Home ESS (Residential battery back-up) Heat Detector?

[Joe.B]

I posted this in the PV forum because I often see batteries included with PV systems, hoping someone can shed some light on this for me.

We have had an influx of questions regarding "satisfying the new heat detector requirement." It appears as though some of my neighboring AHJ's are requiring heat detectors for new battery installations. I'm just wondering if I'm missing something. For example are they looking at the 2020 NEC and finding requirements that are not yet adopted here in CA? Any insight is greatly appreciated. Here's what I've found so far:

We are on 2019 CA Codes, based off of 2018 IBC/IRC/IFC and 2017 NEC

I've read through CRC R327, CEC/NEC 705 & 706, and CFC 1206 and this is all I can find:

R327.7 Fire Detection

Rooms and areas within dwelling units, basements, and attached garages in which ESS are installed shall be protected by smoke alarms in accordance with Section R314. A listed heat detector shall be installed in locations within dwelling units and attached garages where smoke alarms cannot be installed based on their listing.

CFC 1206 is only triggered when the allowable quantities are exceeded by:

R327.5 Energy Ratings

Individual ESS units shall have a maximum rating of 20 kWh. The aggregate rating of the ESS shall not exceed:
40 kWh within utility closets, basements, and storage or utility spaces.
80 kWh in attached or detached garages and detached accessory structures.
80 kWh on exterior walls.
80 kWh outdoors on the ground.
ESS installations exceeding the permitted individual or aggregate ratings shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1206.1 through 1206.9 of the California Fire Code.

And states:

1206.5.4 Fire Detection

An approved automatic smoke detection system or radiant energy—sensing fire detection system complying with Section 907.2 shall be installed in rooms, indoor areas, and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS. An approved radiant energy—sensing fire detection system shall be installed to protect open parking garage and rooftop installations. Alarm signals from detection systems shall be transmitted to a central station, proprietary or remote station service in accordance with NFPA 72, or where approved to a constantly attended location.

 

[wwhitney]

R327.7 Fire Detection

Rooms and areas within dwelling units, basements, and attached garages in which ESS are installed shall be protected by smoke alarms in accordance with Section R314. A listed heat detector shall be installed in locations within dwelling units and attached garages where smoke alarms cannot be installed based on their listing.

I believe it's just this section, namely the part you highlighted. ESS location is restricted by R327.4, so a lot of them are going into attached garages. My understanding is that normal smoke detectors aren't listed for use in garages, so a heat detector is required. And then depending on what you consider the ambient garage ceiling temperature range to be (how hot a part of the state the building is in), it may be difficult to find a heat detector listed for the ambient temperature.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Joe.B]

Okay now that makes sense. Oddly enough our local fire departments give out free smoke alarms and recommend people place them in garages and attics. We are in a cool climate, we hit 81 or 82 this summer and it was a record, so maybe that makes it ok? I'll read into the listings on some smoke alarms. Thanks a bunch!!