NEIS Recommended Practice For Installing Energy Storage Systems NECA 416 16

®
NECA 416-2016
Recommended Practice for Installing
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
AN AM ERIC AN N ATI O NA L S TA NDA RD
Published by
National Electrical Contractors Association
NECA 416-2016
Recommended Practice for
Installing Energy
Storage Systems (ESS)
An American
National Standard
TM
National
Electrical
Installation
Standards e Fi
ber Op
™
tic
Th
FOA
As
s o c i a ti o n
Published by
National Electrical
Contractors Association
Revision History
NECA 416-2016 originally published 05/2017
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT
This document is copyrighted by NECA
ISBN: 978-1-944148-18-8
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Table of Contents
1. Scope............................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Products and Applications Included................................................................................................................1
1.2 Products and Applications Excluded...............................................................................................................1
1.3 Regulatory and Other Requirements...............................................................................................................1
1.4 Mandatory Requirements, Permissive Requirements, Quality and Performance Recommendations,
Explanatory Material, and Informative Annexes.........................................................................................1
2. Definitions....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Definitions.........................................................................................................................................................3
3. Overview of Energy Storage Systems (ESS)...................................................................................... 6

3.1 General...............................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 Energy Storage Technologies............................................................................................................................6
3.3 Energy Storage Applications.............................................................................................................................8
4. Receiving, Inspecting, Handling, and Storage................................................................................ 10

4.1 Receiving and Inspecting................................................................................................................................10
4.2 Handling..........................................................................................................................................................11
4.3 Storage..............................................................................................................................................................11
5. Site Preparation............................................................................................................................. 13
5.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................13
5.2 HVAC Requirements.......................................................................................................................................13
5.3 Seismic Considerations...................................................................................................................................14
6. General Installation Requirements................................................................................................. 15

6.1 Setting Equipment in Place............................................................................................................................15
7. Electrical Installation Requirements.............................................................................................. 16

7.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................16
7.2 Inverters...........................................................................................................................................................17
7.3 Point of Common Coupling...........................................................................................................................17
7.4 ESS Disconnecting Means...............................................................................................................................19
7.5 Conductors, Raceways, Connections, and Terminations..............................................................................20
7.6 Conductor Sizing and Ampacity....................................................................................................................21
7.7 Overcurrent Protection...................................................................................................................................21
8. Battery Systems.............................................................................................................................. 23
8.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................23
8.2 Battery System Safety......................................................................................................................................23
iii n
NECA 416 Recommended Practice for Installing Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
8.3 Open Rack Battery Systems............................................................................................................................27

8.4 General Installation Requirements.................................................................................................................27
8.5 Installing Batteries...........................................................................................................................................28
8.6 Battery System Conductors............................................................................................................................29
8.7 Charge Control................................................................................................................................................29
8.8 Final Cleaning and Adjustments....................................................................................................................30
8.9 Start-Up and Commissioning........................................................................................................................30
9. Flywheels....................................................................................................................................... 33
9.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................33
9.2 Handling and Storing Flywheels....................................................................................................................33
9.3 Site Preparation...............................................................................................................................................34
9.4 Conductors, Raceways, Connections, and Terminations..............................................................................34
10. Ultra-Capacitors....................................................................................................................... 36
10.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................36
10.2 Installation Requirements...............................................................................................................................36
10.3 Setting Equipment in Place............................................................................................................................36
10.4 Electrical Connections....................................................................................................................................37
10.5 Installing Optional Accessories.......................................................................................................................37
11. Smart Charger Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications...................................................................... 39

11.1 Installations Requiring Ventilation................................................................................................................39
11.2 Safety Interlocks..............................................................................................................................................39
11.3 Smart Chargers................................................................................................................................................40
11.4 Communication and Data Requirements......................................................................................................40
11.5 EVSE Equipment and Siting Requirements...................................................................................................41
11.6 Electric Utility Interconnection Requirements.............................................................................................43
11.7 Installation.......................................................................................................................................................43
11.8 EVSE Start-up and Commissioning...............................................................................................................45
Annex A: Battery Technologies........................................................................................................... 46

A.1 Lead-Acid and/or Advanced Lead-Acid Batteries.........................................................................................46
A.2 Flow Batteries..................................................................................................................................................46
A.3 Lithium-Ion Batteries......................................................................................................................................46
A.4 Metal-Air Batteries..........................................................................................................................................46
A.5 Sodium Batteries.............................................................................................................................................46
Annex B: Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES).............................................................................. 47
Annex C: Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)............................................................................................ 48
Annex D: Thermal Energy Storage (TES)............................................................................................ 49
Annex E: Installation Checklist for Energy Storage Systems............................................................... 50
Annex F: Reference Standards........................................................................................................... 57
n iv
(This foreword is not a part of the standard)
Foreword
National Electrical Installation Standards™ are Suggestions for revisions and improvements to this
designed to improve communication among standard are welcome. They should be addressed to:
specifiers, purchasers, and suppliers of electrical NECA Codes and Standards
construction services. They define a minimum 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1100
baseline of quality and workmanship for installing Bethesda, MD 20814
electrical products and systems. NEIS® are intended (301) 215-4521 telephone
to be referenced in contract documents for electrical (301) 215-4500 fax
construction projects. The following language is [email protected]
recommended:
To purchase National Electrical Installation Standards®,
Energy Storage Systems (ESS), including battery contact the NECA Order Desk at (301) 215-4504
systems, flywheels, ultra-capacitors, and smart telephone, (301) 215-4500 fax, or orderdesk@necanet.
chargers for electric vehicle (EV) vehicle-to-grid org. NEIS® can also be purchased in .pdf download
(V2G) applications, shall be installed in accordance format from www.neca-neis.org/catalog.
NECA 416, Recommended Practice for Installing
Energy Storage Systems (ESS) (ANSI). Copyright© 2017, National Electrical Contractors
Association. All rights reserved. Unauthorized
Use of NEIS is voluntary, and the National Electrical reproduction prohibited.
Contractors Association (NECA) assumes no
obligation or liability to users of this publication. National Electrical Installation Standards and NEIS
are trademarks of the National Electrical Contractors
Existence of a standard shall not preclude any
Association. National Electrical Code and NEC are
member or non-member of NECA from specifying
registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection
or using alternate construction methods permitted Association, Quincy, Massachusetts.
by applicable regulations.
Cover photo courtesy of PDE Total Energy Solutions
This publication is intended to comply with the
National Electrical Code (NEC). Because they are
quality standards, NEIS may in some instances
go beyond the minimum safety requirements of
the NEC. It is the responsibility of users of this
publication to comply with state and local electrical
codes and Federal and state OSHA safety regulations
as well as follow manufacturers’ installation
instructions when installing electrical products and
systems.
v n
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1. Scope
This Recommended Practice describes installation Additionally, Superconducting Magnetic Energy

practices for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) such Storage (SMES) is not covered by this Recommended
as battery systems, flywheels, ultra-capacitors, and Practice due to the extremely short discharge
smart chargers used for electric vehicle (EV) vehicle- time and limited energy capacity that restricts its
to-grid (V2G) applications. application to power quality applications only, and
not to longer-duration energy storage applications.
1.1 Products and Applications Included
1.3 Regulatory and Other Requirements
Products and applications that are covered by this
Recommended Practice include: All information in this publication is intended to
conform to the NEC (ANSI/NFPA 70). Installers
• Battery systems shall follow the NEC, applicable state and local codes,
• Flywheels manufacturer’s instructions, and contract documents
when installing Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
• Ultra-Capacitors
• Electric vehicle (EV) smart charger vehicle-to- Only qualified persons as defined in the NEC familiar
grid (V2G) applications with the construction and installation of Energy
Storage Systems (ESS) and ESS devices and system
While Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES), Pumped components shall perform the technical work described
Hydro Storage (PHS), and Thermal Energy Storage in this publication. Administrative functions such as
(TES) are not covered by this Recommended Practice receiving, handling and storing, and other tasks may be
(see Section 1.2), electrical equipment and components performed under the supervision of a qualified person.
for use in CAES, PHS, and TES should be installed in All work shall be performed in accordance with NFPA
accordance with this Recommended Practice. 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
1.2 Products and Applications Excluded General requirements for installing electrical
products and systems are described in NECA 1,
Products and applications that are not covered by Standard for Good Workmanship in Electrical
this Recommended Practice, but that are discussed in Construction (ANSI). Other NEIS provide additional
informational Annexes, include: guidance for installing particular types of electrical
products and systems. A complete list of NEIS is
• Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)
provided in Annex F.
• Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)
• Thermal Energy Storage (TES) 1.4 Mandatory Requirements, Permissive
Requirements, Quality and Performance
Electrical energy can be used to create hydrogen that
can be stored for later use. Hydrogen is considered
Recommendations, Explanatory Material,
to be fuel rather than means of energy storage. As and Informative Annexes
such, hydrogen is not covered by this Recommended Mandatory requirements in manufacturer’s
Practice. instructions, or of Codes or other mandatory
1 n
Standards that may or not be adopted into law, not part of the enforceable requirements of this
are those that identify actions that are specifically Recommended Practice, but are included for
required or prohibited and are characterized by the information purposes only.
use of the terms “must” or “must not,” “shall” or
“shall not,” or “are required,” or “may not,” or “are
not permitted,” or by the use of positive phrasing of
mandatory requirements. Examples of mandatory
requirements may equally take the form of,
“equipment must be protected . . .,” “equipment shall
be protected . . .,” or “protect equipment . . .,” with
the latter interpreted (understood) as “(it is necessary
to) protect equipment . . .”
Permissive requirements of manufacturer’s

instructions, or of Codes or other mandatory
Standards that may or not be adopted into law,
are those that identify actions that are allowed
but not required, are normally used to describe
options or alternative means and methods, and are
characterized in this Recommended Practice by the
use of the terms “may,” or “are permitted,” or “are
not required.”
Quality and performance recommendations identify

actions that are recommended or not recommended
to improve the overall quality or performance of the
installation and are characterized by the use of the
terms “should” or “should not.”
Explanatory material, such as references to other

Codes, Standards, or documents, references to
related sections of this Recommended Practice,
information related to another Code, Standard, or
document, and supplemental application and design
information and data, is included throughout this
Recommended Practice to expand the understanding
of mandatory requirements, permissive
requirements, and quality and performance
recommendations. Such explanatory material is
included for information only, and is identified
by the use of the term “NOTE,” or by the use of
italicized text.
Non-mandatory information and other reference

standards or documents relative to the application
and use of materials, equipment, and systems
covered by this Recommended Practice are provided
in informative annexes. Informative annexes are
n 2
2. Definitions
NOTE: The following terms are used in this Bi-directional Inverter A device that inverts DC
Recommended Practice. The definitions below apply current to AC current in one direction but has the
only to the context in which the terms are used in this capability of redirecting AC current back to DC current
Recommended Practice. (actually rectification, but termed “bi-directional
inverter”).
2.1 Definitions
AC Level 1 Charging Electric vehicle (EV) charging Cell The smallest component of a battery, comprised
that employs cord-and-plug connected portable electric of a single container or jar, can, or pouch, an anode
vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). AC Level 1 EVSE is (positive electrode), a cathode (negative electrode),
rated single-phase, nominal 120VAC, with either a 15A and electrolyte, that enables the conversion of energy
or 20A configuration, and is suitable for connection to between electrical energy and stored chemical energy.
NEMA 5-15R or 5-20R receptacles.
Continuous Load A load where the maximum
AC Level 2 Charging AC Level 2 EVSE is rated current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more.
single-phase, nominal 208VAC or 240VAC, 80A
DC Level 2 Charging (Fast Charging DC) Electric
maximum, with branch circuit overcurrent protection
vehicle (EV) charging that employs permanently
as required. AC Level 2 charging for indoor use could
wired electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that
be cord and plug connected or permanently wired
is operated at a fixed location and is used specifically
electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) operated at
for EV charging. DC Level 2 EVSE is rated 200VDC
a fixed or portable location used specifically for EV
to 450VDC with 200A maximum. At the time of
charging.
the publication of this Recommended Practice, the
Battery Two or more cells connected together voltage, ampere rating, and power ratings of DC Level
electrically. Cells may be connected in a battery module 2 charging are not finalized. DC Level 2 is currently
in series or parallel, or both, to provide the required known as Fast Charging DC.
operating voltage and current levels.
DC to DC Converter A device that converts one
Battery Charge Controller (Battery Charger) A DC voltage to another, e.g. 130 VDC to 48 VDC.
device to restore and maintain the charge of a secondary
Electric Vehicle (EV) An automotive-type vehicle
battery. A battery charge controller can maintain a
for on-road use, such as passenger automobiles,
unidirectional current in a battery in the opposite
buses, trucks, vans, neighborhood electric vehicles
direction to that during discharge thereby converting
(EVs), electric motorcycles, and the like, primarily
electric energy into stored chemical energy within the
powered by an electric motor that draws current from
battery.
a rechargeable storage battery, fuel cell, photovoltaic
array, or other source of electric current. Plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are considered EVs.
For the purpose of this Recommended Practice, off-
3 n
road, self-propelled EVs, such as industrial trucks, Inverter A device that converts DC current to AC
hoists, lifts, transports, golf carts, airline ground current.
support equipment, tractors, boats, and the like, are
not included. Non-Continuous Load A load where the maximum
current is expected to continue for less than 3 hours.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Connector A device that, by
insertion into an electric vehicle (EV) inlet, establishes Pre-packaged Self-Contained Energy Storage
an electrical connection to the EV for the purpose of Systems (ESS) Energy storage systems where
energy transfer and information exchange. the energy storage devices such as cells, batteries or
modules, ventilation and illumination systems, fire
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) The suppression and alarm systems, and controls are
conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded, factory-installed, assembled, and packaged into a single,
and equipment grounding conductors and the electric modular energy storage container or unit intended
vehicle (EV) connectors, attachment plugs, and all other for field installation as a single unit or as a multi-unit
fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus installed system. NOTE: In general, pre-packaged self-contained
specifically for the purpose of transferring energy systems are manufactured by a single entity, are tested and
between the premises wiring and the EV. listed to safety standards relevant to the system, and can be
readily connected on site.
Electrolyte An aqueous or non-aqueous medium
that provides the ion transport mechanism between the Pre-engineered Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
positive and negative electrodes of a cell. Energy storage systems where separate, matched
components manufactured by a single entity are
Energy Storage System (ESS) Equipment delivered for field installation and assembly as a
and systems capable of storing energy for use at system. NOTE: In general, pre-engineered systems of
a future time. ESSs include but are not limited to matched components for field assembly as a system
electrochemical storage devices (batteries), flow are designed by a single entity and are comprised of
batteries, ultra-capacitors (or super-capacitors), and components that are tested and listed separately or as an
kinetic devices (flywheels, pumped hydro storage, and assembly to safety standards relevant to the component
compressed air), among others. and can be readily assembled on site as a system.
Energy Storage System (ESS) Device(s) One or Rectifier A device that converts alternating current
more devices assembled together that are capable of (AC) to direct current (DC).
storing energy for use at a future time.
Sealed Cell or Battery A cell or battery that has no
Flowing Electrolyte Battery (Flow Battery) A provision for the routine addition of water or electrolyte
rechargeable battery that stores its active materials, in or for external measurement of electrolyte specific
the form of liquid aqueous electrolytes, external to the gravity, and that might contain pressure relief venting.
battery, such as in a pumped electrolyte Energy Storage NOTE: Some cells that are considered to be sealed under
System (ESS). When in use, electrolyte is continuously conditions of normal use, such as valve-regulated lead-
pumped in a circuit between the chemical reactor cell acid or some lithium cells, contain pressure relief valves.
and one or more storage tanks. NOTE: Commercially
available flowing electrolyte batteries technologies include Smart Charger An EV battery charger that has
iron chromium, zinc bromide, and vanadium redox the ability to communicate with the EV battery
flowing electrolyte batteries. management system (BMS) in order to control and
monitor the EV battery charging process. Smart
chargers also have the ability to send and receive signals
n 4
Recommended Practice for Installing Energy Storage Systems (ESS) NECA 416
from electric utility grid operators to provide the

