October 03, 2022 TO:
FDS Inspectors and Plan Checkers
FROM:
Hani G. Malki, Senior Fire Protection Engineer Fire Development Services Section
SUBJECT:
Energy Storage System (ESS) on R3 occupancy building
Effective October 15, 2022, to facilitate the installation of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) on R3 occupancy buildings, Fire Development Services has provided guidelines for installers. When ESS are installed in accordance with ALL of the following guidelines, an electrical application from LADBS would not need additional Fire Department review. 1. ESS battery unit(s) are for exterior installation(s). 2. Requirements of noncombustible finish (7/8” stucco; minimum 26-gauge sheet metal or an approved equal): ● Exterior walls shall have noncombustible finish for: a) any wall mounted ESS; b) ESS that are placed closer than 12” from the exterior wall (e.g., floor mounted). ● Combustible eaves shall be encased in a noncombustible finish if the vertical clearance between the top of the ESS unit and the bottom of the eaves is less than 3’. ● Width of the coverage area to be minimum 1' wider in each direction than the battery. For example: a 3' wide battery will need a 5' wide sheet metal or stucco finish. 3. Surfaces of ESS unit(s) to be greater than 3’ from any openings (e.g., windows, doors, attic vents, dryer vents, kitchen exhaust, under floor openings, etc.). ● Dryer vents or kitchen exhausts within 3’ of these batteries shall be metal with a functional damper ● Underfloor ventilations within 3' of these batteries are to have metal finned louver screens. ● Underfloor access panels within 3' of these batteries shall have a noncombustible finish (e.g. 26-gauge sheet metal) 4. Surfaces of ESS unit(s) to be minimum 6' from the main electrical panel, hot water heater assembly, and the gas meter assembly. 5. ESS disconnect to be no closer than 5’ from ESS and no further than the line of sight. Proper signage(s) shall read “ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM AC DISCONNECT”. 6. Access pathway: a) one 5’ wide minimum unobstructed pathway (e.g., clearance from air conditioning units, parked cars, rain barrels, trees, heavy vegetation) to access the ESS unit(s) or b) the above clearances can be reduced to 3' wide if two unobstructed pathways are provided to access the ESS unit(s) from opposite directions.
FDS Inspectors and Plan Checkers October 3, 2022 Page 2 7. If equipment is subject to physical damage (e.g., motor vehicles etc.), it shall be protected with an approved barrier system. (e.g., bollards) **Provide an elevation diagram and a site plan for all conditions listed above. **
_______________________________________
Hani G. Malki, Sr. Fire Protection Engineer Fire Development Services Section