Are battery energy storage systems fire safe?

Protection against fire of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for use in dwellings. As an installer, we take fire safety of our client’s installations very seriously. We would always recommend locating storage batteries outside the home and away from rooms used for living.

How should a Bess installation be protected from combustible construction and storage?

Consideration should be given to keeping BESS separate from combustible construction and storage, and away from living spaces (bedrooms, living rooms). Garages (with good separation/protection from vehicles) or similar unoccupied utility spaces with suitable fire-separation are the best choice for indoor residential BESS installations.

Are AVD fire extinguishers BS 5306 compliant?

away propagation to adjacent cells.Whilst AVD fire extinguishers are currently non-compliant under BS 5306 (Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises), they may be considered fit-for-purpose as a first-aid firefighting tool for incipient fires, subject to a suitable fire risk assessment undertaken by a competent person, training f

What are the safety standards?

The standards ensure that consumers and visitors to their property are safe in the unlikely event that a system does fail or develop a fault. The risk may be very low, but it is still not worth taking the chance. Please make sure any installer you are getting quotes from is following the rules for your own safety.

Should MC4 connections be housed in a fire-proof enclosure?

For in-roof systems, the MC4 connections should be housed in fire-proof enclosures. Incidences of domestic Li-Ion fires are increasing, but these are overwhelmingly from portable batteries in e-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, Li-ion powered toys, portable power-packs and batteries, etc.

Should Bess be protected from theft or vandalism in multi-tenant accommodation units?

It should be noted that in multi-tenant accommodation units, there will likely be greater exposure for theft or vandalism and BESS installations should be protected from intrusion to at least the same standard as other utility plant-room areas.