New Fire Safety Standards Introduced for Domestic Battery Storage Systems

Battery storage is an important part of maximising the performance of domestic solar PV systems – allowing you to store surplus power that has been generated throughout the day and use it where needed, for example charging an electric vehicle. “It’s now an important add-on to any solar PV system as it allows excess power generated by the solar panels to be stored for use later, rather than exported to the grid,” says Jaine Yule, Director of Solarkinetics Limited.

The new standard – PAS 63100:2024 – Protection against fire of battery energy storage systems – was introduced in March 2024 and outlines how to properly install a battery storage system to minimise potential fire risks. But what does this standard mean for your self build or renovation project? Here we’re breaking down the standard and its importance.

What is PAS 63100:2024 – Protection against fire of battery energy storage systems?

The new standard, PAS 63100:2024: Electrical installations. Protection against fire of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for use in dwellings came into practice on 31 March 2024. The standard identifies new requirements relating to the installation of electrical battery storage systems (BESS) in houses using stationary secondary batteries as the medium for energy storage.

“Fire caused by storage batteries is rare but the increased use of batteries in dwellings which in time will become the norm, means that anyone designing a dwelling to include a renewable energy system must adhere to this standard,” says Jaine.

The standard advises those installing battery storage to locate the system outside of the home and separate from living spaces. This could be a garage, shed or in an exterior meter box as long as there’s a protective covering.

Battery storage is an important part of maximising the performance of domestic solar PV systems – allowing you to store surplus power that has been generated throughout the day and use it where needed, for example charging an electric vehicle. Photo: Shutterstock / Petovarga

What if you don’t have a suitable outdoor space?

If outdoor placement is not an option, here are a few basic requirements for indoor installation:

• The batteries should be situated away from habitable rooms and escape routes
• You should provide fire detection where the batteries are located and ensure this is linked to a fire alarm system
• Ensure that any escape routes are unobstructed

“Another important part of the new standard is the introduction of warning labels for the consumer unit clearly indicating the presence of either battery energy storage system (BESS) or both solar PV and BESS in a building,” says Janie.

When does the PAS 63100:2024 standard not apply?

The new standard does not cover battery storage systems with nominal voltages on the AC and/or DC side beyond low voltage as defined in BS 7671.

It also doesn’t apply to secondary batteries with total capacity not exceeding 150Wh incorporated into products or systems that are the subject of specific standards, such as those relating to intruder alarm systems, carbon monoxide alarm systems, fire detection and alarm systems.

The PAS 63100:2024 standard does not apply to domestic dwellings that have a floorplan exceeding 200m².

Why is this standard so important?

The guidelines set out in the PAS 63100:2024 standard intend to significantly reduce the fire risks associated with domestic battery storage systems and aim to limit the impacts of a fire if it does happen. This will help both installers and homeowners to ensure that their systems are as safe as possible, enhancing the owners’ confidence that systems will be safe and reliable.