areas of the building in accordance with Section 1207.7.4. ESS shall be permitted to be in the same room with the equipment they support.
Stationary ESS 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 ESS are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, including fork lifts, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.
Upcodes Diagrams
Combustible materials shall not be stored in ESS rooms, areas or walk-in units. Combustible materials in occupied work centers covered by Section 1207.4.10 shall be stored at least 3 feet (914 mm) from ESS cabinets.
Approved signs shall be provided on or adjacent to all entry doors for ESS rooms or areas and on enclosures of ESS cabinets and walk-in units located outdoors, on rooftops or in open parking garages. Signs designed to meet both the requirements of this section and the California Electrical Code shall be permitted. The signage shall include the following or equivalent:
- "ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM," "BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEM," "CAPACITOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM" or the equivalent.
- The identification of the electrochemical ESS technology present.
- "ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS."
- Where water-reactive electrochemical ESS are present, the signage shall include "APPLY NO WATER."
- Current contact information, including phone number, for personnel authorized to service the equipment and for fire mitigation personnel required by Section 1207.1.6.1.
Rooms, areas and walk-in units in which electrochemical ESS are located shall be secured against unauthorized entry and safe-guarded in an approved manner. Security barriers, fences, landscaping and other enclosures shall not inhibit the required air flow to or exhaust from the electrochemical ESS and its components.
Electrochemical ESS located in rooms or areas occupied by personnel not directly involved with maintenance, service and testing of the systems shall comply with the following:
- Electrochemical ESS located in occupied work centers shall be housed in locked noncombustible cabinets or other enclosures to prevent access by unauthorized personnel.
- Where electrochemical ESS are contained in cabinets in occupied work centers, the cabinets shall be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the equipment that they support.
- Cabinets shall include signage complying with Section 1207.4.8.
Walk-in units shall be entered only for inspection, maintenance and repair of ESS units and ancillary equipment, and shall not be occupied for other purposes.
The protection of electrochemical ESS shall be in accordance with Sections 1207.5.1 through 1207.5.8 where required by Sections 1207.7 through 1207.10.
TABLE 1207.5
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES OF ELECTROCHEMICAL ESS
| TECHNOLOGY | MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIESa |
| STORAGE BATTERIES | |
| Flow batteriesb | 600 kWh |
| Lead-acid, all types | Unlimited |
| Lithium-ion | 600 kWh |
| Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) | Unlimited |
| Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) | Unlimited |
| Other battery technologies | 200 kWh |
| CAPACITORS | |
| All types | 20 kWh |
| OTHER ELECTROCHEMICAL ESS | |
| All types | 20 kWh |
- For electrochemical ESS units rated in amp-hours, kWh shall equal rated voltage times the amp-hour rating divided by 1,000.
- Shall include vanadium, zinc-bromine, polysulfide-bromide and other flowing electrolyte-type technologies.
Electrochemical ESS shall be segregated into groups not exceeding 50 kWh (180 megajoules). Each group shall be separated a minimum of 3 feet (914 mm) from other groups and from walls in the storage room or area. The storage arrangements shall comply with Chapter 10.
- Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems in facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities and operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC in accordance with NFPA 76.
- The fire code official is authorized to approve larger capacities or smaller separation distances based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5.
Fire areas within rooms, areas and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities in Table 1207.5.
Exceptions:
- Where approved by the fire code official, rooms, areas and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS that exceed the amounts in Table 1207.5 shall be permitted based on a hazardous mitigation analysis in accordance with Section 1207.1.4 and large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5.
- Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems installed in facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities, and operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC in accordance with NFPA 76.
- Dedicated-use buildings in compliance with Section 1207.7.1.
Where rooms, areas and walk-in units contain different types of electrochemical energy technologies, the total aggregate quantities of the systems shall be determined based on the sum of percentages of each technologytype quantity divided by the maximum allowable quantity of each technology type. The sum of the percentages shall not exceed 100 percent of the maximum allowable quantity.
Electrochemical ESS shall not be located in the following areas:
- Where the floor is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
- Where the floor is located below the lowest level of exit discharge.
Exceptions:
- Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC installed in facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities in accordance with NFPA 76.
- Where approved, installations shall be permitted in underground vaults complying with the California Electrical Code, Article 450, Part III.
