Residential BESS Installation Safety

As technology improves daily and the costs of solar PV systems decrease tremendously, residents are more likely to consider installing Battery Energy Storage Systems to store energy most effectively.

Here, we provide essential information to assist businesses and homeowners in understanding the residential BESS installation safety precautions in order to minimise fire risk and other related issues. 

What Are Potential Hazards in Home Battery Installation? 

Lithium-ion batteries are the best way to store chemical energy to transform into electricity. An incorrectly installed, damaged, or malfunctioning BESS causes the following potential hazards;

• Fires or explosions 

During charging, lead-acid batteries mostly produce oxygen or hydrogen. A few other batteries also generate flammable gases. So, adequate ventilation is required to avoid explosions. 

Lithium-ion batteries do not emit such gases in normal operation, but they can also produce them when any fault occurs. Fire and explosions can also result from intense temperatures, short circuits, component failure, or loose connections.

• Arc flashes

If there is a shirt circuit or fault, a battery has adequate energy to cause an explosion named an arc flash. The temperature of an arc flash is up to 12,000 degrees Celsius, which can quickly melt metal or cause an explosion. Further, greater battery energy storage capabilities have the maximum arc flash risks. 

• Leaks or interaction with other dangerous chemicals

The battery can be destroyed or damaged by various hazards. Their casing can rupture at the resulting intense temperature produced by a change in chemical reaction from overcharging. If the battery casing is destroyed, the inside gel or fluid can leak and can cause exposure to toxic burns, fumes, explosions, or corrosions. 

• Electric shock

Battery cells have the capacity to cause an extreme electric shock when integrated as battery banks, hitting a hazardous voltage level. 240-volt rated parts or other parts on energy regulators or inverters will also contain risky voltage. 

Be aware of all the hazards caused by emissions, overcharging, or overheating, and know how to operate the system safely. 

Home Battery System Risk Management

Once you know the hazards, it's important to know the precautions for battery energy storage systems to prevent them all and ensure the system works efficiently.

1.Check Installers License and Accreditation 

Lithium-ion battery residential BESS can pose various safety hazards, from the system's operational life to installation and maintenance. Therefore, it's highly important to hire professional installers who not only have complete knowledge about BESS safety but also take each step to ensure the safety of the systems.

Before hiring any BESS installer, make sure the contractors have the following BESSs;

• Authentic electrical contractor’s license 
• Clean Energy Council Accreditation 

Homeowners should appoint contractors who have valid licenses and accreditations to install their BESS or PV system. You can consider Innotinum, which not only provides all the curricula licenses and accreditations but also makes sure to install the BESS in the best way possible by following all installation standards. 

2.BESS Installation Location 

The installation location is vital to the safety and security of your BESS. It's tempting to install the residential BESS in an out-of-sight location in your homes along the implemented restriction where it can be installed. 

Before starting the installation process, read the installation manual to learn where and how your BESS can be installed. There are multiple types of batteries on the market. Few require floor mounting, some only require wall mounting, and some can be installed outdoors and indoors.

You can also follow the contractor's advice, but it's also necessary to educate yourself so you can ensure the chosen location is best before starting the installation process. 

Here are the most suitable locations to install BESS 

• Garage 
• A room with a window
• A space with an adequate clearance zone of 600mm extended at each side and from front and 900mm from above.
• Shadow  area on the rooftop

3.Non-suitable Areas in the Home for Installing BESS 

Homeowners should know that the BESS cannot be installed in your home areas where you and your family stay or use for normal daily activities like;

• Living room 
• Bedroom 
• Kitchen
• Study
• Lounge room
• Dining room
• Family room
• In-ceiling spaces 
• Wall cavities 
• Rooftops 
• Evacuation or exiting route
• Areas where generation system or switch broad are installed 
• Under stairs, floors, and walkways 

4.Don’t Forget to Install Fire Prevention for Home Energy Storage System 

If you don't have another option to install BESS against a wall or shared structure with non-suitable areas in your home, professional contractors like Innotinum will install a fire prevention barrier.

Such fire protections help to prevent each cell of battery from overcharging and maintaining balanced voltage to ensure the cells are fully charged. It will extend the lifetime of battery.

Plasterboard, this fire barrier will prevent a potential fire from BESS. Further, this barrier needs to be installed between the wall/structure and BESS to prevent the burning or spreading of fire into non-suitable areas in the home. 

5.Few Other Battery Energy Storage System Precautions 

You should choose a location according to the following battery storage safety guidelines;

• Don’t install BESS in wet places that can be splashed with water or flood.
• Distance away from ignition or heat sources.
• The area that offers suitable access to electrical wiring.
• Don't install it inside an insulated wall or structure that has direct exposure to sunlight. This will minimize the risks of overheating.
• Don't install it in a place that you use for storing gas bottles or flammable material.
• Don’t install BESS near areas where trollies, pallet jacks, or vehicles may damage it or hit it. 

6.Certificate of Compliance 

Once your BESS installation process is completed, your installer is required to provide you with an entire electrical sander certificate of compliance. This guarantees that the installation work for BESS and other electrical energy has been processed according to German standards and is fully safe for use. 

Safety Guidelines During Installation

Once you’ve done your research and chosen the right BESS for your home, it's time to focus on safety during the installation process. Here are the key safety guidelines to follow:

Turn Off Power Before Installation

Always make sure to turn off the main electrical supply before beginning the installation. This minimizes the risk of electrical shock while handling the system.

Use Proper Tools and Equipment

The installation of a BESS should only be carried out using the proper tools. The correct equipment will ensure accurate and safe connections. Using faulty or improper tools can lead to injury or system failure.

Avoid Overloading the Circuit

Ensure that the electrical circuit you’re connecting the BESS to can handle the additional load. Overloading the circuit can result in fires or electrical malfunctions.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Each BESS will come with specific manufacturer instructions. These guidelines must be followed to ensure the system is installed correctly. Ignoring these instructions can lead to issues such as incorrect wiring or improper grounding.

Check for Leaks and Ventilation

Always check for potential battery leaks after installation. Additionally, ensure that the area around the BESS is well-ventilated. Proper airflow is crucial to prevent overheating and ensure the system runs efficiently.

Grounding the System Properly

Proper grounding is essential to prevent electrical shock and ensure the system operates safely. Be sure to connect the BESS to a grounding system as outlined in the installation instructions.

Secure Mounting

Mount the BESS securely to prevent it from tipping over. Mounting it to the wall or floor in a stable manner will reduce the risk of mechanical damage and make sure the system stays in place.

System Testing

Once installation is complete, conduct thorough tests to ensure that the system is functioning as expected. This includes checking the electrical connections, battery performance, and overall functionality.

Get Help Right Now!

If you are concerned about choosing a location or the best battery types, you can contact Innotinum anytime. They will not only address all your queries regarding all safety protocols for BESS installation but also come with the better BESS solutions.