ability to control the charging rate of EVs in response
to electric utility grid operating characteristics, such
as voltage, frequency, and power demand. Also, see
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G).
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) A system in which electric

utility grid operators have the ability via smart chargers
to temporarily reverse the EV charging process to
return stored energy from EV batteries to the grid.
V2G energy storage can be used to release energy over
a period of time ranging from seconds to a few hours.
Also, see Smart Charger.
5 n
3. Overview of Energy Storage
Systems (ESS)
3.1 General from the lowest-cost generation sources during times

of lower electrical loading, such as when the available
Energy Storage Systems (ESS) can be used to help
(connected) low-cost generation exceeds the
manage the dynamic nature of electrical power
lower (off-peak) electrical load demand, and from
systems. Electrical loads are transitory, capable of
renewable energy sources when renewable energy
changing in an instant. Electrical power generation
production peaks at a time other than during peak
must respond to instantaneous changes in loading
electrical loading. Later, energy can be released from
in real time. If the electrical load exceeds connected
storage in response to changes in the electrical load,
generation at any time, system frequency and voltage
perhaps as a substitute for higher-cost generation
will collapse, resulting in an outage.
units, resulting in a lower overall cost of electricity
Renewable energy sources, such as wind power and and further cost savings by deferring capital
solar photovoltaic power, further complicate the investments to expand generation to meet growing
balance between power generation and electrical power demand that can be met with ESS.
loads because wind power and solar photovoltaic
power sources are intermittent. Wind turbines 3.2 Energy Storage Technologies
generate power when the wind blows. Solar
3.2.1 Battery Systems
photovoltaic power systems generate power when the
sun shines. Additionally, wind and solar photovoltaic Battery storage systems are interconnected battery
power generation cannot be increased in response strings, battery charge controllers, rectifiers,
to an increase in the connected load because there inverters, and associated protection and controls that
is no method of increasing wind velocity or sunlight are used to convert electricity into stored chemical
intensity. energy for later release.
At the same time, the economic decision in scheduling Batteries may be connected in series, in parallel,
the connection of generation units to the electric or both, to provide the required operating voltage,
utility grid is to first use generation with the lowest current, and power levels and minimum discharge
operating cost to supply the greatest load possible, time required by the application.
and to use incrementally more expensive types of
generation in turn as loads increase. As such, the Battery systems can provide large scale energy
incremental cost of energy production increases storage with the capacity to release energy over a
as loads increase, with utilities using their most period from seconds to hours.
costly generation units to supply peak load demand.
Consequently, the operating costs for generation are Utility-scale battery systems can include lead-acid,
the lowest during times of light electrical loading (off- and advanced lead-acid batteries, large format
peak or non-peak loads) because utilities are using the Lithium-Ion battery systems, flow batteries, sodium
least expensive generation units possible. batteries, and other battery technologies depending
upon the application(s) specified.
Energy Storage Systems (ESS) provide the
opportunity to capture low-cost energy generated
n 6
3.2.2 Flywheels as vehicle-to-grid or V2G). V2G energy storage can be

used to release energy over a period of time ranging
A flywheel ESS stores kinetic energy in a disk or from seconds to a few hours.
cylinder with a large mass rotating at high speed.
Flywheels are typically connected to the electrical Smart Charger Vehicle-to-Grid can also incorporate
power distribution system through a motor/generator utility control of the EV charger, allowing the
that is used to spin the flywheel up to speed using utility to control the EV rate of charge in addition
power from the electric utility grid. The kinetic energy to draining energy from the batteries. NOTE:
stored in the rotating mass is returned to the electrical Some automotive industry battery experts believe
power distribution system when system frequency this demand response approach will have the same
drops below the electrical frequency at which the effect by providing virtual energy storage with lower
flywheel is rotating and the flywheel slows, such as Vehicle-to-Grid infrastructure costs.
during an overload or during an outage.
3.2.5 Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)
Flywheels can charge and discharge energy quickly
and frequently, while operating with high efficiency. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems use
Additionally, flywheels operate at system frequency excess power from the grid during off-peak hours
in real time, providing an instantaneous response, to compress air and to store it under high pressure.
making them well-suited for power quality For larger CAES plants, compressed air is stored in
applications, such as frequency regulation and underground geologic formations, such as aquifers,
voltage support. Flywheels provide energy storage depleted natural gas fields, and salt formations. For
with the capacity to release energy over a period smaller CAES plants, compressed air is stored in
from seconds to hours. aboveground storage tanks or large pipes similar
to those designed for high-pressure natural gas
3.2.3 Ultra-Capacitors or Super Capacitors transmission.
Ultra-capacitors (also known as super-capacitors) Energy stored by CAES is released when high-pressure
store energy in an electric field supplemented by compressed air is drawn from the storage vessel,
chemical energy storage. Ultra-capacitors have heated, and expanded through a conventional high-
among the fastest response time of any energy pressure turbine generator that captures some of the
storage device, and are typically used in power energy in the compressed air. The air is then mixed
quality applications such as providing transient with fuel and combusted, with the exhaust expanded
voltage stability. Ultra-capacitors are capable of through a low-pressure gas turbine generator.
operating with a short recycle time, and are especially
well-suited to being discharged quite rapidly, to CAES is considered a hybrid generation/storage
deliver a significant amount of energy over a short system because it requires combustion in the gas
period of time, such as for high-power applications turbine to generate electricity. The pressurized air
that require short or very short discharge durations. allows the turbines to generate electricity using
Ultra-capacitors can be sized to release energy over a significantly less natural gas, typically resulting in
period of time ranging from seconds to hours. increased efficiencies of 30% or more. In addition to
increased efficiency, CAES plants have quick ramping
3.2.4 Smart Charger Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability, providing a quick response when grid
operators need ancillary services (see Section 3.3).
Electric vehicles (EVs) connected to the electric utility
grid via smart chargers provide a source of stored CAES systems provide large scale energy storage
energy available to electric utility grid operators who with the capacity to release energy over a period
can temporarily reverse the EV charging process in from hours to weeks. NOTE: CAES are not covered
response to a critical need to partially discharge EVs by this Recommended Practice. See Annex B for
connected to the electric utility grid (a process known additional information.
7 n
3.2.6 Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) are not covered by this Recommended Practice. See
Annex D for additional information.
Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) is a method of storing
and releasing potential energy by transferring 3.2.8 Hydrogen
water between two storage reservoirs at different
elevations. During non-peak electrical usage, water is Hydrogen can be created by using electricity to split
usually pumped from a lower reservoir to an upper water into hydrogen and oxygen atoms through
reservoir (at higher elevation) using conventional electrolysis, using off-peak, low-cost electricity,
pumps. Water is stored in the upper reservoir until it or renewable energy, such as wind power or solar
is needed to generate power. Potential energy is release photovoltaic power. Hydrogen can be compressed
using gravity by routing water from the upper reservoir or cooled and liquefied, stored, and transported as
through hydroelectric turbines to the lower reservoir. needed to either be converted to heat or to generate
electricity via a hydrogen-powered combustion
PHS facilities typically take advantage of natural engine or a fuel cell.
topography and are built using two large water
reservoirs at different elevations. PHS provides large Hydrogen provides large scale storage with the
scale energy storage with the capacity to release capacity to release energy over a period from weeks
energy over a period from hours to months. NOTE: to months. NOTE: Hydrogen is a fuel and is not
PHS systems are not covered by this Recommended considered energy storage in the strict sense. As such,
Practice. See Annex C for additional information. hydrogen is not covered by this Recommended Practice.
3.2.7 Thermal Energy Storage (TES) 3.2.9 Superconducting Magnetic Energy

Storage (SMES)
Thermal energy storage (TES) technologies store
volumes of liquid, such as glycol, hot water, chilled Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES)
water, or brine solution, or a liquid that change systems store energy in a magnetic field in a coil
state into a solid, such as freezing water into ice, in of superconducting material that must be cooled
reservoirs that maintain a temperature either above by a cryogenic refrigeration system to maintain its
or below that of the environment. NOTE: Large scale superconducting properties. SMES provides short
thermal storage media are excluded from the scope bursts of energy lasting less than one second and are
of this document. used to improve power quality.
One common approach is to use conventional chiller NOTE: SMES systems are similar to ultra-capacitors
technologies to super-cool a salt-brine solution or to in their ability to respond instantaneously, but have
permit ice to build up in a tank or reservoir during limited energy capacity and an extremely short
non-peak electricity usage. The super-cool brine discharge time of less than one second, which restricts
or ice is stored until energy costs are higher, such their application to power quality applications as
as during peak electricity usage, at which time the opposed to longer-term energy storage applications.
brine or ice is used as a heat sink, “releasing” stored Consequently, SMES systems are not covered by this
thermal energy. Recommended Practice.
TES is used to reduce the electricity consumption 3.3 Energy Storage Applications
of building heating or air conditioning systems
during times of peak demand by shifting the air Energy storage provides advantages for short-
conditioning electrical load to a non-peak period. duration applications, such as improved power
quality and frequency regulation, and for longer-
Thermal energy storage provides small scale energy duration applications, such as support for renewable
storage with the capacity to release energy over a generation, spinning reserves, energy management,
period up to days. NOTE: Thermal storage systems and capital cost deferral.
n 8
• Power Quality: Energy storage can be used

to improve power quality on a short-term or
instantaneous basis, such as providing energy
capacity and voltage support “ride-through”
for momentary outages, reducing harmonic
distortions, and eliminating voltage sags and
surges.
• Frequency Regulation: Energy storage can be
used to maintain the balance between supply
and demand to provide constant frequency on
the grid.
• Renewables Support: Energy storage can
improve the integration of renewable generation
power production by storing energy produced
during times of light loading, and releasing
energy during times of peak loading.
• Operating or Spinning Reserve: Energy
storage can be used to increase grid stability by
releasing energy within a short period of time
to meet unexpected increases in demand or
reductions in supply, such as during generation
or transmission outages or during equipment
failures, and by providing bridging power
during the transition between generation
sources.
• Energy Management: Energy storage can
be used for load leveling, peak shaving, and
arbitrage (storing energy at one time, such as
during non-peak loading, to release it at another
time, such as during peak loading) to improve
efficiency and to reduce energy costs.
• Capital Cost Deferral: Energy storage can
be used by a utility to postpone building
new generating or transmission capacity by
supplementing existing facilities with another
resource as demand approaches system or
equipment capacity.
9 n
4. Receiving, Inspecting, Handling,
and Storage
4.1 Receiving and Inspecting If equipment and accessories are to be stored