- Where approved by the fire code official, installations shall be permitted on higher and lower floors.
An approved automatic smoke detection system or radiant energy-sensing fire detection system complying with Section 907.2 shall be installed in rooms, indoor areas and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS. An approved radiant energy-sensing fire detection system shall be installed to protect open parking garage and rooftop installations. Alarm signals from detection systems shall be transmitted to a central station, proprietary or remote station service in accordance with NFPA 72, or where approved to a constantly attended location.
Where required by the fire code official, visible annunciation shall be provided on cabinet exteriors or in other approved locations to indicate that potentially hazardous conditions associated with the ESS exist.
Rooms and areas within buildings and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS shall be protected by an automatic fire suppression system designed and installed in accordance with one of the following:
- An automatic sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 with a minimum density of 0.3 gpm/ft2 (1.14 L/min) based on the fire area or 2,500 square-foot (232 m2) design area, whichever is smaller.
- Where approved, an automatic sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 with a sprinkler hazard classification based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5.
- The following alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 904, provided that the installation is approved by the fire code official based on largescale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5:3.1. NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.3.2. NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection.3.3. NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems.3.4. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent FireExtinguishing Systems.3.5. NFPA 2010, Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems.
Exception: Fire suppression systems for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that operate at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC shall be provided where required by NFPA 76.
Electrochemical ESS that utilize water-reactive materials shall be protected by an approved alternative automatic fireextinguishing system in accordance with Section 904, where the installation is approved by the fire code official based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5.
Outdoor walk-in units housing ESS shall not exceed 53 feet by 8 feet by 9.5 feet high (16 154 mm × 2438 mm × 2896 mm), not including bolt-on HVAC and related equipment, as approved. Outdoor walk-in units exceeding these limitations shall be considered indoor installations and comply with the requirements in Section 1207.7.
Areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of outdoor ESS shall be cleared of combustible vegetation and other combustible growth. Single specimens of trees, shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground cover shall be permitted to be exempt provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.
ESS located outdoors and in open parking garages 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 a reduced separation distance if large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5 is provided that shows that a fire involving the ESS will not adversely impact occupant egress.
Electrochemical ESS installations shall comply with the requirements of this section in accordance with the applicable requirements of Table 1207.6.
TABLE 1207.6
ELECTROCHEMICAL ESS TECHNOLOGY-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
| COMPLIANCE REQUIREDb | BATTERY TECHNOLOGY | OTHER ESS AND BATTERY TECHNOLOGIESb | CAPACITOR ESSb | ||||
| Feature | Section | Lead-acid | Ni-Cd and Ni-MH | Lithium-ion | Flow | ||
| Exhaust ventilation | 1207.6.1 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Explosion control | 1207.6.3 | Yesa | Yesa | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Safety caps | 1207.6.4 | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Spill control and neutralization | 1207.6.2 | Yesc | Yesc | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thermal runaway | 1207.6.5 | Yesd | Yes | Yese | No | Yese | Yes |
- Not required for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that comply with NFPA 76 and operate at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC.
- Protection shall be provided unless documentation acceptable to the fire code official is provided in accordance with Section 104.8.2 that provides justification why the protection is not necessary based on the technology used.
- Applicable to vented-type (i.e., flooded) nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries.
- Not required for vented-type (i.e., flooded) lead-acid batteries.
- The thermal runaway protection is permitted to be part of a battery management system that has been evaluated with the battery as part of the evaluation to UL 1973.
Where required by Table 1207.6 or elsewhere in this code, exhaust ventilation of rooms, areas and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS shall be provided in accordance with the California Mechanical Code and Section 1207.6.1.1 or 1207.6.1.2.
The exhaust ventilation system shall be designed to limit the maximum concentration of flammable gas to 25 percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL) of the total volume of the room, area or walk-in unit during the worst-case event of simultaneous charging of batteries at the maximum charge rate, in accordance with nationally recognized standards.
Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 ft3/min/ft2 (5.1 L/sec/m2) of floor area of the room, area or walk-in unit. The ventilation shall be either continuous or shall be activated by a gas detection system in accordance with Section 1207.6.1.2.4.
Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided with a minimum of 2 hours of standby power in accordance with Section 1203.2.5.
