Battery over 4' high
- Thread starter Zee
- Start date
jaggedben
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern California
- Occupation
- Solar and Energy Storage Installer
I'd say no.
Based on the California resi code, assuming it applies.
Based on the California resi code, assuming it applies.
jaggedben
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern California
- Occupation
- Solar and Energy Storage Installer
In driveways without bollards or wheelstops?
Yep. And they all passed inspections
I agree with your position here.
I thought there should be something also to protect the batteries.
But the inspector passed them.
Most of ours are on the side or back of houses.
Have no clue why someone wants to put all that "stuff" where it's so noticeable.
jaggedben
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern California
- Occupation
- Solar and Energy Storage Installer
AFAIK precise requirements on this stuff only went into effect a few months ago in California. Before that there was a vague general requirement for protection from physical damage. California resi code now has precise requirements and a graphic for garages (see below) that define the vehicle driving path as extending 48" above the garage floor. Extending this to outdoor non-garage locations is an interpretation, but a reasonable one. Of course a garage also sort of by definition has vehicle impact concerns whereas with various locations outside the house it may be debatable.
As if right now I would bet most states have not yet adopted anything as specific and only the newest installations would have been subject to such specific rules in any case.
codes.iccsafe.org
As if right now I would bet most states have not yet adopted anything as specific and only the newest installations would have been subject to such specific rules in any case.
CHAPTER 3 BUILDING PLANNING - 2022 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, TITLE 24, PART 2.5 WITH JULY 2024 SUPPLEMENT
ICC Digital Codes is the largest provider of model codes, custom codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.
codes.iccsafe.org
Yes, great reference and graphic!
On a separate job, I was trying to interpret the height requirement in that California document, so I am glad you also interpret it as a battery in a garage above 48" is safe from physical damage.
However, my current 48" question is based on an electrician saying if I mount a battery or an electrical box above 4' in a driveway I do not need a bollard.
Maybe he knows about batteries but my feeling was he was referring to a more general electrical rule. Any idea where?
On a separate job, I was trying to interpret the height requirement in that California document, so I am glad you also interpret it as a battery in a garage above 48" is safe from physical damage.
However, my current 48" question is based on an electrician saying if I mount a battery or an electrical box above 4' in a driveway I do not need a bollard.
Maybe he knows about batteries but my feeling was he was referring to a more general electrical rule. Any idea where?
jaggedben
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern California
- Occupation
- Solar and Energy Storage Installer
I'm not aware of any other 48inch rule. I think 110.27(B) has a very general requirement that's open to interpretation on the height.
I'm not sure about the code requirements but looking at the pickup trucks being sold now with squared off front ends and hoods rising higher and higher every year I don't think 4' is high enough to be out of the way.
gadfly56
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Professional Engineer, Fire & Life Safety
If you're parking something like an Escalade or Range Rover, I'm not sure 48" would be sufficient clearance.