NFPA 855 and Lighting Inverters

[ZSIM]

We have a 30 KVA lighting inverter, lithium ion, energy storage system for emergency lighting.

I am in a jurisdiction where post 2021 NFPA 1 and NFPA 111 have been adopted. Chapter 52 of NFPA 1 and chapter 7 of NFPA 111 requires all energy storage systems comply with NFPA 855.

As I read NFPA 855, the inverter being in excess of 20 KWH and lithium ion batteries would require explosion control (deflagration) systems be installed. (Chapter 9 of 855)

Do you read these codes the same way and how are you responding to the need for specially designed (NFPA 68/69) deflagration systems to comply? Ignoring the requirement that the inverter needs a UL9540 listing (I don’t believe any do), is this effectively killing off lighting inverters when in excess of the 20 kWh aggregate forcing compliance?

 

[ron]

NFPA 855 Section 9.6.5.6.1.1 Explosion prevention and deflagration venting shall not be required where approved by the AHJ based on fire and explosion testing in accordance with 9.1.5 and a deflagration hazard study demonstrating that flammable gas concentrations cannot exceed 25 percent of the LFL.

We specify the li-ion batteries to have 9540A large scale fire testing which would show no propagation.

 

[ZSIM]

NFPA 855 Section 9.6.5.6.1.1 Explosion prevention and deflagration venting shall not be required where approved by the AHJ based on fire and explosion testing in accordance with 9.1.5 and a deflagration hazard study demonstrating that flammable gas concentrations cannot exceed 25 percent of the LFL.

We specify the li-ion batteries to have 9540A large scale fire testing which would show no propagation.

Ron,

Appreciate the response. I do understand those exceptions but where do you find information meeting this? (I have a call or two in with different vendors, waiting for a response.)

I see no information that any of the ESS curren systems / batteries from the major inverter manufacturers are 9540a listed out comply with 1973? Where do you find reports/documentation Regarding the hazard analysis, are you performing that as a service for the owner?

Do you have a vendor/ brand that supplies this information if not?

 

[ron]

I get the 9540A testing report from the battery vendor.

For example, The Samsung battery cabinet has 9540A testing, and you can get a copy of the report through your vendor.

https://www.vertiv.com/48fc64/globalassets/products/critical-power/uninterruptible-power-supplies-ups/energy-storage-solutions-datasheet_00.pdf

To do 9540A or 1973 testing, you need to be an NRTL, which is not me.