Required mechanical exhaust ventilation systems shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and the California Mechanical Code.
Where required by Section 1207.6.1.2, rooms, areas and walk-in units containing ESS shall be protected by an approved continuous gas detection system that complies with Section 916 and with the following:
- The gas detection system shall be designed to activate the mechanical ventilation system when the level of flammable gas in the room, area or walk-in unit exceeds 25 percent of the LFL.
- The mechanical ventilation system shall remain on until the flammable gas detected is less than 25 percent of the LFL.
- The gas detection system shall be provided with a minimum of 2 hours of standby power in accordance with Section 1203.2.5.
- Failure of the gas detection system shall annunciate a trouble signal at an approved central station, proprietary or remote station service in accordance with NFPA 72, or shall initiate an audible and visible trouble signal at an approved constantly attended on-site location.
Where required by Table 1207.6 or elsewhere in this code, areas containing free-flowing liquid electrolyte or hazardous materials shall be provided with spill control and neutralization in accordance with this section.
Spill control shall be provided to prevent the flow of liquid electrolyte or hazardous materials to adjoining rooms or areas. The method shall be capable of containing a spill from the single largest battery or vessel.
The requirements of Section 1207.6.2 shall apply only when the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1,000 gallons (3785 L) for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC that are located at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities, and those facilities comply with NFPA 76 in addition to applicable requirements of this code.
Where required by Table 1207.6 or elsewhere in this code, explosion control complying with Section 911 shall be provided for rooms, areas or walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS technologies.
Exceptions:
- Where approved, explosion control is permitted to be waived by the fire code official based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5 that demonstrates that flammable gases are not liberated from electrochemical ESS cells or modules where tested in accordance with UL 9540A.
- Where approved, explosion control is permitted to be waived by the fire code official based on documentation provided in accordance with Section 104.7 that demonstrates that the electrochemical ESS technology to be used does not have the potential to release flammable gas concentrations in excess of 25 percent of the LFL anywhere in the room, area, walk-in unit or structure under thermal runaway or other fault conditions.
Where required by Table 1207.6 or elsewhere in this code, vented batteries and other ESS shall be provided with flame-arresting safety caps.
TABLE 1207.7
| COMPLIANCE REQUIRED | DEDICATED-USE BUILDINGSa | NONDEDICATED-USE BUILDINGSb | |
| Feature | Section | ||
| Dwelling units and sleeping units | 1207.7.3 | NA | Yes |
| Elevation | 1207.5.3 | Yes | Yes |
| Fire suppression systems | 1207.5.5 | Yesc | Yes |
| Fire-resistance-rated separations | 1207.7.4 | Yes | Yes |
| General installation requirements | 1207.4 | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum allowable quantities | 1207.5.2 | No | Yes |
| Size and separation | 1207.5.1 | Yes | Yes |
| Smoke and automatic fire detectione | 1207.5.4 | Yesd | Yes |
| Technology specific protection | 1207.6 | Yes | Yes |
NA = Not Allowed.
- See Section 1207.7.1.
- See Section 1207.7.2.
- Where approved by the fire code official, fire suppression systems are permitted to be omitted in dedicated-use buildings located more than 100 feet (30.5 m) from buildings, lot lines, public ways, stored combustible materials, hazardous materials, high-piled stock and other exposure hazards.
- Where approved by the fire code official, alarm signals are not required to be transmitted to a central station, proprietary or remote station service in accordance with NFPA 72, or a constantly attended location where local fire alarm annunciation is provided and trained personnel are always present.
- Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems installed in Group U buildings and structures less than 1,500 square feet (139 m2) under the exclusive control of communications utilities, and operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC in accordance with NFPA 76, are not required to have an approved automatic smoke or fire detection system.
For the purpose of Table 1207.7, dedicated-use ESS buildings shall be classified as Group F-1 occupancies and comply with all the following:
- The building shall only be used for ESS, electrical energy generation and other electrical grid-related operations.
- Occupants in the rooms and areas containing ESS are limited to personnel that operate, maintain, service, test and repair the ESS and other energy systems.
- No other occupancy types shall be permitted in the building.
