Evolving Large-Scale Fire Test Methods and Regulatory Demands

Safety in energy storage systems: An overview of key codes and standards

This white paper underscores the safety codes and standards related to energy storage systems (ESS), including NFPA 855; ANSI/CAN/UL 9540, the Standard for Safety of Energy Storage Systems and Equipment; and ANSI /CAN/UL 9540A, the Standard for Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems. UL 9540A has been referred to as the large-scale fire test (LSFT) by NFPA 855 to evaluate the thermal runaway fire hazards of the ESS.

Navigating the ESS safety landscape and challenges of unrecognized methodologies in compliance standards

While LSFT methods in applicable safety standards continue to be refined through expert collaboration in the consensus process, other methodologies have been introduced. These other methods are not intended or recognized for use in satisfying the established safety code and safety standard requirements in North America. Because these other methods are different from and incompatible with the established safety requirements in the national standards for the United States (U.S.) and Canada, they introduce confusion into the ESS market and create risks for ESS manufacturers when misused to address essential safety requirements.

Download the whitepaper to learn:

• NFPA 855 and key code requirements for ESS.
• How UL 9540, UL 9540A and NFPA 855 coordinate for ESS safety.
• Evolution process of the UL 9540A Standard.
• Key notes in the proposals for enhanced large-scale fire test for nonresidential BESS.
• Energy storage safety support from UL Solutions.