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). 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. 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.

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 noncombustible Fig 2 – Example barrier to be of barriers 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

ceiling or structure above the BESS or pre-assembled battery system, then the ceiling or structure shall be suitably non-combustible for an area of 600mm past the extremities of the BESS or pre-assembled battery system.

Fig 3 – Barrier zones near a habitable room facing wall

Room requirements

Room requirements may vary a little between a BESS and pre-assembled battery system. The common thread is to have clear access, that is not obstructed by the structure of the building, fixtures and fittings within the room. The room should be clean, dry and ventilated to maintain protection against environmental conditions. The room should be assessed to minimise the build up of other materials around the equipment. Generally, 900 mm unimpeded access on the working side is required, but more details on specific distances is in clauses 4.2.5 and 5.2.5 AS/NZS 5139. Or as specified by the manufacturer, whichever is greater.

Risk Assessment

The location of a BESS or pre-assembled battery system shall also be determined by the outcome of the risk assessment. Each installation shall have a risk assessment. All the hazards associated with the relevant battery type and all associated components shall be identified. The risk assessment shall be performed prior to planning an installation.

Louis Knoops

Technical Manager, NECA Victoria Note: See Appendix G in AS/NZS 5139:2019 for additional information on a risk assessment.

Hazards to identify include:  Electrical,  Energy,  Mechanical,  Fire,  Explosive gas,  Chemical, and  Toxic fumes.

See Clause 3.2.2 and Table 3.1 AS/NZS 5139:2019 for further information.

The safety data sheets (SDSs) and the manufacturer’s installation instructions shall be provided for all battery energy storage systems. This shall be included in your documentation requirements set out in Clause 6.4.1 AS/NZS 5139:2019.

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