- Administrative and support personnel shall be permitted in areas within the buildings that do not contain ESS, provided that:4.1. The areas do not occupy more than 10 percent of the building area of the story in which they are located.4.2. A means of egress is provided from the incidental use areas to the public way that does not require occupants to traverse through areas containing ESS or other energy system equipment.
For the purpose of Table 1207.7, nondedicated-use buildings include all buildings that contain ESS and do not comply with Section 1207.7.1 dedicated-use building requirements.
Rooms and areas containing ESS shall include fire-resistance-rated separations as follows:
- In dedicated-use buildings, rooms and areas containing ESS shall be separated from areas in which administrative and support personnel are located.
- In nondedicated-use buildings, rooms and areas containing ESS shall be separated from other areas in the building.
Separation shall be provided by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code and 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, as appropriate.
Outdoor installations shall be in accordance with Sections 1207.8.1 through 1207.8.3. Exterior wall installations for individual ESS units not exceeding 20 kWh shall be in accordance with Section 1207.8.4.
TABLE 1207.8
OUTDOOR ESS INSTALLATIONSa
| COMPLIANCE REQUIRED | REMOTE INSTALLATIONSa | INSTALLATIONS NEAR EXPOSURESb | |
| Feature | Section | ||
| All ESS installations | 1207.4 | Yes | Yes |
| Clearance to exposures | 1207.8.3 | Yes | Yes |
| Fire suppression systems | 1207.5.5 | Yesc | Yes |
| Maximum allowable quantities | 1207.5.2 | No | Yes |
| Maximum enclosure size | 1207.5.6 | Yes | Yes |
| Means of egress separation | 1207.5.8 | Yes | Yes |
| Size and separation | 1207.5.1 | No | Yesd |
| Smoke and automatic fire detection | 1207.5.4 | Yes | Yes |
| Technology-specific protection | 1207.6 | Yes | Yes |
| Vegetation control | 1207.5.7 | Yes | Yes |
- See Section 1207.8.1.
- See Section 1207.8.2.
- Where approved by the fire code official, fire suppression systems are permitted to be omitted.
- In outdoor walk-in units, spacing is not required between ESS units and the walls of the enclosure.
For the purpose of Table 1207.8, remote outdoor installations include ESS located more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) from buildings, lot lines, public ways, stored combustible materials, hazardous materials, high-piled stock and other exposure hazards.
For the purpose of Table 1207.8, installations near exposures include all outdoor ESS installations that do not comply with Section 1207.8.1 remote outdoor location requirements.
ESS located outdoors shall be separated by a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the following exposures:
- Lot lines.
- Public ways.
- Buildings.
- Stored combustible materials.
- Hazardous materials.
- High-piled stock.
- Other exposure hazards.
Exceptions:
- Clearances are permitted to be reduced to 3 feet (914 mm) where a 1-hour free-standing fire barrier suitable for exterior use and extending 5 feet (1524 mm) above and 5 feet (1524 mm) beyond the physical boundary of the ESS installation is provided to protect the exposure.
- Clearances to buildings are permitted to be reduced to 3 feet (914 mm) where noncombustible exterior walls with no openings or combustible overhangs are provided on the wall adjacent to the ESS and the fire-resistance rating of the exterior wall is a minimum of 2 hours.
- Clearances to buildings are permitted to be reduced to 3 feet (914 mm) where a weatherproof enclosure constructed of noncombustible materials is provided over the ESS, and it has been demonstrated that a fire within the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5.
ESS shall be permitted to be installed outdoors on exterior walls of buildings when all of the following conditions are met:
- The maximum energy capacity of individual ESS units shall not exceed 20 kWh.
- The ESS shall comply with applicable requirements in Section 1207.
- The ESS shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and their listing.
- Individual ESS units shall be separated from each other by at least 3 feet (914 mm).
- The ESS shall be separated from doors, windows, operable openings into buildings or HVAC inlets by at least 5 feet (1524 mm).
Exception: Where approved, smaller separation distances in Items 4 and 5 shall be permitted based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5.
Rooftop and open parking garage ESS installations shall comply with Sections 1207.9.1 through 1207.9.6.