prior to installation, use the original packing
Verify that the installation of equipment pads
materials to protect the equipment from exposure
and foundations is complete and ready to receive
to environmental conditions. When conditions
ESS equipment and components upon delivery.
permit, leave the packing materials intact until
Verify that elevators, lifting devices, and other
equipment and accessories are ready for installation.
moving equipment is rated for the load weights and
Properly dispose of pallets and packing materials in
dimensions (including palletized equipment, such as
accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
batteries) prior to the arrival of ESS equipment and
components. Large equipment or components may be shipped
fastened to wooden skids or pallets and with outer
Verify that all passages for moving ESS equipment
protective packaging materials such that the bottom
and components, such as doorways, lifts, and ramps,
is sealed to prevent water, debris, or rodents from
are appropriately sized to allow entrance and egress
entering during shipping and storage. Leave skids and
of equipment, that there are no impassable corners
pallets intact until just prior to installation on the pad.
or changes in the floor level, and that floors are
capable of supporting the weight of the materials. 4.1.1 Batteries, Enclosures, and Racks
If not, contact the ESS equipment and component
manufacturers to determine how much tipping, if Large vented batteries (lead-acid and nickel-
any, is allowable in order to move the equipment. cadmium) are usually installed on open racks. VRLA
batteries are frequently installed in cabinets, although
Upon delivery of equipment and accessories, visually larger units may be installed on open racks.
inspect packaging for physical damage. Reject
damaged equipment and components and file a Battery racks are shipped dismantled in separate rail,
claim with the carrier. Carefully unpack protective frame, and brace packages. Battery racks are available
crates and packing to inspect for concealed damage in a variety of formats including multi-tier, multi-
resulting from shipping and handling. If damage step, and various seismic ratings. Seismically rated
has occurred, notify the delivering carrier and the battery racks and cabinets must be fastened to the
manufacturer in writing immediately. Request floor using seismic bracing selected specifically for
a carrier inspection. Note the condition of the the location.
shipment on all copies of the delivery receipt, and file
a claim with the carrier. Check packages to ensure that the necessary
assembly hardware is included. Do not throw
Compare equipment and accessories received with away spacers (which are frequently mistaken for
the bill of materials to verify that the shipment is packing materials) as these are vital to the seismic
complete. Verify that equipment and accessories installation. NOTE: Modular battery cabinets are
received conform to approved submittals and sometimes shipped with the batteries installed, but
manufacturer quotations. If the shipment is not more frequently the batteries must be installed on-site.
complete, notify the manufacturer in writing
immediately. Battery cells and multi-cell containers are typically
shipped fully charged. Take special precautions
n 10
to prevent shorting of battery terminals or DC manufacturer recommended hooks, slings, and

terminals of equipment. NOTE: Batteries are stored spacers to prevent overstressing cabinets and
energy devices; they cannot be totally de-energized. enclosures during lifting. Arrange slings to distribute
Any contact with a battery is considered work on the lifting forces equally between eyebolts. Use
energized electrical equipment requiring handling only slings or cables of the same length, and observe the
by trained, qualified, and authorized personnel using manufacturer’s recommended lifting angles. Ensure
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), that forklift forks extend completely beneath pallets
tools and instruments. The greatest hazard is contact or equipment when handling with a forklift.
between the positive and negative poles of a battery
especially at the system terminations. See IEEE 1657 Handle ESS equipment and components carefully.
for recommended practice for training and battery To ensure safe handling, avoid:
technical qualification.
• Damage to instrument panels, which may
Inspect the seals of lead-acid batteries that have been contain delicate instruments, meters, switches,
shipped dry and charged when they are received at and controls.
the site. Renew any damaged seals in accordance • Impact, jolting, jarring, or rough handling.
with the manufacturer’s instructions. Filling with
electrolyte and formation charging at site shall • Use of a hammer or similar tool when
only be performed by persons who are trained and unpacking equipment and components.
certified for the task and in accordance with the • Sudden starts and stops during handling.
battery manufacturer’s instructions. Take special care
Whenever possible, deliver ESS equipment and
to prevent contamination of the electrolyte.
components to the final installation location upon
Other battery types may have non-aqueous delivery. When equipment or components are
electrolyte solutions, e.g. lithium-ion cells are stored in other than the final installation location,
typically hermetically sealed with the electrolyte coordinate staging to minimize handling.
absorbed within the cell material, and should not
require handling of the electrolytes on site. 4.3 Storage
Store ESS equipment and components indoors in
4.2 Handling a clean, warm, dry, well-ventilated room with a
ESS may contain large, bulky components moderate temperature ranging between 4°C and
weighing several thousand pounds or more. Refer 38°C (40°F and 100°F). NOTE: Batteries have a
to the packing list for the actual weight of each more restrictive requirement for temperature during
item. Handle ESS equipment and components in storage than other ESS equipment and components.
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to See Section 4.3.1. Store in a monitored and/or secured
avoid injury to personnel and damage to equipment. area to discourage vandalism and theft, and out of the
Verify that the lifting capacity of the handling way of construction traffic.
equipment is more than the weight to be moved, and
Protect ESS components and equipment from
that the handling equipment is compatible with the
rain, snow, dirt, and dust, until final assembly is
type of truck making the delivery. Provide suitable
completed. Also, protect from corrosive gases or
protection against the weather for equipment
fumes, dust, foreign objects, and rodents. NOTE:
designed for indoor installation (NEMA Type 1).
Moisture in combination with cement dust is very
For handling using a crane, ensure that the lifting corrosive to electrical components.
eyebolts are in line with the lifting direction of the
The section below deals mainly with lead-acid
slings, and that the lifting hooks are completely
battery types. Other battery types may have
engaged in the eyebolts before lifting. Use
unique requirements for storage. For example,
11 n
certain Lithium-Ion types have short vs. long term Prior to installation, inspect the electrolyte level of
requirements. It is important that for other battery vented lead-acid batteries. If the electrolyte level
technologies the manufacturer’s specific guidelines is below the “add water” marks on the battery
should be followed. container, add water until the water level is even
with the upper mark. If the tops of battery plates
4.3.1 Storage of Batteries are exposed, do not place the battery into service.
The normal gases generated during battery charging
Store batteries indoors, in a clean, dry, well-
may restore the electrolyte specific gravity to
ventilated and weatherproof location with a
normal levels. If the electrolyte does not reach
sustained temperature between 4°C and 25°C
acceptable levels, contact the manufacturer for
(40°F and 77°F). Aqueous (water based) electrolyte
recommendations. If electrolyte is found on the top
batteries such as lead acid electrolyte will not
of battery units or on the battery unit terminals,
freeze if the battery is charged. The electrolyte of
clean immediately with a neutralizing solution, but
a lead-acid battery will freeze at extremely low
do not use any chemical solution that will harm the
temperatures if the battery is fully discharged. Be
container. Consult the manufacturer before using
sure to store batteries in accordance with the battery
any agent other than water or soda and water when
manufacturer’s instructions.
cleaning the container or jar cover. Do not allow the
Inspect electrolyte levels of lead-acid cells that have cleaning solution to enter the battery.
been shipped with internal liquid electrolyte when
batteries are received at the site. If the electrolyte
level is at or below the Minimum (Min) line, add
water until the electrolyte level is at or slightly below
the Maximum (Max) water fill line, but do not
exceed the Maximum (Max) fill line indicated on the
cell container.
Store dry-charged batteries in a ventilated,

weatherproof, cool, dry building. Inspect
thermoplastic jars for cracks or damage. Do not
remove the plastic film vent seals until the cells are
filled with electrolyte and prepared for installation.
Consult the manufacturer when storing dry-charged
batteries for longer than 12 months.
Give batteries a refreshing charge as required

in accordance with the battery manufacturer’s
instructions based upon the length of time and
temperature conditions of the facility where the
batteries have been placed in storage. Restore
batteries to manufacturer’s recommended voltage
and specific gravity in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. Do not exceed the
manufacturer’s recommended charging rate.
Store other types of batteries and recharge

as necessary in accordance with the battery
n 12
5. Site Preparation
5.1 General cell clearances and installation practices; IEEE 450 for
VLA cells, IEEE 1106 for Ni-Cd cells, IEEE 1679.1 for
Install ESS equipment, components, accessories, and
Lithium cell, IEEE 1679.2 for Sodium cells and IEEE
ancillary equipment in accordance with contract
1635 for Ventilation guidelines. (At the time of this
documents, the NEC, and manufacturer’s installation
publication, IEEE 1679.1 and IEEE 1679.2 are WG
drawings and wiring diagrams to include overall
documents being prepared for ballot and release.)
dimensions, front view, and sectional view, typical
installation and module arrangement, raceway entry, Avoid installing ESS equipment and components in
and ventilation and exhaust systems. locations where corrosive gases are generated, or in
locations exposed to dust or dirt.
Locate ESS equipment and components to minimize
the possibility of damage from flooding, including 5.1.1 Battery Systems
flooding resulting from fire fighting, sewer backup,
and similar occurrences. Do not install battery Battery systems are permitted to be installed in
systems near any sources of water, direct heat or computer rooms, data centers, laboratories, offices,
cooling on cells within a string such as HVAC industrial environments, switchgear rooms or other
ducting, direct sunlight, or other hot/cold sources electrical service rooms or other locations provided
that could cause cells within a string to greatly differ that the manufacturer’s environmental specifications
in temperature. and local fire and building codes are met.
Locate equipment to allow ready accessibility and Vented battery cells must be equipped with a flame
adequate working space for inspection, repair, arrester. NOTE: A flame arrester is designed to
maintenance, cleaning, or replacement. Guard live prevent destruction of the cell due to ignition of gases
parts in accordance with NEC Article 110. within the cell by an external spark or flame under
normal operating conditions.
Verify that a separate emergency lighting system is
provided if no other emergency lighting is present. Locate storage batteries as close as practical to loads
and supply equipment. Ensure that cables are sized
Provide working space in accordance with the to limit voltage drop to specified levels in accordance
equipment manufacturer’s instructions between the with load requirements and manufacturer’s
highest point on a storage system component and the recommendations.
row, shelf, or ceiling above that point. Additionally,
top rows of batteries in multiple-tier installations
5.2 HVAC Requirements
typically operate at slightly higher operating
temperatures than those on lower tiers. Ensure Check that ESS are located in an area provided with
adequate ceiling clearance for ventilation. NOTE: sufficient heating and cooling to ensure that, both
The installation instructions of the system component during the time that normal power is available and
manufacturer typically define how much top working during an emergency, the equipment is operated
space is necessary for a particular system component. within the manufacturer’s ambient temperature
Also, see IEEE 1187 for guidelines regarding VRLA specifications. Verify that anti-condensation
measures for HVAC systems take both normal and
13 n
abnormal conditions of ambient temperature and

humidity into consideration.
Verify that ventilation openings are clear and that

HVAC equipment and controls are operational.
NOTE: When a minimum quantity of airflow
is specified on contract documents, measure the
volume of airflow to verify that it meets minimum
requirements, keeping in mind that the design of an
ESS ventilation system is the responsibility of the
design engineer.
5.3 Seismic Considerations

NOTE: The design requirements for an Energy Storage
System (ESS) should be completed by a qualified
engineer and is beyond the scope of this Recommended
Practice. This Recommended Practice includes
requirements for verifying that, when specified
in contract documents or required by equipment
manufacturers, suitable equipment and hardware
is installed, and equipment and cables are properly
braced for the anticipated seismic shock.
Verify that ESS equipment and components are

properly labeled for the anticipated seismic shock
in recognized seismic areas in accordance with local
codes.
Brace cables or provide adequate slack for electrical

connections to accommodate all relative deflections
to limit the chance of breaking cables or cable
connections.
Install bolts, anchors, hangers, braces, and other

restraining devices as required to limit earthquake-
generated differential movements between the ESS
equipment and the building structure.
When required and as called out on the installation

drawings, brace suspended items, such as piping,
raceway, ducts, and other auxiliary equipment
related to ESS to resist swaying and excessive
movement in earthquake-prone areas.
n 14
6. General Installation Requirements
6.1 Setting Equipment in Place Raise the equipment or cabinet until the bottom
clears the pallet, and pull the pallet from under
Set equipment, cabinets, and components in place
the cabinet. Discard or recycle wooden pallets in a
using manufacturer recommended procedures.
responsible manner. Carefully lower the equipment
Handle equipment and components in accordance
or cabinet until the base touches the mounting
with manufacturer’s instructions and in accordance
surface.
with Section 4.2. Use manufacturer recommended
bolts, fasteners, and anchors to meet required seismic Set the most restrictive equipment or cabinet in place
requirements. first. Set the adjacent equipment or cabinet in place
next. Bolt equipment and cabinets together loosely
Provide a clean, level surface, for mounting ESS that
until all are in place. Check that equipment and
is free of obstructions, such as level, sealed concrete
cabinets are correctly fitted and tighten connections
pads or floors, on appropriate support stands, or
in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
on raised accessible floor systems. Check concrete
pads for proper size and flatness. The pad should Align equipment, cabinets, and racks to the anchor
be sized to accommodate the equipment, cabinets, locations, and bolt to the mounting surface using
or racks and any external mounting brackets, and manufacturer recommended materials and methods.
should extend beyond the edge of the equipment an Level equipment, cabinets and racks in accordance
adequate amount to prevent the pad from cracking with manufacturer’s instructions. Once level, tighten
or breaking when anchor bolts are installed. The pad anchoring hardware to manufacturer-recommended
should have a maximum pitch of one-half degree and torque levels.
should have a flatness of within 6 mm (one-quarter
inch).
Use manufacturer-recommended hardware and

