Hey all,
Jumped over from GBA because I was getting interesting, but general responses to a question I need some clarity on. When finding storage for batteries in conjunction with an “integrated” (seems to be the new word for hybrid) Inverter and LiFiPo batteries, the room that works best also has a washer/dryer in it.
I’ve been through ESS regulations in CA and we’re not in a room that opens into a bedroom, we’re planning on 2hr fire rating in walls and ceiling and the batteries themselves are 9450A rated and IP55.
There are plenty of regulations I can find to insure fire safety. But I don’t know what to look for regarding proximity of the batteries (4″ off floor as built) and a washing machine. My consultant had put plenty of fortress batteries next to water heaters, so maybe it’s up to the county.
Do you have any thoughts that might save me some heartache down the line?
thanks,
Mark
Replies
LiFiPo batteries are sealed and give off no gases, so that is not a concern.
It is one of the safer Lithium battery chemistries, however any Lithium battery
has a small but non-zero risk of malfunction and causing an intense fire that
gives off very toxic gasses. So fire safety and an escape path if this were to
happen should be your primary concern.
I stumbled upon your post and thought I could help! I'm relatively new to this forum, but I'm no stranger to solar battery storage.
It's great to hear that you're taking fire safety regulations seriously. As for the proximity of the batteries to the washing machine, it's always best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. However, I've seen plenty of setups where batteries are placed next to water heaters or even in garages, so as you mentioned, it could be up to your county's regulations.
On a side note, I recently read a post about protecting solar panels from hail. It might not be exactly what you're looking for, but having some extra knowledge is always good. Check it out here.
Thanks for the insight. And you've hit on something key...that what's safe and what the county will approve are sometimes different things. We're out here to educate, I think, and make a little headway. So far out county has been pretty good ... and fingers crossed we can move into convenient, safe systems.