THE HOWS AND WHERES OF
INSTALLING BATTERY SYSTEMS WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF AS/NZS 5139:2019, A FEW ISSUES HAVE COME TO LIGHT AROUND INSTALLATION PRACTICES AND WHERE AND HOW WE CAN INSTALL THESES BATTERY SYSTEMS. Note: For the purpose of this document, a BESS is a pre-assembled, integrated Battery Energy Storage System, e.g. Tesla Powerwall 2. A pre-assembled battery system is one which may have auxiliary equipment included, but does not include an inverter. We will also be only addressing systems that meet the “Best Practice Guide” Section 4 and 5 of AS/NZS 5139:2019. As mentioned in the standard, when installing a pre-assembled integrated BESS or pre-assembled battery system: “No appliance not associated with the BESS or Pre-assembled battery system can be installed within the restricted zones.” Associated equipment would indicate any equipment that performs part of the generation equipment to enable the storage of power to the associated battery system. Commonly, data cable is used between systems. This would indicate the inverter fits into this category, if it is providing the renewable power from the solar panels to charge the associated batteries. Is an inverter an appliance? As per AS/NZS 3000:2018 Clause 1.4.9 an Appliance is: “A consuming device, other than a lamp, in which electricity is converted into heat, motion, or any other form of energy, or is substantially changed in its electrical character.” An inverter does change substantially its electrical character from DC, and converts it to AC. So yes, it is considered an appliance. In allowing inverters to be within the restricted zone (Fig 1), you must also take into account the clearances required for each piece of equipment, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Is it ok to have light switches and socket outlets within this restricted zone? Light switches and socket outlets are defined as an accessory, so installing them in this area would be ok. But any appliance not associated will be required to be outside of the zone (e.g. ducted vacuum system).
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A BESS or pre-assembled battery system installed in any corridor, hallway or lobby shall ensure sufficient clearance from the battery system for safe egress; no less than 1 metre. Suitable locations may include a garage, dedicated battery room or veranda or a suitable shed.
Fig 1 – Restricted zones for equipment not associated with the BESS or pre-assembled battery system Suitable locations In areas of domestic or residential electrical installations, a BESS or preassembled battery system shall not be installed in any habitable room. What is a habitable room? A habitual room is any room associated with domestic or residential electrical installation used for normal living activities. These could be, for example; a bedroom, living room, lounge room, kitchen, dining room and many more as mentioned in AS/NZS 5139:2019. They also shall not be installed: 1. In areas of restricted locations, as defined for switchboards in AS/NZS 3000. 2. Within 600mm of any exit. 3. Within 600mm of any vertical side of a window or building ventilation that ventilates a habitable room. 4. Within 600mm of any hot water unit, air-conditioning unit or any other appliance not associated with the BESS or preassembled battery system. 5. Within 900mm below any of the items mentioned in 2, 3 and 4 above. 6. In a ceiling space. 7. On a roof, except where specifically deemed suitable. 8. In wall cavities. 9. Under access walkways. 10. In an evacuation or escape route. 11. Within hazardous areas defined in AS/NZS 3000.
Note: when installing in a garage, you may require suitable barriers to prevent the chances of a car coming into contact with the BESS or preassembled battery system. They may be required to be removable so you can work on the equipment safely. When installing a BESS or preassembled battery system, you must be mindful of its location. Is the room behind a habitable room? If so, you will require a nonFig 2 – Example combustible of barriers barrier to be placed behind the BESS or pre-assembled battery system. This barrier can be made of cement sheet, brick, masonry block, concrete and ceramic or terracotta tiles, or other products tested to AS 1530.1 which are non-combustible. Where the BESS or pre-assembled battery system is mounted on the floor within 300mm of the wall or structure separating it from the habitable room, the barrier shall extend (shown in Fig 3): 600mm beyond the vertical sides of the BESS or preassembled battery system. 900mm above the BESS or preassembled battery system. To the extent of the bottom of the BESS or pre-assembled battery system. If the top of the BESS or pre-assembled battery system is within 900mm of the
September 2021