fasteners to anchor equipment to the mounting
surface. Use a manufacturer-provided template,
or make a template to locate fastener locations on
the mounting surface. Fasten the template to the
mounting surface, and mark the locations of anchor
holes on the mounting surface, or drill small pilot
holes for anchors. Remove the template, and drill
properly sized holes to the appropriate depth for the
anchors. Insert anchors as needed and set equipment
in place.
Remove equipment and cabinets from wooden

pallets by raising the equipment or cabinet with a
forklift or pallet jack and removing the hardware
used to secure the equipment or cabinet to the pallet.
15 n
7. Electrical Installation
Requirements
7.1 General Personnel door(s) intended for entrance to and

egress from rooms containing ESS equipment must
Components of ESS, such as energy storage devices,
open in the direction of egress and must be equipped
monitors and controls, switches and breakers, power
with listed panic hardware.
conversion systems, and inverters and transformers,
must be listed for the intended application as a part Provide illumination for working spaces associated
of an ESS. Pre-packaged self-contained systems are with ESS and their equipment and components.
permitted to be listed for the intended application as Lighting outlets must not be controlled by automatic
a complete ESS. means only. Additional lighting outlets are not
required when the work space is illuminated by an
All ESS equipment, monitors, controls and other
adjacent light source. The location of luminaires must
components must be readily accessible.
not expose personnel to energized system components
Working spaces about the ESS must conform with when performing maintenance on the luminaires in
NEC Article 110. Measure working space from the the system space, or create a hazard to the system or
edge of ESS enclosures, modules, cabinets, racks, or system components upon failure of the luminaire.
trays. Pre-packaged self-contained ESSs are permitted
Provisions for ventilation that is appropriate to
to have working space between components within
the ESS technology must be made for sufficient
the system in accordance with the manufacturer’s
diffusion and ventilation of any possible gases within
recommendations and in accordance with the Listing
the system and from the system to prevent the
of the system. NOTE: Additional space is often needed
accumulation of an explosive mixture. Pre-packaged
to accommodate ESS equipment installation, such as
self-contained ESS are permitted ventilation within
hoisting equipment, component removal or installation,
the system and from the system in accordance
or spill containment.
with the manufacturer’s recommendations and in
Provide means to guard against exposure to accordance with the listing of the system. NOTE:
energized conductors of 100 Vdc or greater. For See NFPA 1 for ventilation considerations for specific
battery systems with a battery DC voltage greater battery chemistries. Keep in mind that some ESS
than 100V, means to reduce the bus voltage to technologies do not require ventilation.
segments of 100V DC nominal or less shall be
NOTE: Some manufacturers require that the
permitted. Where top terminal energized conductors
initial start-up of ESS be performed only under the
of ESS components that require maintenance, such
supervision of a factory-certified service technician
as batteries, are installed on tiered racks or on shelves
to ensure proper system operation. Failure to abide
within cabinets, provide working space between the
by this requirement may void warranties for the
highest point on an energized component and the
equipment.
row, rack, tier, shelf, or ceiling above that point in
accordance with the storage equipment manufacturer Energy Storage Systems must be labeled in
installation instructions. NOTE: Manufacturer accordance with the NEC to provide information
installation instructions typically define how much top necessary for qualified persons to perform an arc
working space is necessary for system components. flash risk assessment.
n 16
7.2 Inverters in accordance with NEC Article 230, provided

that the sum of the ratings of all overcurrent
Where multiple inverters are remotely located
devices connected to power production sources
from each other, provide a directory in accordance
does not exceed the rating of the service.
with NEC Article 705 located at each AC and
DC disconnecting means serving the ESS or • The outputs of ESS are permitted to be
its component parts and at the main service interconnected at a point or points elsewhere
disconnecting means indicating the location of on the premises where the system qualifies as
all disconnecting means associated with the ESS. an integrated electrical system and incorporates
NOTE: ESS are permitted to have multiple inverters. protective equipment in accordance with all
Additionally, multiple ESS are permitted to be applicable sections of NEC Article 685.
installed in or on a single building or structure. • The outputs of ESS are permitted to be
7.2.1 Interactive Systems interconnected at a point or points elsewhere on
the premises when the aggregate of non-utility
Inverters and AC modules installed on interactive sources of electricity has a capacity in excess of
systems and operating in parallel with other energy 100 kW or the service is above 1000 volts, when
sources must be listed and identified as interactive. the conditions of maintenance and supervision
ensure that qualified personnel service and
An inverter or an AC module connected to an operate the system, and when safeguards,
interactive ESS must automatically de-energize its documented procedures, and protective
output to the connected electrical production and equipment are established and maintained.
distribution network (utility grid) upon loss of voltage
in that system, and must remain off-line until the • The output of an ESS utility interactive inverter
electrical production and distribution network voltage is permitted to be connected to the load side of
has been restored. A normally interactive ESS is the service disconnecting means of the other
permitted to operate as a stand-alone system to supply source(s) at any distribution equipment on the
loads that have been disconnected from electrical premises. NOTE: For additional requirements
production and distribution network sources. for inverter systems, see Section 7.2.
Additional requirements apply to utility interactive
Single-phase inverters and AC modules for ESS inverters.
must not be connected to three-phase electric power
production systems unless the interconnected 7.3.1 Utility Interactive Inverters
system is designed to prevent significant unbalanced
voltages. Three-phase inverters and AC modules for The output of a listed utility interactive inverter
ESS must have all phases automatically de-energize for an ESS is permitted to be connected to the load
upon loss of or imbalance in voltage in one or more side of the service disconnecting means of the other
phases of the electric power production system source(s) at any distribution equipment on the
unless the interconnected system is designed to premises.
prevent significant unbalanced voltages.
Where distribution equipment, including switchgear,
switchboards, or panelboards, is fed simultaneously
7.3 Point of Common Coupling by a primary source(s) of electricity and one or
The point of connection between an ESS and electric more utility interactive inverters, and where this
power production sources must comply with the distribution equipment is capable of supplying
requirements of NEC Article 705, and the following: multiple branch circuits or feeders or both, the
interconnecting provisions for the utility interactive
• An ESS is permitted to be connected to the inverter(s) must comply with the NEC.
supply side of the service disconnecting means
17 n
The source interconnection of one or more inverters supply devices, excluding the rating of the
installed in one system must be made at a dedicated overcurrent device protecting the busbar. The
circuit breaker or fusible disconnecting means. rating of the overcurrent device protecting
the busbar must not exceed the rating of the
For inverter circuits, ampacity calculations for all busbar. Apply permanent warning signs or
feeders and buses must be based on 125% of the labels to distribution equipment in compliance
inverter output circuit current rating. In systems with NEC Article 110 with the following or
where inverter output connections are made at equivalent wording:
feeders, any load taps must be sized based on the
sum of 125% of the inverter(s) output circuit current WARNING: THIS EQUIPMENT FED
and the rating of the overcurrent device protecting BY MULTIPLE SOURCES. TOTAL
the feeder conductors as calculated in NEC Article RATING OF ALL OVERCURRENT
240. DEVICES, EXCLUDING MAIN SUPPLY
OVERCURRENT DEVICE, SHALL NOT
Busbar ratings of panelboards with inverter EXCEED AMPACITY OF BUSBAR.
connections must be determined using one of the • Connections are permitted on multiple
following methods: ampacity busbars, or center fed panelboards
• The ampacity of the busbar must not be less where designed under engineering supervision
than the sum of 125% of the inverter(s) output that include fault studies and busbar load
circuit current and the rating of the overcurrent calculations.
device protecting the busbar. NOTE: This Unless the panelboard is rated not less than the
assumes no limitation in the number of the loads sum of the ampere ratings of all overcurrent devices
or sources applied to a busbar or their locations. supplying it, a connection in a panelboard must
• Where two sources, one utility and the other be positioned at the opposite (load) end from the
an inverter, are located at opposite ends of a input feeder location or main circuit location. The
busbar that contains loads, the sum of 125% of bus or conductor rating must be sized for the loads
the inverter(s) output circuit current and the connected in accordance with NEC Article 220.
rating of the overcurrent device protecting the In systems with panelboards connected in series,
busbar must not exceed 120% the ampacity the rating of the first overcurrent device directly
of the busbar. The busbar must be sized for connected to the output of a utility-interactive
the loads connected in accordance with NEC inverter(s) must be used in the calculations for all
Article 220. Install permanent warning signs or busbars and conductors. Install permanent warning
labels that complies with NEC Article 110 to the signs or labels that comply with NEC Article 110
distribution equipment adjacent to the backfed to the distribution equipment with the following or
breaker from the inverter with the following or equivalent wording:
equivalent wording: WARNING: INVERTER OUTPUT
WARNING: INVERTER OUTPUT CONNECTION, DO NOT RELOCATE THIS
CONNECTION, DO NOT RELOCATE THIS OVERCURRENT DEVICE.
OVERCURRENT DEVICE Equipment containing overcurrent devices in circuits
NOTE: Equipment with multiple ampacity supplying power to a busbar or conductor supplied
busbars or center fed panelboards are not from multiple sources must be marked to indicate
addressed by this provision. the presence of all sources.
• The ampacity of busbars must not be less than Circuit breakers, if backfed, must be suitable for such
the sum of the ampere ratings of all overcurrent operation. NOTE: Fused disconnects, unless otherwise
devices on the panelboard, both load and marked, are suitable for backfeeding.
n 18
When listed plug-in-type circuit breakers are backfed conspicuous location near the ESS if a disconnecting
from utility-interactive inverters that are listed and means is not provided. The marking must be of
identified as interactive, it is permitted to omit the sufficient durability to withstand the environment
additional fastener normally required by NEC Article involved. Include the following information:
408 for such applications.
• Nominal ESS voltage.
Listed utility interactive inverter(s) that have a wire
• Maximum available short-circuit current
harness or cable output circuit, rated 240V, 30A or
derived from the ESS.
less, that is not installed within an enclosed raceway,
must be provided with listed AC AFCI protection. • Arc flash hazard.
• Date the arc flash hazard calculation was
7.4 ESS Disconnecting Means performed. NOTE: NFPA 70E provides guidance
For buildings or structures with both utility service for notification of arch flash hazard due to
and an ESS, install a permanent plaque or directory the prospective short circuit current and/or
at each disconnecting means that provides the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
location of the service disconnecting means and the Where a DC busway system is installed, the
ESS disconnecting means if not located at the same disconnecting means is permitted to be incorporated
location. Plaques and directories must comply with into the busway.
NEC Article 110.
Where an ESS has connections to multiple sources
Provide a disconnecting means for all ungrounded of power, provide a load disconnect to disconnect
conductors derived from an ESS with a nominal voltage all energy sources when the disconnect is in the OFF
over 100 volts (AC or DC). Disconnecting means must position.
be readily accessible and located within sight of the ESS.
Where energy storage device input and output
ESS operating at greater than 100 volts must have terminals are more than 1.5 m (5 ft) from connected
a disconnecting means, accessible only to qualified equipment, or where the circuits from these
persons, that disconnects the grounded circuit terminals pass through a wall or partition, the
conductor(s) in the electrical system for maintenance installation must comply with the following:
that does not disconnect the grounded circuit
conductor(s) from the remainder of any other energy • Provide a disconnecting means and overcurrent
system to which the ESS is connected. A non-load- protection at the energy storage device end
break-rated switch is permitted to be used as a of the circuit. Fused disconnecting means or
disconnecting means for this purpose. circuit breakers are permitted to be used for this
purpose.
Provide disconnecting means to prevent ESS voltage
• Where fused disconnecting means are used, the
from backfeeding to the rest of the system when
line terminals of the disconnecting means must
maintenance is being performed.
be connected toward the energy storage device
Where controls to activate the disconnecting means terminals.
of an ESS are not located within sight of the system, • Overcurrent devices or disconnecting means must
the disconnecting means must be capable of being not be installed in energy storage device enclosures
locked in the open position, in accordance with NEC where explosive atmospheres can exist.
Article 110, and the location of the controls must be
field marked on the disconnecting means. • A second disconnecting means located at the
connected equipment must be installed where
Disconnecting means must be legibly marked in the the required disconnecting means is not within
field. A label with the marking must be placed in a sight of the connected equipment.
19 n
• Where the energy storage device disconnecting racks, conductor sizing, and specific grounding
means is not within sight of the system AC requirements.
and DC disconnecting means, placards or
directories must be installed at the locations of Check phase, neutral, and grounding conductors
all disconnecting means indicating the location for proper sizing and configuration. Check phase
of all disconnecting means. rotation and phase matching of battery charge
controller, rectifier, and inverter input and
Provide disconnecting means to disconnect a fuse output feeder conductors. Derate the ampacity of
from all sources of supply if the fuse is energized conductors as required for the number of current-
from both directions (backfed). Provide means to carrying conductors within a raceway in accordance
disconnect any fuses associated with ESS equipment with the NEC. Derating of conductors should take
and components when the fuse is energized from into consideration the ambient design temperature as
both directions and is accessible to other than well. Install an equal number of positive and negative
qualified persons. Switches, pullouts, or similar conductors in each raceway of DC power circuits.
devices that are rated for the application are
permitted to serve as a means to disconnect fuses Check that interconnecting cables, terminals,
from all sources of supply. The disconnecting connections, screws, spades, and lugs are tightened
means must be within sight of, and accessible to, in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
the location of the fuse or integral with the fuse Provide lugs and terminals, as needed, in accordance
holder. Where the disconnecting means are located with manufacturer recommendations.
more than 1.8 m (6 ft) from the overcurrent device,
a directory showing the location of each disconnect ESS for dwellings must be configured to operate at a
must be installed at the overcurrent device location. voltage of 100 volts, nominal, or less, unless live parts
Non-load-break-rated disconnecting means must be are not accessible during routine ESS maintenance.
marked “Do not open under load.” Live parts of ESS for dwellings must be guarded to
prevent accidental contact by persons or objects.
Install a listed, current-limiting, overcurrent device
in each circuit adjacent to the ESS where the 7.5.1 Grounding Conductor Terminations
available short-circuit current from an energy storage
Conductor terminations shall be tightened in
device exceeds the interrupting or withstand ratings
accordance with 2017 NEC 110.14(D). When
of other equipment in the circuit, without respect to
installing wires in electrical equipment terminations
the voltage of the ESS.
in which the tightening torque is marked on the
Check that interconnecting cables, terminals, product or provided in the installation instructions,
connections, screws, spades, and lugs are tightened a calibrated torque tool must be used, unless an
in accordance with manufacturer recommendations alternate method for tightening is provided by the
and Section 7.5.1. equipment manufacturer’s installation instructions.
See 2016 NFPA 70B 8.11.1 recommendations for the
initial installation of conductor terminations.
7.5 Conductors, Raceways, Connections,
and Terminations After a conductor has been terminated, verifying
Install conductors, raceways, cables, links, the torque value with a calibrated torque tool at
connections, and terminations in accordance the specified torque value is not reliable. Reference
with manufacturer recommendations, contract 2016 NFPA 70B 8.11.2 to 8.11.4 recommendations
documents, and installation drawings. Refer to check conductor termination tightness after the
to construction documents, drawings and initial install. For verifying proper tightness after
specifications, and/or manufacturer shop drawings initial installation, use a low-resistance ohmmeter to
for raceway entry locations into cabinets or measure the connection and termination resistance
and compare to similar connections and terminations,
n 20
perform an infrared scan, or use a calibrated torque Determine conductor ampacity for ESS in
tool set at 90% of the specified torque value for a accordance with NEC Article 310.
conductor termination. If the screw or tool does
not move when using a calibrated torque tool, the Calculate maximum circuit current for specific
termination is considered properly torqued. If circuits in accordance with the following:
it moves, the conductor should be removed and
• Nameplate(s) rated circuit current is the
reinstalled properly. If there are signs of degradation
rated current indicated on the ESS nameplate
of the conductor/termination, such as thermal
or system listing when the system is a pre-
damage, the detrimental situation must be corrected.
packaged self-contained system or is a pre-
Battery post connections which are made of lead are a
engineered system of matched components
special case and should only be tightened for already
intended for field assembly as a system. The
installed conductors when resistance tests or infrared
rated circuit current for other systems is
scan indicates tightening is necessary. Follow the
determined by the system designer or installer
battery manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and
in accordance with acceptable engineering
torqueing. Reference NFPA 70B 8.11.5.
practice.
7.5.2 Grounding • The maximum output current of an inverter is
the inverter continuous output current rating.
Ground ESS in accordance with contract documents,
manufacturer recommendations, standard grounding • The maximum current of a standalone inverter
practices, and the NEC. NOTE: An improper or input circuit current is the continuous inverter
inadequate grounding configuration may cause input current rating when the inverter is
problems at start-up. Failure to properly ground ESS producing rated power at the lowest input
may deteriorate electrical insulation and may cause voltage.
electric shock due to leakage currents.
• The maximum DC to DC converter output
Ensure that the grounded conductor, or neutral, where current is the DC-to-DC converter continuous
installed, is properly bonded, keeping in mind that output current rating.
an ESS may be a separately derived source. Provide a The ampacity of feeder circuit conductors from ESS
separate, insulated equipment grounding conductor in to the wiring system serving the loads to be serviced
all feeder and branch raceways. Ground non-current- by the system must not be less than the greater of the
carrying ESS equipment, such as battery racks and nameplate rated circuit current or the rating of the
battery circuit breaker cabinets, to the feeder equipment ESS overcurrent protective device(s).
grounding conductor with a separate bonding jumper.
If interactive single-phase, 2-wire ESS outputs are
When an ESS system has an ungrounded storage connected to the grounded or neutral conductor and
battery system with voltage exceeding 100 volts a single ungrounded conductor of a 3-wire system
DC, a ground-fault detection system and indication or of a 3-phase, 4-wire, wye-connected system, the
within the storage system is required. Provide maximum unbalanced neutral load current plus the
ground-fault detection and indication for ESS battery ESS output rating must not exceed the ampacity of
systems where the storage battery operating voltage the grounded or neutral conductor.
is greater than 100 volts DC.
7.7 Overcurrent Protection
7.6 Conductor Sizing and Ampacity
Provide overcurrent protective devices for circuits,
NOTE: See Section 7.2 for additional requirements conductors, and equipment rated in accordance with
for inverter circuit connection, sizing, and ampacity NEC Article 240. Protect circuits from overcurrent
requirements. at the source end of the circuit. Provide overcurrent
21 n
protective device ratings of not less than 125% of the

