What are the codes & regulations for battery rooms?

The applicable codes and regulations for designs, safety operation, and maintenance of battery rooms are the Building Code, Mechanical Code, Fire Code, National Electrical Code (NEC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards.

What standards are used in a battery room?

Common standards in the battery room include those from American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Model codes are standards developed by committees with the intent to be adopted by states and local jurisdictions.

Where should a battery room be located?

A battery room should be located in a way that provides access for lifting equipment to be used during initial installation and future maintenance operations and as free from vibration as practical.

What are the requirements for egress from Battery rooms?

Section 480.10 (E) provides requirements for egress from battery rooms and requires personnel doors intended for entrance to, and egress from, rooms designated as battery rooms to open in the direction of egress, and they must be equipped with listed panic or listed fire exit hardware.

What are battery room ventilation codes & standards?

Battery room ventilation codes and standards protect workers by limiting the accumulation of hydrogen in the battery room. Hydrogen release is a normal part of the charging process, but trouble arises when the flammable gas becomes concentrated enough to create an explosion risk — which is why safety standards are vitally important.

Can a battery room be classified as a hazardous location?

Also, it is worth noting that by providing adequate ventilation at 1 cfm/sq-ft, the NEC Article 480.9 (A) requirement is met and the battery room need not be classified as a Hazardous location, Class I, Division 1, Group B, per NEC Article 500. The codes allow for natural or mechanical ventilation.