Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems
What is NFPA 855?
NFPA 855 is the primary standard for the safe installation of stationary Energy Storage Systems (ESS), including lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It provides requirements for system design, installation, fire protection, ventilation, emergency planning, and ongoing safety to help reduce the risks associated with large-scale battery installations.
As battery energy storage becomes increasingly common in commercial, industrial, utility, and renewable energy applications, NFPA 855 has become one of the most important standards governing battery system safety.
Why NFPA 855 Matters
Battery Energy Storage Systems contain large amounts of stored electrical and chemical energy. If a battery failure occurs, hazards may include:
- Thermal runaway
- Battery fires
- Electrical shock
- Arc flash
- Explosion hazards
- Toxic and flammable gas release
- Fire propagation between battery modules
NFPA 855 provides guidance to help reduce these risks through proper system design, installation, fire protection, and emergency planning.
What NFPA 855 Covers
The standard addresses many aspects of battery energy storage system safety, including:
- Installation requirements
- Fire protection systems
- Separation distances
- Ventilation requirements
- Gas detection
- Emergency shutdown systems
- Signage and labeling
- Fire department access
- Emergency response planning
- Inspection and maintenance
These requirements are intended to improve the overall safety of stationary battery installations throughout their service life.
Relationship to Other Standards
NFPA 855 works alongside several other battery and electrical safety standards.
UL 9540
Evaluates the safety of complete Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
UL 9540A
Provides standardized testing for thermal runaway fire propagation and supports many of the fire protection requirements referenced by NFPA 855.
UL 1973
Evaluates batteries used in stationary energy storage applications before integration into complete battery systems.
CSA Z462
Provides safe work practices for workers exposed to electrical hazards during installation, maintenance, and servicing.
NFPA 70E
Addresses electrical safety in the workplace, including arc flash risk assessments, shock protection, and PPE selection.
Worker Safety
While NFPA 855 focuses on the safe installation and protection of battery energy storage systems, workers servicing or maintaining energized equipment must also be protected from electrical hazards.
Depending on the task, appropriate PPE and safety equipment may include:
- Arc-rated clothing
- Arc flash face shields and hoods
- Rubber insulating gloves
- Leather protectors
- Safety helmets
- Electrical safety footwear
- Insulated hand tools
- Voltage detectors
- Lockout/Tagout equipment
Battery Safety Canada recommends that all work on energized battery systems be performed only after completing a hazard and risk assessment in accordance with CSA Z462 or NFPA 70E.
Where NFPA 855 Applies
NFPA 855 is commonly referenced for:
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Utility-scale battery installations
- Commercial and industrial ESS
- Renewable energy storage
- Solar and wind energy storage
- Backup power systems
- Critical infrastructure
- Data centres
- Telecommunications facilities
- Microgrids
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NFPA 855 apply to electric vehicles?
No. NFPA 855 is intended for stationary energy storage systems. Electric vehicle service and maintenance are generally addressed through manufacturer procedures and workplace electrical safety standards such as CSA Z462 and NFPA 70E.
Is NFPA 855 a product certification?
No. NFPA 855 is an installation standard. It establishes requirements for the safe installation and protection of energy storage systems rather than certifying individual products.
Does NFPA 855 require UL 9540 or UL 9540A?
NFPA 855 frequently references UL 9540-listed energy storage systems and UL 9540A test data to evaluate thermal runaway hazards and determine appropriate fire protection and installation requirements.
Does NFPA 855 cover worker PPE?
Not directly. Worker PPE requirements are generally addressed by CSA Z462 and NFPA 70E, which provide guidance on electrical hazard assessments, arc flash protection, and shock protection.
Battery Safety Canada Can Help
Battery Safety Canada supports organizations working with Battery Energy Storage Systems through practical battery safety solutions, including EV arc flash PPE, electrical shock protection, insulated tools, battery fire safety products, and technical training. We help employers build safer workplaces by selecting the right equipment and implementing best practices for battery and electrical safety.