maximum currents calculated.
Overcurrent devices, either fuses or circuit breakers,

used in any DC portion of an ESS must be rated,
listed, and labeled for use with direct current (DC),
and must have appropriate voltage, current, and
interrupt ratings. NOTE: Third-party tested values,
vendor listed values and label values are not always
consistent. Manufacturers rate their max current
higher than third party testing values. It is important
to validate required equipment qualification with the
appropriate design authority.
n 22
8. Battery Systems
8.1 General of the non-conductive cases. NOTE: This requirement

does not apply to any type of valve regulated lead-acid
For any battery systems to work properly, it must
(VRLA) battery or any other types of sealed batteries
be handled carefully and installed, operated, and
that require steel cases for proper operation.
maintained correctly. Neglecting fundamental
installation and maintenance requirements may Battery circuits must be provided with provision
lead to personal injury or death, as well as damage to disconnect series connected battery strings for
to electrical equipment or other property. All work maintenance by qualified persons to maximum
shall be performed in accordance with NFPA 70E, voltage levels as required in the NEC. Non-
Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, and load-break bolted or plug-in disconnects are not
applicable battery installation best practices. permitted for this purpose.
Provide means to prevent short circuit paths from Where ESS battery systems are rated more than 50
batteries to conductive surfaces. NOTE: One possible volts, nominal, the system is permitted to operate
short circuit path would be a leak of electrolyte to with ungrounded conductors, provided the following
a metal rack or shelf. Dry (and possibly invisible) conditions are met:
electrolyte traces can be conductive. Common short
circuit protection methods include non-conductive • Ungrounded ESS input and output conductors
and electrolyte-resistant coatings of racks, trays, or are provided with switched disconnects and
shelves, or the use of non-metallic construction, such overcurrent protection.
as composite or fiberglass material.
• AC and DC load circuits are solidly grounded.
Exercise extreme caution around battery systems. • Ground-fault detection and indication is
Hazards exist as an unavoidable characteristic installed to monitor the ESS for ground faults.
of chemical and electronic equipment. Hazards
associated with battery systems include multiple ESS enclosures, modules, cabinets, racks, and trays
energy sources, high voltage AC and DC electricity, are permitted to contact adjacent walls or structures,
corrosive liquids such as battery electrolyte, corrosive provided that battery shelves have a free air space
vapors from cracked or leaky batteries, fire and for not less than 90% of their length. For battery
explosion hazard from hydrogen gas generated during racks, provide a minimum clearance of 25 mm (1 in.)
the battery charging cycle, and hazardous fumes or between a cell container and any wall or structure on
vapors resulting from the products of combustion due the side not requiring access for maintenance.
to fire. Follow manufacturer’s safety instructions.
8.2 Battery System Safety
Flooded, vented, lead-acid batteries operating
at more than 50 volts, nominal, must not use NOTE: A battery is an independent source of stored
conductive cases or must not be installed in energy. Voltage is always present in each battery
conductive cases. Conductive racks used to support string. Opening the battery disconnecting means does
non-conductive cases are permitted where no rack not de-energize the voltage within the battery string
material is located within 150 mm (6 in.) of the tops itself. The potential for electrocution is greatest at the
battery terminals.
23 n
Follow manufacturer’s installation, service, and multi-cell container, to a pH of 5-9. In addition,