TABLE 1207.9
SPECIAL ESS INSTALLATIONS
| COMPLIANCE REQUIRED | ROOFTOPSa | OPEN PARKING GARAGESb | |
| Feature | Section | ||
| All ESS installations | 1207.4 | Yes | Yes |
| Clearance to exposures | 1207.9.3 | Yes | Yes |
| Fire suppression systems | 1207.9.4 | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum allowable quantities | 1207.5.2 | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum enclosure size | 1207.5.6 | Yes | Yes |
| Means of egress separation | 1207.5.8 | Yes | Yes |
| Open parking garage installations | 1207.9.6 | No | Yes |
| Rooftop installations | 1207.9.5 | Yes | No |
| Size and separation | 1207.5.1 | Yes | Yes |
| Smoke and automatic fire detection | 1207.5.4 | Yes | Yes |
| Technology-specific protection | 1207.6 | Yes | Yes |
- See Section 1207.9.1.
- See Section 1207.9.2.
For the purpose of Table 1207.9, rooftop ESS installations are those located on the roofs of buildings.
For the purpose of Table 1207.9, open parking garage ESS installations are those located in a structure or portion of a structure that complies with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code.
ESS located on rooftops and in open parking garages shall be separated by a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the following exposures:
- Buildings, except the building on which rooftop ESS is mounted.
- Any portion of the building on which a rooftop system is mounted that is elevated above the rooftop on which the system is installed.
- Lot lines.
- Public ways.
- Stored combustible materials.
- Locations where motor vehicles can be parked.
- Hazardous materials.
- Other exposure hazards.
Exceptions:
- Clearances are permitted to be reduced to 3 feet (914 mm) where a 1-hour free-standing fire barrier suitable for exterior use and extending 5 feet (1524 mm) above and 5 feet (1524 mm) beyond the physical boundary of the ESS installation is provided to protect the exposure.
- Clearances are permitted to be reduced to 3 feet (914 mm) where a weatherproof enclosure constructed of noncombustible materials is provided over the ESS, and it has been demonstrated that a fire within the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5.
ESS located in walkin units on rooftops or in walk-in units in open parking garages shall be provided with automatic fire suppression systems within the ESS enclosure in accordance with Section 1207.5.5. Areas containing ESS other than walkin units in open parking structures on levels not open above to the sky shall be provided with an automatic fire suppression system complying with Section 1207.5.5.
Exception: A fire suppression system is not required in open parking garages if large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5 is provided that shows that a fire will not impact the exposures in Section 1207.9.3.
ESS and associated equipment that are located on rooftops and not enclosed by building construction shall comply with the following:
- Stairway access to the roof for emergency response and fire department personnel shall be provided either through a bulkhead from the interior of the building or a stairway on the exterior of the building.
- Service walkways at least 5 feet (1524 mm) in width shall be provided for service and emergency personnel from the point of access to the roof to the system.
- ESS and associated equipment shall be located from the edge of the roof a distance equal to at least the height of the system, equipment or component but not less than 5 feet (1524 mm).
- The roofing materials under and within 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from an ESS or associated equipment shall be noncombustible or shall have a Class A rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790.
- A Class I standpipe outlet shall be installed at an approved location on the roof level of the building or in the stairway bulkhead at the top level.
- The ESS shall be the minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the fire service access point on the rooftop.
ESS and associated equipment that are located in open parking garages shall comply with all of the following:
- Exception: This distance shall be permitted to be reduced to 25 feet (7620 mm) if the automatic fire alarm system monitoring the radiant-energy sensing detectors de-energizes the ventilation system connected to the air intakes upon detection of fire.
- ESS shall not be located within 25 feet (7620 mm) of exits leading from the attached building where located on a covered level of the parking structure not directly open to the sky above.
- An approved fence with a locked gate or other approved barrier shall be provided to keep the general public at least 5 feet (1524 mm) from the outer enclosure of the ESS.
TABLE 1207.10
| COMPLIANCE REQUIRED | DEPLOYMENTa | |
| Feature | Section | |
| All ESS installations | 1207.4 | Yesb |
| Fire suppression systems | 1207.5.5 | Yesc |
| Maximum allowable quantities | 1207.5.2 | Yes |
| Maximum enclosure size | 1207.5.6 | Yes |
| Means of egress separation | 1207.5.8 | Yes |
| Size and separation | 1207.5.1 | Yesd |
| Smoke and automatic fire detection | 1207.5.4 | Yese |
| Technology-specific protection | 1207.6 | Yes |
| Vegetation control | 1207.5.7 | Yes |
- See Section 1207.10.2.