maintenance instruction and follow industry if working on a VLA or Ni-Cd installation w/ free
standards. In the rare instance that a conflict exists, flowing electrolyte, ensure that a fully operational eye
consult the manufacturer before proceeding. wash/shower station is accessible. Spill prevention,
abatement methods and equipment shall be in
NOTE: Battery voltages can cause injury and death accordance with IEEE Std. 1578 – Recommended
if contact is made between positive and negative Practice for Stationary Battery Spill Containment
terminals or conductors. Batteries connected in series and Management.
strings, and strings connected in parallel can have
high voltage and high current capacities. Contact of Batteries taken out of service shall be packaged,
eyes and mucus membranes with electrolyte can cause transported, and recycled in accordance with federal,
severe burns and blindness. During charging, batteries state and local codes.
can produce and/or emit a highly flammable mixture
of hydrogen and oxygen which can be explosive in Ensure that the battery room layout provides
high concentrations. sufficient aisle width to ensure safety while working
on batteries, to allow battery handling equipment
Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment access during installation and removal of the battery
(PPE) and established safety procedures when system, and no less than 1 m (36 in.) wide.
working on or near energized electrical equipment
or equipment that has not been de-energized, tested, Exercise care around moving parts of battery
grounded, and tagged in accordance with NFPA 70E. systems, such as pumps and cooling fans for flow
Personal protective equipment (PPE) required for battery systems.
working on battery systems is identified in NFPA
8.2.1 DC Power Electrical Safety
70E. Safety glasses or goggles shall always be worn
when working on batteries or energized electrical Ensure that equipment is in an electrically safe work
equipment. Conductive jewelry shall never be worn. condition. Disconnect all sources of AC and DC
NOTE: Other PPE typically includes, but is not power to equipment, including batteries, before
limited to, face shields, safety glasses with side shields opening any compartments. Follow lock-out/tag-
and splash protection, head protection appropriate out (LOTO) procedures. After compartments are
for environments with electrical hazards, insulated opened, test for the presence of voltage, ensure that
rubber gloves and sleeves suitable for the voltage class capacitors are properly discharged, and apply locks
of equipment present, acid- or alkali-resistant gloves, and tags in accordance with NFPA 70E and OSHA.
protective or impermeable aprons, acid- or alkali- Leave locks and tags in place until the work is
resistant boots or overshoes, among others. completed and the equipment is ready to be put into
service.
Use insulated hand tools when working on or
around batteries or other energized equipment. Use Adhere to the following practices when working
only properly rated tools for the energy present. around battery systems or other stored energy
Maintain tool inventories to ensure that all tools are devices to protect against electric shock or other
accounted for prior to energizing equipment. hazards:
Prior to work on a battery with free-flowing liquid • Do not place tools or metal objects on battery
electrolyte (such as vented lead-acid or vented cells, racks, tiers, or trays.
nickel-cadmium batteries), verify that a complete
spill clean-up kit appropriate for the hazard is • Use insulated tools to protect against shorting
located within the room. Sufficient neutralizing of cells.
agent shall be readily available to neutralize, at a • The level of PPE shall be based on a hazard
minimum, the total electrolyte in a single cell or analysis and risk assessment performed prior to
n 24
work on the battery, and shall be appropriate • Vented Lead-Acid (VLA), in which the
for the task to be completed. electrolyte is an aqueous solution of distilled
water and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in free-flowing
• Discharge static electricity from the body before
liquid form. The products of electrolysis and
touching cell terminal posts by first touching a
evaporation are allowed to escape into the
grounded surface in the vicinity of the batteries
atmosphere as they are generated. Common
but away from the cells and flame arrestors.
maintenance activities that could bring a
Disconnect the charging source prior to connecting worker into contact with electrolyte include
or disconnecting battery terminals. replenishment of water to the electrolyte,
measuring the temperature of pilot cells, and
Verify the battery grounding method prior to working withdrawal of small electrolyte samples to
on the battery system. Inspect batteries for inadvertent measure specific gravity. A spill can also occur
grounding during installation and maintenance. if a VLA battery is dropped or the cell casing is
Remove inadvertent grounds to reduce the likelihood otherwise damaged. In rare occasions, thermal
of shock. NOTE: Disconnecting battery ground runaway can cause a VLA battery to vent
connections shall only be performed in accordance with electrolyte mist.
the battery system manufacturer’s instructions.
• Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA), in which
8.2.2 Electrolyte the electrolyte is an aqueous solution of distilled
water and sulfuric acid that is immobilized by
Provide Code-compliant spill containment for battery the use of absorbent glass mats (AGM) or by a
systems. NOTE: Guidelines for the design of electrolyte gelling agent that makes the electrolyte a high-
spill protection and response to electrolyte spills can viscosity, tar-like substance. VRLA batteries are
be found in IEEE 1578, Recommended Practice for sealed to prevent the escape of electrolyte and
Stationary Battery Electrolyte Spill Containment are designated “non-spillable.” VRLA batteries
and Management. Guidelines for personal protective do not normally expose a worker to electrolyte.
equipment around batteries can be found in the Failure modes that could bring a worker into
manufacturers’ safety data sheets, in IEEE standards contact with electrolyte include handling
applicable to the battery technology, or in NFPA 70E, of batteries that have been overfilled at the
Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. factory, have developed leaks over time, or have
Wear personal protective equipment, including eye experienced thermal runaway.
and skin protection, when performing tasks that • Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), in which the
potentially expose a worker to electrolyte. Electrolyte electrolyte is an aqueous solution of distilled
in contact with the eyes or mucus membranes can water and potassium hydroxide (KOH) in a
cause severe burns or blindness. If electrolyte comes free-flowing liquid form. Lithium hydroxide
in contact with eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the is sometimes added to the battery. Common
affected area immediately with copious amounts of maintenance activities that could bring a
water, and immediately obtain medical assistance. worker into contact with electrolyte include
If electrolyte comes in contact with the skin, wash replenishment of water to electrolyte, and
thoroughly with soap and water. NOTE: Electrolyte measurement of specific gravity or temperature
in contact with the skin can cause an allergic reaction in pilot-cells. A spill can occur if a NiCd battery
in susceptible individuals. Refer to battery safety is dropped or the cell casing is otherwise
data sheets shipped with the system for additional damaged.
information.
• Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), Lithium-ion electrolyte
All batteries have electrolyte, but electrolyte is not a can be in liquid form, gel-polymer form, or
hazard in all batteries. The most common batteries solid form depending on the type of lithium-ion
used in energy storage applications are: cell. Lithium-ion electrolytes are non-aqueous
25 n
(containing no water) and are complex mixes of can cause damage to the cell container. A common
organic solvents, salts, and other components. neutralizer for lead-acid electrolyte to neutralize
These solvents are generally flammable and can an acid spill on clothing or other materials is a
be ignited by internal cell short-circuits caused bicarbonate of soda solution in a concentration of
by manufacturing defects or penetration or one pound per gallon of water. Apply neutralizing
damage to the cell. Any emission of electrolyte solution to the electrolyte spill until bubbling stops,
should be considered a precursor to a potential and then rinse with clear water.
fire and the cell or batteries should be isolated
from other flammable materials and lithium- For flowing electrolyte battery systems, provide
ion cells in a safe fashion. Do not use water to pumps and other fluid handling equipment that are
attempt to put out a lithium-ion battery fire. rated and suitable for exposure to the electrolytes.
Use approved fire extinguishers for lithium-ion Identify electrolytes that are acceptable for use in
batteries. Large format lithium-ion batteries are the batteries associated with the ESS by name and
suitable for utility-scale energy storage. by chemical composition. Provide identification by
readily discernable signage adjacent to every location
• Iron Chromium (ICB) flow battery system in in the system where electrolyte can be removed or put
which the electrolyte is an aqueous solution. As into the system. Provide electrolyte spill containment
with any flow battery, a leak or spill can occur for flowing electrolyte battery systems to prevent spills
at a pump or pipe coupling or fitting, or if a of electrolyte from the system, and provide an alarm
storage tank or container is damaged. system to signal an electrolyte leak from the system.
• Vanadium Redox (RFB), flow battery system in Locate and route electrical wiring and connections in
which the electrolyte is an aqueous solution. As a manner that mitigates the potential for exposure to
with any flow battery, a leak or spill can occur electrolytes. Provide flow controls to shut down the
at a pump or pipe coupling or fitting, or if a electrolyte pumping system in the event of a blockage,
storage container is damaged such as from a malfunctioning pump or valve.
• Zinc Bromide (ZnBr), flow battery system in 8.2.3 Hydrogen Gas
which the electrolyte is an aqueous solution.
Bromine is a highly toxic material through NOTE: As batteries charge, hydrogen, which is a
inhalation and absorption. As with any flow colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is non-toxic
battery, a leak or spill can occur at a pump or under normal conditions, may be released. Hydrogen is
pipe coupling or fitting, or if a storage container the smallest, the lightest, and one of the most common
is damaged molecules in the known universe. Hydrogen diffuses
rapidly with the slightest amount of air movement.
Use only distilled or de-ionized water when Hydrogen is extremely difficult to contain, and is small
necessary to restore electrolyte levels in vented enough to pass through concrete blocks. Hydrogen will
batteries. Exercise the utmost caution to avoid always tend to rise to the highest level of a confined
spilling electrolyte. Ensure container carrying space; rising two times faster than helium and six
distilled or de-ionized water has never carried times faster than natural gas. Hydrogen is a severe fire
any other material or type of liquid to prevent hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizer, and
contamination of the liquid. Add water to electrolyte. can become explosive in high enough concentrations.
Do not add acid to water. If Specific Gravity is lower The flammability range for hydrogen is very wide, with
than the recommended range at full State of Charge a lower flammability limit of 4.1% by volume and an
(SOC) (which should be a rare occurrence), consult upper limit of 74.2%.
manufacturer for instructions to bring SOC back to
an acceptable range. Verify that battery rooms and compartments
with lead-acid batteries are adequately ventilated
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to neutralize to prevent hydrogen gas concentrations from
an electrolyte leak or spill. NOTE: Some chemicals
n 26
exceeding levels specified in local codes. NOTE: layout, rack footprint, frame locations, and anchor
Fire codes typically stipulate a 1% concentration bolt locations on the battery room floor. Drill holes
by volume of the space. Gassing rates are affected for the anchor bolts.
by temperature, air pressure, battery construction,
and the amount of charge current passing through Install battery racks, level and plumb. Attach cross
cells. Not all gas generated in a battery escapes to the braces to the frames and hand-tighten bolts and nuts.
atmosphere. Calculations for hydrogen ventilation Attach the support rail assembly to the frame and
must be performed by a qualified person based upon hand-tighten bolts and nuts.
data provided by the battery manufacturer for the
Ensure that frames are level and plumb. Starting
battery under specified conditions. Keep in mind that
with the cross braces, tighten all bolts and nuts to the
additional ventilation may be required during the
manufacturer’s specified torque values. For seismic
activation charging cycle or other charging regimens.
racks, position the rear restraining rails and tighten
Open flames, sparks, hot plates, smoking, or any bolts and nuts. Install front and end restraining rails
other ignition sources are prohibited near batteries, after placing the battery cells on the racks.
gas ventilation paths, or anywhere that hydrogen can
Secure the battery rack assembly to the floor with
accumulate. Additionally, discharge static electricity
appropriate anchors and fasteners. Install plastic rail
from the body before touching batteries by first
covers over metal rails prior to installing batteries.
touching a grounded metal surface.
8.4 General Installation Requirements

8.3 Open Rack Battery Systems
Ensure that the room and area around the battery
Review the layout drawings provided with the battery
system is kept clean during installation. Protect
system for rack arrangement, cell arrangement,
battery system equipment, components, and
and connections prior to installation. Coordinate
batteries from physical damage, moisture, dust,
battery rack installation with the installation of spill
and contamination. Take particular care to prevent
containment systems and components. NOTE: Spill
metallic or other electrically conductive dust particles
containment may not be required for all installations
from being drawn into equipment air inlets or vents.
or for certain battery technologies.
Check that complete, appropriate, and properly sized
Install battery racks in accordance with contract
overcurrent protective equipment is provided. Check
documents, NEC requirements, and manufacturer’s
that battery systems are protected from voltage
rack drawings.
transients due to lightning.
Consider the battery cable lengths and termination
Install remote monitoring panels, relay interface
points. Ideally, align battery cells such that the first
modules, and supervisory contact modules, when
and last batteries in a string are located at the same
required, in accordance with manufacturer’s
end of the rack.
instructions. Ensure that the battery system is in an
Install battery racks in a safe location for electrically safe work condition and that all sources
maintenance and away from radiant heat sources. of power are disconnected or otherwise isolated
Do not place batteries on racks until the racks are before connecting monitoring or control devices.
completely assembled with the braces installed,
Prior to installation, check that battery types
secured to the floor with anchor bolts, and all bolts
are compatible with battery charge controllers,
are tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended
rectifiers, and inverters. Consult manufacturers for
torque values.
recommendations.
Refer to the manufacturer’s assembly instructions
and drawings prior to assembly. Mark the rack
27 n
8.4.1 Unpacking Battery System Equipment Install batteries in the center of the row and work
and Components out towards the ends. On multiple-tier racks, install
batteries on the lowest tier first, working towards
Unpack battery system equipment and components the top. Carefully adjust batteries into their final
in close proximity to the installation location position. Arrange batteries so that the positive
leaving sufficient room for assembling and moving terminal can be connected to the negative terminal
equipment into place. Inspect cabinets, components of the next battery, observing polarity markings
and equipment and immediately report damage or on the battery (positive (+), and negative (-)).
abnormalities to the manufacturer in writing. Space batteries approximately 12 mm (one-half-
inch) apart, or in accordance with manufacturer’s
Retain all small articles during unpacking and
instructions. Do not adjust the battery rack with
installation.
batteries installed. WARNING: Use of lubricants to
Ensure that exterior paint of enclosures, cabinets, aid in sliding batteries into position on a rack can
and racks is not scratched or marred, and is not cause serious damage to the bottom of the container.
damaged when removing components, tools, and Check with the manufacturer before using any
parts. lubricant to aid in this process.
Properly dispose of or recycle packing materials. Ensure that battery flame arresters are installed
before making battery connections. Use
manufacturer recommended flexible cables for all
8.5 Installing Batteries
inter-rack and inter-tier connections, if required.
Prior to installing batteries, ensure that rack Ensure that battery cables have a long bending radius
installation is complete, that racks are level and to avoid excessive stress at terminations. Support
plumb, with all cross braces in place, and that large cables and multiple cables in parallel to prevent
all hardware is tightened to the manufacturer’s stress at battery terminals that could damage seals
recommended torque values. and cause leaking. Ensure that cables from the
battery charge controller to the batteries are sized for
Use lifting belts or slings and spreaders when lifting a maximum total voltage drop of 1% of the nominal
battery cells with mechanical equipment such as a DC link voltage at maximum current (minimum DC
crane or hoist. Lift batteries from the bottom. Do not operating voltage).
lift batteries by the terminal posts. Position battery
cells such that hydrometer tubes are located on the Clean battery cell contact surfaces, apply non-
aisle side of each cell. oxidizing grease, if applicable, and connect cells in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Do not tilt batteries more than 10o from vertical and rack drawings, mounting information, and
during handling to prevent cabinets from tipping charging instructions. Heat non-oxidizing grease in
over. Ensure that batteries do not tilt or swing during accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, and
handling. apply only on contact surfaces. Do not remove lead
plating of battery terminals, if so equipped. Do not
Arrange batteries such that the cells at the end
use steel or wire brushes or other abrasive tools or
of tiered or stepped racks have short cable
materials in preparing connections. Wipe excess
runs between tiers or steps. NOTE: The battery
non-oxidizing grease from battery covers.
manufacturer typically supplies the inter-tier cables
for inter-cell connections. Inter-tier connections are Do not make inter-tier connections of batteries until
typically manufacturer-supplied, but sometimes the final steps in making battery connections to
require fabrication on site. Failure to follow the avoid working with high voltages. Connect battery
manufacturer’s layout drawing may result in some conductors to the battery disconnecting means
cables being too short for making final connections. before making final connections to the batteries.
n 28
Verify that the hardware is correct for the Support electrical connections to batteries and cables
battery type and tighten battery connections to between cells on separate levels or racks such that
manufacturer’s recommended torque values using an cables do not put mechanical strain on the battery
insulated torque wrench and an insulated open-end terminals. Use terminal plates where practicable.
wrench in counter-torque. After torquing all cells NOTE: Conductors are commonly pre-stressed. Refer
in the battery and prior to connecting the batteries to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.
to a charge controller, recheck the torque of all Fine stranded cables, such as welding wire or diesel
connections and immediately check the voltage of locomotive cable, are generally preferred for battery
the battery string. connections due to their flexibility.
Total battery voltage should equal the open circuit Flexible cables, as identified in Article 400, in sizes
voltage of an individual cell multiplied by the 2/0 AWG and larger are permitted within the
number of cells in series, considering the specific battery enclosure from battery terminals to a nearby
gravity of the batteries. For lower than expected junction box where they are connected using an
battery string voltage, check the accuracy of the approved wiring method. Flexible battery cables are
voltmeter and check for one or more batteries also permitted between batteries and cells within
connected with reverse polarity. Charging reverse- battery enclosures. Such cables must be listed for
connected batteries will cause irreparable damage. hard-service use and identified as moisture resistant.
Correct battery polarity and recheck battery string Flexible, fine-stranded cables must only be used with
voltage. Do not over-torque battery terminals, which terminals, lugs, devices, or connectors in accordance
can distort lead posts and permanently damage the with NEC Article 110.
cells. Follow battery manufacturer’s instructions
for how to measure the tightness of terminal post 8.7 Charge Control
connections. Refer to 7.5.1 and NFPA 70B 8.11.5 for
recommended practices. Terminal posts made of lead Provide equipment to control the battery charging
can degrade and be damaged by frequent tightening. process. Charge control is not required where the
Resistance readings and infrared scans are two ESS has independent, integrated charge control
practices to determine whether terminal posts need capabilities. In such systems, the maximum
tightening. voltage of the charging source must not exceed the
maximum voltage nameplate rating of the ESS. All
adjustable means for control of the charging process
8.6 Battery System Conductors must be accessible only to qualified persons. NOTE:
The ampacity of field-assembled intercell and inter- Certain types of energy storage equipment such as
tier connectors and conductors must be of such valve-regulated lead acid or nickel cadmium can
cross-sectional area that the temperature rise under experience thermal failure when overcharged.
maximum load conditions and at maximum ambient
temperature does not exceed the safe operating Provide a means to prevent overcharging ESS battery
temperature of the conductor insulation or of the systems. When using a diversion charge controller,
material of the conductor supports. NOTE: IEEE provide a second, independent means to prevent
1375, Guide for the Protection of Stationary Battery overcharging. ESSs containing a DC diversion charge
Systems, provides guidance for overcurrent protection controller and a DC diversion load must comply
and associated cable sizing. Conductors sized in with the following:
accordance with NEC Article 300 to prevent a voltage
• The voltage rating of the diversion load must
drop exceeding 3% of maximum anticipated load, and
be greater than the maximum ESS voltage. The
where the maximum total voltage drop to the furthest
power rating of the diversion load must be at
point of connection does not exceed 5%, may not be
least 150% of the power rating of the charging
appropriate for all battery applications.
source.
29 n
• Conductor ampacity and the rating of the air ventilation has been provided. See IEEE 1635 for
overcurrent device for the diversion load circuit guidance.
must be at least 150% of the maximum current
rating of the diversion charge controller. Install all plastic covers, insulating barriers, and
access covers, and close all enclosure and cabinet
• ESSs using utility-interactive inverters to control doors.
energy storage state-of-charge by diverting
excess power into the utility system must have Where installed, set adjustable-trip circuit breakers
a second, independent means of controlling the in accordance with the short circuit and coordination
ESS charging process for use when the utility study, if provided.
is not present or when the primary charge
controller fails or is disabled. Install any manufacturer-provided numbering,
maintenance, operating and warning labels. Contact
When charge controllers and other DC power the manufacturer for recommendations for missing
converters (that increase or decrease the output or illegible labels.
current or output voltage with respect to the input
current or input voltage) are installed:
8.9 Start-Up and Commissioning
• The ampacity of the conductors in output Follow contract documents and manufacturer
circuits must be based on the maximum rated recommendations and instructions for energizing,
continuous output current of the charge testing, and commissioning battery systems. In the
controller or converter for the selected output absence of specific commissioning instructions,
voltage range, and commission battery systems in accordance with the
• The voltage rating of the output circuits must applicable requirements in NECA 90.
be based on the maximum voltage output of the
charge controller or converter for the selected Energize the battery system in accordance with the
output voltage range. manufacturer’s instructions.
8.9.1 Inspecting Batteries

8.8 Final Cleaning and Adjustments
Inspect battery system equipment, components, and Charge and operate batteries in accordance with
surrounding areas for damage, dirt, dust, debris, and manufacturer recommendations and instructions.
foreign objects. Remove debris and vacuum battery Check DC power, control power, and battery
room floors, and enclosures and cabinets, both inside connections including cell-to-cell, tier-to-tier,
and outside. Clean equipment inside and out. Wipe rack-to-rack, and charge controller to battery
down the exterior of enclosures and cabinets with a module connections, for correct polarity. Check
clean, damp cloth. Ensure that air vents are clear and the polarities of battery connections to be sure that
that vent filters are clean. connections are correct. Connect the battery string
Refinish any scratches or abrasions using to the charging source with the charging source
manufacturer recommended primer and touch-up de-energized. Torque battery rack connections to
paint. Clean the area to be touched up to remove manufacturer recommendations.
all dirt, oil, and grease. Sand the area to remove Inspect battery racks and insulating covers for
any trace of rust that may be present, feathering the physical damage, loose connections, cracking,
edges. Apply primer and paint in accordance with dielectric leaks, dirt, corrosion, and seismic parts and
manufacturer recommendations. spacers.
Check HVAC equipment operation in battery rooms. Check battery containers, jars, cans, pouches, and
For VLA or Ni-Cd installations, ensure adequate covers for cracking, distortion, dielectric leaks, dirt,
n 30
and corrosion. Inspect jar and post seals. Check no loose or broken connections, and/or burned
electrolyte levels, if applicable. insulation. Check for liquid contamination (battery
electrolyte, oil from capacitors). De-energize
Check vented lead-acid batteries and vented Nickel- equipment and make corrections or repairs for any
Cadmium batteries for clogged flame arresters. abnormal operating conditions in accordance with
manufacturer recommendations.
Inspect vented lead-acid battery cells, and check
plates for cracks, sulfate, and hydration. Also, check Close the source circuit breaker to energize the input
for excess sediment at the bottom of the cells, slag feeder to the battery charge controller. Verify the
or other fabrication defects that could cause shorts voltage and phasing at the primary terminals of the
within the cell. input circuit breaker.
Measure the resistance at each battery cell with a cell With the battery circuit breaker open, close the
resistance tester, and across all DC connections with battery charge controller input circuit breaker. Check
a digital low-resistance ohmmeter. Investigate and the rectifier/battery charge controller input voltage,
correct DC connection measurements that deviate output voltage and polarity, and battery voltage and
from other readings by 50% or more. Investigate polarity.
cells with an internal resistance that deviates by 25%
or more from identical cells in a fully charged state. Check all lamps using the “lamp test” feature,
Replace defective cells. and check all meters for proper operation. Verify
that the disturbance monitor is operable, if so
8.9.2 Energizing Equipment equipped. Check that all remote monitoring and
control panels are operating properly, if installed.
Prior to energizing, verify that all circuit breakers
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for
and other overcurrent protective devices are open,
troubleshooting and repairing malfunctions.
and that all switches and controls are in the OFF
position. It is highly recommended that all testing and
measurements taken be documented for review and
Energize battery systems sequentially from the source
benchmark criteria.
toward the load. Check the battery charge controller
control panel screen to confirm each operation, 8.9.3 Initial Battery Charging and Testing
such as closing a circuit breaker or checking voltage
magnitude, if applicable. Check control functions, Close the battery circuit breaker, and measure and
interlocks, and alarms for proper operation as record the battery charging voltage and current.
components are energized. Check voltage, current,
and phasing as components are energized. Allow the battery charge controller to run until the
batteries are fully charged. Record the time. Measure
Energize and test battery systems in accordance and record the battery float voltage and current and
with contract documents and manufacturer rectifier/battery charge controller output voltage and
recommendations. Verify that alternate sources current as directed by the manufacturer’s installation
of power have the same voltage magnitude and and operations manual.
phase rotation as normal sources. See NECA 90 for
additional guidance. After charging, check batteries for signs of vibration,
and check vented lead-acid batteries for signs of
Inspect all equipment that are a part of the energy excessive gassing.
storage system for evidence of overheating and
evidence of physical damage, including warn Load and test battery systems in accordance with
insulation and corrosion, at each step during contract requirements and in accordance with
energization. Inspect terminals to ensure there are manufacturer instructions.
31 n
8.9.4 Final Adjustments
Add distilled or de-ionized water to lead-acid or

vented Ni-Cd cells for dry cells. If cells were pre-
filled, make sure the electrolyte is filled to the
correct level of electrolyte per the manufacturer’s
recommended guidelines at least 72 hours after the
cell has finished equalizing. If there is a question
regarding the state of charge or voltages do not read
correctly, provide any freshening, initial, or equalize
charge in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Check that battery connections are properly torqued

to manufacturer’s specifications. Measure and record
the cell-to-cell and terminal connection resistance.
Remake connections having a resistance of more
than 50% above the average.
Remove and dispose of empty, partially full, and

excess acid drums, including shipping containers,
and obsolete batteries, in accordance with local laws
and regulations regarding disposal of hazardous
material. Do not dispose of batteries in a fire.
It does not hurt to recheck all electrical connections

by measuring the voltage drop across all connections
under load. If an infrared scanning device is
available, scanning the connections under load and
recording the infrared scans for documentation
purposes is certainly advantageous.
Energize battery charge controllers and place

in normal operation. Check and adjust voltage
output and frequency according to manufacturer’s
specifications. Program adjustable settings in
accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
and owner’s specifications.
n 32
9. Flywheels
9.1 General operation. Improper removal of any electronic

component may cause severe damage to the flywheel.
Install flywheel systems in accordance with
contract documents, drawings and specifications, Ensure that areas around flywheels are kept clean
manufacturer’s instructions, and applicable national, and free from puddles of water, excess moisture, and
state, and local electrical codes. debris.
Exercise extreme caution around flywheels. Hazards Do not loosen or tamper with vacuum components
exist as an unavoidable characteristic of mechanical and fittings.
and electronic equipment. Hazards associated with
flywheel systems include multiple sources of both AC
and DC electricity, stored energy (capacitor banks,
9.2 Handling and Storing Flywheels
batteries), and mechanical and rotational energy. Handle flywheels carefully to avoid equipment
Follow manufacturer’s safety instructions. Expect damage or injury to personnel. NOTE: Flywheels
hazardous voltages in all interconnecting components have sensitive electronic and mechanical components
and lines. Test equipment and components using a that have been factory-calibrated prior to shipment.
suitably-rated voltmeter to ensure that components Rough handling can compromise the calibration of
are de-energized before making contact. mechanical components and can potentially cause
permanent damage.
Some internal flywheel components within
cabinets operate ungrounded. Any contact between Maintain flywheels in an upright position. Do not tilt
ungrounded circuits and ground presents a lethal the Flywheel more than 15 degrees from vertical.
shock hazard. Exercise extreme caution when entering
flywheel enclosures during flywheel operation. Ensure Use care when removing banding straps and metal
that rubber mats are available prior to performing any mounting brackets from flywheels. NOTE: Banding
service or maintenance on flywheels. During flywheel straps are under tension and may snap violently,
operation, both the operator and any test equipment causing injury. Wear proper eye and foot protection
must be isolated from direct contact with any when unpacking and installing flywheels and
grounded surface and the flywheel chassis or frame components.
using rubber mats. Service personnel should wear
Ensure that floors can support the weight of the
insulating shoes for isolation from direct contact with
flywheel, packaging, and handling equipment prior
grounded surfaces when performing maintenance.
to transporting.
Flywheels and components may be sensitive to
Flywheel may be moved a short distance using
electrostatic discharge. Discharge static electricity from
build-in casters, if so equipped. Move flywheels
the body before touching flywheels or components by
longer distances using a forklift or similar equipment
first touching a grounded metal surface.
to reduce vibration during handling. Ensure that
Do not remove plug-in printed circuit boards forklift forks extend the full depth of the cabinet to
or other electronic components during flywheel properly support the equipment. Test lift and balance
flywheel cabinets and equipment before transporting.
33 n
Avoid rough handling when picking up, moving and 9.4 Conductors, Raceways, Connections,
lowering flywheels. and Terminations
Preferably, install flywheels in their final (permanent) Provide conductors of the types and ratings
location upon delivery. Alternatively, store flywheels recommended by the manufacturer. Install flywheel
indoors with a temperature range from -20°C to conductors in separate, grounded, metal raceways to
80°C (-4°F to 176°F) with humidity no higher than prevent control signal interference.
95% (non-condensing).
Do not cut raceway entry holes with access plates
installed in flywheel cabinets. Remove access plates
9.3 Site Preparation prior to cutting entry holes in them. Remove debris
NOTE: Historically, flywheels were located below and foreign material, metal shavings, and insulation
grade as a means of mitigating energy and fragments or wire fragments from inside flywheel cabinets. Seal
released during catastrophic mechanical failure of the entry holes into cabinets to prevent foreign materials
flywheel itself. Current flywheel system designs include or rodents from entering.
provisions to contain a catastrophic mechanical
failure of the flywheel. Route cables to cabinets in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions. Route cables to cabinets before bolting
Provide access and clearances as required by the cabinets together. Route conductors within enclosures in
NEC and in accordance with manufacturer’s accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
instructions. NOTE: Flywheels generally pull air
through the front of the cabinet and exhaust waste Ground the flywheel, cabinet and chassis, to the
heat out of the top of the cabinet. Provide air filters for feeder equipment grounding conductor. Ensure that
flywheels located in a dusty environment. the equipment grounding conductor for flywheels
is as short as is possible. Verify ground continuity
Locate flywheel systems in a clean, dust-free using a multimeter.
environment with sufficient air circulation around
the cabinet(s). Do not locate flywheels in direct Provide both primary and backup AC control
sunlight or near other heat sources. power circuits to the magnetic (levitation) bearing
circuit to protect the flywheel’s mechanical ceramic
Provide ventilation, and air conditioning if needed, touchdown bearing from the loss of the primary AC
to maintain an operating temperature range of -20°C magnetic bearing power supply, if applicable.
to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F) and humidity below 95%
(non-condensing). Do not exceed a humidity of 95% 9.5 Start-Up and Commissioning
(non-condensing). NOTE: The minimum start-up
temperature for flywheels is 0°C (32°F). Once the Start-up and commission flywheels in accordance
unit has been operating for a period of time, internal with manufacturer instructions.
losses permit the flywheel to operate in ambient 9.5.1 Inspecting Flywheels
temperatures as low -20°C (-4°F).
Perform a visual inspection of flywheels. Check
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting for signs of damage. Repair damage in accordance
and anchoring flywheels on concrete, block, brick, or with manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect cabinets
wood floors. for debris and foreign objects. Clean cabinets
and remove debris. Inspect air filters for dirt and
Locate the flywheel as close as practical to its power
contamination. Replace dirty or contaminated air
source and size DC power cables between the
filters. Verify that all printed circuit boards are
flywheel and its power source for a maximum voltage
configured properly. Configure circuit boards in
drop of 2 volts at rated power.
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
n 34
Perform a mechanical inspection of flywheels. Upon start-up, verify that the flywheel reaches
Check conductor connections and terminations for maximum state of rotational charge without failure.
tightness. Verify that the flywheel cabinet is attached
to the mounting surface. Check all mounting Upon successful start-up, perform the following
hardware for tightness. Check all cooling pump flywheel discharge tests in accordance with contract
connections, if applicable. Check for coolant leaks in documents, drawings and specifications, and in
and around the flywheel. Tighten connections and accordance with manufacturer’s instructions:
hardware to manufacturer’s recommended torque
• Partial Discharge Test: Disconnect input power
and recommendations for electrical connections in
to the flywheel and confirm that the flywheel
Section 7.5.1.
properly discharges to supply power to the ESS.
Perform an electrical inspection of flywheels. Check Re-apply the input power while the flywheel is
fuses for continuity. Verify proper DC bus voltage still supplying power to the ESS, and confirm
prior to energizing flywheels. Verify that ground that the flywheel begins to recharge based on
conductors are properly sized and connected. Ensure the walk-in time programmed for the system.
that all grounds are secure and free of corrosion. Verify that the flywheel returns to a 100% state
of rotational charge.
Ensure that all tools have been removed, and ensure
• Complete Discharge Test: Disconnect input
that flywheel cabinet cover plates and panels are
power to the flywheel and allow the load to
installed.
discharge the flywheel to a zero state of charge.
9.5.2 Energizing Equipment Confirm that the flywheel disconnects properly
from the ESS. Re-apply input power and, as
Energize flywheel systems in accordance with necessary, restart the flywheel. Verify that the
manufacturer’s instructions. Once AC control flywheel returns to a 100% state of rotational
voltage is applied, the flywheel control panel will charge.
boot up, begin illuminating after a few seconds, and
9.5.4 Final Adjustments
then display a series of boot up protocols.
Adjust flywheel control parameters for multiple
NOTE: Some manufacturers require that the initial start- flywheels connected for parallel operation.
up of flywheels be performed only under the supervision
of a factory-certified service technician to ensure proper For flywheels operated in parallel with battery
system operation. Failure to abide by these instructions systems, adjust the flywheel control parameters for
may void warranties for the equipment. the specific type of batteries installed. Consult the
flywheel manufacturer for recommendations for
Program the system control parameters at initial control software parameters for this application.
system startup in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions. Verify that control parameters are For flywheels operated on a UPS system, adjust the
correct. Do not attempt to run the system unless UPS rectifier walk-in time to as low a value as is
the system loads valid parameters. Adjust control possible. Consult the UPS manufacturer for a possible
parameter values in accordance with manufacturer’s upgrade that permits setting the rectifier walk-in time
instructions, if needed. lower than standard. Additionally, ensure that any
auto-battery self-test has been disabled or upgraded to
Run pumps and fans for several minutes to ensure accommodate flywheel operation.
proper operation.
9.5.3 Initial Flywheels Startup and Testing
Follow the on-screen instructions for starting and