- Mobile operations on wheeled vehicles and trailers shall not be required to comply with Section 1207.4.4 seismic and structural load requirements.
- Fire suppression system connections to the water supply shall be permitted to use approved temporary connections.
- In walk-in units, spacing is not required between ESS units and the walls of the enclosure.
- Alarm signals are not required to be transmitted to an approved location for mobile ESS deployed 30 days or less.
For the purpose of Section 1207.10, charging and storage covers the operation where mobile ESS are charged and stored so they are ready for deployment to another site, and where they are charged and stored after a deployment.
For the purpose of Section 1207.10, deployment covers operations where mobile ESS are located at a site other than the charging and storage site and are being used to provide power.
Construction and operational permits shall be provided for charging and storage of mobile ESS and operational permits shall be provided for deployment of mobile ESS as required by Section 1207.1.2.
Construction documents complying with Section 1207.1.3 shall be provided with the construction permit application for mobile ESS charging and storage locations.
The following information shall be provided with the operation permit applications for mobile ESS deployments:
- Relevant information for the mobile ESS equipment and protection measures in the construction documents required by Section 1207.1.3.
- Location and layout diagram of the area in which the mobile ESS is to be deployed, including a scale diagram of all nearby exposures.
- Location and content of signage, including no smoking signs.
- Description of fencing to be provided around the ESS, including locking methods.
- Details on fire suppression, smoke and automatic fire detection, system monitoring, thermal management, exhaust ventilation and explosion control, if provided.
- For deployment, the intended duration of operation, including anticipated connection and disconnection times and dates.
- Location and description of local staging stops during transit to the deployment site. See Section 1207.10.7.5.
- Description of the temporary wiring, including connection methods, conductor type and size, and circuit overcurrent protection to be provided.
- Description of how fire suppression system connections to water supplies or extinguishing agents are to be provided.
- Contact information for personnel who are responsible for maintaining and servicing the equipment, and responding to emergencies as required by Section 1207.1.6.1.
Installations where mobile ESS are charged and stored shall be treated as permanent ESS indoor or outdoor installations, and shall comply with the following sections, as applicable:
- Indoor charging and storage shall comply with Section 1207.7.
- Outdoor charging and storage shall comply with Section 1207.8.
- Charging and storage on rooftops and in open parking garages shall comply with Section 1207.9.
Exceptions:
Deployed mobile ESS equipment and operations shall comply with this section and Table 1207.10.
The duration of mobile ESS deployment shall not exceed 30 days.
Exceptions:
- Mobile ESS deployments that provide power for durations longer than 30 days shall comply with Section 1207.10.6.
- Mobile ESS deployments shall not exceed 180 days unless additional operational permits are obtained.
Deployed mobile ESS shall be separated by a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the following exposures:
- Public ways.
- Buildings.
- Stored combustible materials.
- Hazardous materials.
- High-piled storage.
- Other exposure hazards.
Deployed mobile ESS shall be separated by a minimum of 50 feet (15 240 mm) from public seating areas and from tents, canopies and membrane structures with an occupant load of 30 or more.
Electrical connections shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the UL 9540 listing. Temporary wiring for electrical power connections shall comply with the California Electrical Code. Fixed electrical wiring shall not be provided.
Mobile ESS in transit from the charging and storage location to the deployment location and back shall not be parked within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of an occupied building for more than 1 hour during transit, unless specifically approved by the fire code official when the permit is issued.
Smoking shall be prohibited within 10 feet (3048 mm) of mobile ESS. Signs shall be posted in accordance with Section 310.
ESS shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 9540. ESS listed and labeled solely for utility or commercial use shall not be used for residential applications.
Exception: Where approved, repurposed unlisted battery systems from electric vehicles are allowed to be installed outdoors or in detached dedicated cabinets located not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from exterior walls, property lines and public ways.
ESS shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and their listing.
Individual units shall be separated from each other by at least 3 feet (914 mm) of spacing unless smaller separation distances are documented to be adequate based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.5.
ESS shall be installed only in the following locations:
- Detached garages and detached accessory structures.
- Attached garages separated from the dwelling unit living space and sleeping units in accordance with Section R302.6.
- Outdoors or on the exterior side of the exterior walls located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit.
- Enclosed utility closets, basements, storage or utility spaces within dwelling units with finished or noncombustible walls and ceilings. Walls and ceilings of unfinished wood-framed construction shall be provided with not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard.
ESS shall not be installed in sleeping rooms, closets, spaces opening directly into sleeping rooms or in habitable spaces of dwelling units.
Individual ESS units shall have a maximum rating of 20 kWh. The aggregate rating structure shall not exceed:
- 40 kWh within utility closets and storage or utility spaces.
- 80 kWh in attached or detached garages and detached accessory structures.
- 80 kWh on exterior walls.
- 80 kWh outdoors on the ground.
- Rooms and areas within dwellings units, sleeping units, basements and attached garages in which ESS are installed shall be protected by smoke alarms in accordance with Section 907.2.11.
- A listed heat alarm interconnected to the smoke alarms shall be installed in locations within dwelling units, sleeping units and attached garages where smoke alarms cannot be installed based on their listing.
ESS installed in a location subject to vehicle damage in accordance with Section 1207.11.7.1 or 1207.11.7.2 shall be provided with impact protection in accordance with Section 1207.11.7.3.
Where an ESS is installed in the normal driving path of vehicle travel within a garage, impact protection complying with Section 1207.11.7.3 shall be provided. The normal driving path is a space between the garage vehicle opening and the interior face of the back wall to a height of 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor. The width of the normal driving path shall be equal to the width of the garage door opening. Impact protection shall also be provided for ESS installed at either of the following locations (See Figure 1207.11.7.1):
- On the interior face of the back wall and located within 36 inches (914 mm) to the left or to the right of the normal driving path.
- On the interior face of a side wall and located within 24 inches (609 mm) (from the back wall and within 36 inches (914 mm) of the normal driving path.
Exception: Where the clear height of the vehicle garage opening is 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm) or less, ESS installed not less than 36 inches (914 mm) above finished floor are not subject to vehicle impact protection requirements.
FIGURE 1207.11.7.1
ESS VEHICLE IMPACT PROTECTION
Where an ESS is installed in a location other than as defined in Section 1207.11.7.1, and is subject to vehicle damage, impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 1207.11.7.3.
Where ESS is required to be protected from impact in accordance with Section 1207.11.7.1 or 1207.11.7.2, such protection shall comply with one of the following:
- Bollards constructed in accordance with one of the following:1.1. Minimum 48 inches (1219 mm) in length by 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter Schedule 80 steel pipe embedded in a concrete pier not less than 12 inches (304 mm) deep and 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter, with at least 36 inches (914 mm) of pipe exposed, filled with concrete and spaced at a maximum interval of 5 feet (1524 mm). Each bollard shall be located not less than 6 inches (152 mm) from an ESS.1.2. Minimum 36 inches (914 mm) in height by 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter Schedule 80 steel pipe fully welded to a minimum 8-inch (203 mm) by 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) thick steel plate and bolted to a concrete floor by means of 41/2-inch (13 mm) concrete anchors with 3-inch (76 mm) minimum embedment. Spacing shall not be greater than 60 inches (1524 mm), and each bollard shall be located not less than 6 inches (152 mm) from the ESS.
- Wheel barriers constructed in accordance with one of the following:2.1. Four inches (102 mm) in height by 5 inches (127 mm) in width by 70 inches (1778 mm) in length wheel barrier made of concrete or polymer, anchored to the concrete floor not less than every 36 inches (914 mm) and located not less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the ESS. Minimum 31/2-inch (89 mm) diameter concrete anchors with a 3-inch (76 mm) embedment per barrier shall be used. Spacing between barriers shall be no greater than 36 inches (914 mm).2.2. Pre-manufactured wheel barriers shall be anchored in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
- Approved method designed to resist a 2,000-pound (8899 Newtons) impact in the direction of travel at 24 inches (608 mm) above grade.
Indoor installations of ESS that include batteries that produce hydrogen or other flammable gases during charging shall be provided with exhaust ventilation in accordance with Section 1207.6.1.
The temporary use of an owner or occupant's electric-powered vehicle to power a dwelling unit or sleeping unit while parked in an attached or detached garage or outside shall comply with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and the California Electrical Code.