charging the flywheel.
35 n
10. Ultra-Capacitors
10.1 General than one year, 35°C (95°F) over 24 hours, or 40°C
(104°F) for more than one hour. NOTE: Operation
Install ultra-capacitors in accordance with
at an ambient temperature higher than 55°C (131°F)
contract documents, drawings and specifications,
will shorten ultra-capacitor service life.
manufacturer’s instructions, and applicable national,
state, and local electrical codes.
10.3 Setting Equipment in Place
Check each ultra-capacitor tank and bushing for
Install ultra-capacitors in accordance with
signs of rough handling or damage in transit. If an
manufacturer’s instructions. Install indoor ultra-
ultra- capacitor shows signs of damage, notify the
capacitors on a firm mounting surface or foundation,
shipper and manufacturer immediately in writing.
or wall-mounted on a rigid rack, plate, or frame in a
Do not install damaged ultra-capacitors.
well-ventilated location.
Ensure that ultra-capacitors are rated for the
When necessary, hoist ultra-capacitors using the
appropriate system voltage and configuration, such
ultra-capacitor’s hanger brackets. NOTE: Some
as ultra-capacitors connected on delta systems
ultra-capacitors are housed in hermetically sealed
(line-to-line connection) are rated for line-to-line
tanks. Do not drop, jar, or otherwise handle an
system voltage, and ultra-capacitors connected on
ultra- capacitor in a manner that might damage the
wye systems (line-to-neutral connection) are rated
hermetic seal.
for line-to-neutral system voltage. Ensure that the
system voltage does not exceed 110% of the ultra- • Do not use a bushing as a handle when lifting or
capacitor nameplate rated voltage. moving ultra-capacitors.
Store ultra-capacitors indoors, in a dry, dust- • Do not use the hanger brackets of the ultra-
free, non-corrosive environment, protected from capacitor when lifting a complete assembly.
vibration and impacts, with a temperature range of • Do not step on an installed ultra-capacitor or
-40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F). bushings.
Dispose of ultra-capacitors in accordance with all Install ultra-capacitors to ensure free air circulation
applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations. around each ultra-capacitor and to prevent heat
transfer from adjacent equipment. Place devices
10.2 Installation Requirements and components with high heat dissipation above
ultra-capacitors. When used in conjunction with
Ensure that outdoor ultra-capacitor operating ultra-capacitors, locate reactors in cubicles such
ambient temperature range is –50°C to 55°C (–58°F that reactors do not radiate heat directly on ultra-
to 131°F). Ensure that the maximum air temperature capacitors. Install a thermal barrier to protect ultra-
does not exceed 35°C (95°F) for more than one year, capacitors from sources of heat, such as reactors.
45°C (113°F) over 24 hours, or 55°C (131°F) for
more than one hour. For ultra-capacitors installed Maintain the manufacturer-recommended minimum
indoors in a cubicle, ensure that the average room clearance between installed ultra-capacitors. Ensure
temperature does not exceed 25°C (77°F) for more that air vents and ducts are not blocked and that
n 36
air flows freely by natural convection from the Prior to energizing ultra-capacitors, verify that
bottom to the top of the ultra-capacitor enclosure, electrical connections are made in accordance
if applicable. Do not install ultra-capacitors upside with manufacturer’s instructions, and are torqued
down. to manufacturer-recommended specifications.
Compare ultra-capacitor nameplate with the
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations nominal operating voltage and system configuration.
for forced cooling of ultra-capacitors. Provide Verify that fuses are properly sized in accordance
overtemperature protection for ultra-capacitors with with manufacturer’s instructions. Verify proper
forced-air cooling to prevent overtemperature of grounding of the ultra-capacitor case. Verify that the
ultra-capacitors in the event of a fan failure or other ambient operating temperature is suitable for proper
cause of overtemperature. ultra-capacitor operation.
Ground each ultra-capacitor tank to the mounting Clean bushings of dust, dirt, and contamination.
rack or frame and to ground. For ultra-capacitors equipped with a top cover,
check that the top cover is securely attached.
10.4 Electrical Connections Check the condition of factory-installed discharge
resisters. Inspect ultra-capacitor tanks for leaks.
Consult the manufacture for recommendations
Correct any deficiencies found prior to energizing
when installing ultra-capacitors on electrical power
ultra-capacitors. Consult the manufacturer for
distribution systems with harmonic load currents.
recommendations for repairing tank leaks on-site.
Provide fusing as overcurrent protection for ultra-
Energize ultra-capacitors by closing the
capacitors.
disconnecting means. Check ultra-capacitor
Provide conductors with a minimum ampacity of operating current and voltage and compare with
150% of the ultra-capacitor nameplate operating nameplate data. Consult the manufacturer for
current. recommendations for any deficiencies.
Ensure that the ultra-capacitor case is grounded. Wait a minimum of five minutes after de-energizing
Provide a separate equipment grounding conductor ultra-capacitors to ensure that ultra-capacitors are
for ultra-capacitors that are installed on an fully discharged before beginning work. Check for
electrically isolating material. DC voltage at the terminals of ultra-capacitors prior
to work.
Torque electrical connections in accordance with
manufacturer’s specifications. NOTE: Do not re-energize an ultra-capacitor after
fuse operation without first checking the ultra-
capacitor for failure. Certain types of ultra-capacitors
10.5 Installing Optional Accessories that have failed do not exhibit damage to the case
Install ultra-capacitor top covers in accordance with (bulging), and can rupture upon re-energization.
manufacturer’s instructions. Measure the capacitance of a suspect ultra-capacitor
to determine whether the ultra-capacitor is suitable
Ensure that ultra-capacitor switching frequency does for continued service, or if the ultra-capacitor has
not exceed manufacturer’s recommendations for partially or completely failed.
ultra-capacitors equipped with a factory-installed
discharge resister. NOTE: Wear proper skin, eye, and respiratory
protection and ventilate the work area when handling
10.6 Start-Up and Commissioning a ruptured (failed) ultra-capacitor tank. Take
extreme caution when removing an ultra-capacitor
Energize ultra-capacitors in accordance with with a ruptured tank from a frame or rack and
37 n
while transporting the tank to a disposal site. If fluid

dielectric spills or splashes onto the skin, immediately
wipe the liquid from the skin, then wash the affected
skin area thoroughly with soap and water. If fluid
dielectric comes in contact with eyes, nose, or mouth,
flush the affected area immediately with copious
amounts of water, and immediately obtain medical
assistance. If fluid dielectric is ingested, administer
2 to 4 ounces of vegetable or olive oil and 1 to 2
ounces of activated charcoal. DO NOT INDUCE
VOMITING. Immediately obtain medical assistance.
n 38
11. Smart Charger Vehicle-to-Grid
(V2G) applications
11.1 Installations Requiring Ventilation device (i.e., ground-fault protection or service

ground monitor), automatic de-energization device,
When a ventilation system is required by electric
and ventilation interlock. While each device serves a
vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in accordance
specific function, they work together as a system to
with NEC Article 625 for EVSE installed indoors,
provide a safe and seamless charging event.
receptacles and power outlets must be marked
“Ventilation Required.” When ventilation is not 11.2.1 Connection Interlock
required or provided, the EVSE, receptacles, and
power outlets must be clearly marked “Ventilation The connection interlock is required by NEC Article
Not Required.” 625 to ensure adequate plug and socket (connector
and inlet) contact pressure before energizing, and
Required ventilation equipment includes both supply to prevent energization when the connector is not
and mechanical exhaust which intakes from, and properly connected to the inlet. The connection
exhausts directly to, the outdoors. Locate the passive interlock is a device that provides for a dead interface
intake vent low on one side of the enclosed space, between the EVSE and the EV.
and the exhaust fan in the ceiling on the other side
of the enclosed space. The ventilation system must When the EV connector is not connected to the
be interlocked with the EVSE to turn on when the vehicle, the connection interlock prevents power
charging cycle starts, and should continue to operate from being applied to the cable or EV connector.
a minimum of five minutes after the charging cycle is When the EV connector is connected to the vehicle,
completed. a signal indicates that the EV connector is positively
connected to the EV inlet, and the EVSE performs
Feeder and branch circuit conductors and a systems check. Subsequent to confirming system
overcurrent protective devices for EVSE and for integrity, the EVSE controls the energy flow through
ventilation systems must be sized not less than 125% the cable and connector to and from the EV.
of the maximum current in accordance with NEC
requirements for supplying a continuous load. 11.2.2 Charge Circuit Interrupter Device
A Personal Protection System to provide protection

11.2 Safety Interlocks against electric shock of personnel is required for
NOTE: Because of the duration of the EV charging all charging levels in accordance with NEC Article
cycle, safety interlocks are necessary to protect people 625. The personnel protection systems for EVSE
and equipment during unattended operation. The SAE use ground or isolation monitoring, a circuit
J1772TM-compliant conductive charge coupler contains interrupting device, and basic, double, or reinforced
contacts that enable communication, interlocking and insulation. Product safety standards developed by
control between the EVSE and the EV. UL specify what combinations of these devices EV
and EVSE manufacturers can use to meet personnel
There are four main safety devices incorporated into protection requirements, allowing for a systems
modern EVSE for safe and reliable operation, namely approach to providing protection versus a device-
the connection interlock, charge circuit interrupt only approach.
39 n
11.2.3 Automatic De-Energization Device can use EVs as a source of distributed generation
(vehicle-to-grid, or V2G).
An automatic de-energization device is required in
accordance with NEC Article 625. The automatic Smart charging requests are transmitted over a
de-energization device is a mechanism that will variety of secure, two-way communication methods,
de-energize the EVSE if a strain occurs to the cable and enable EVs to be controlled for:
or EV connector that could result in live parts being
exposed. An example would be where a parked • Load shifting. Charging can be performed
EV connected to EVSE accidentally rolls back, during other than peak load periods by
resulting in strain to the cable and the potential establishing time-based charging windows
disconnection of the connector from the inlet during during which energy is delivered to
the charging cycle. The automatic de-energization participating EVs.
device will abort the charging cycle before the cable • Load shaping. By integrating a variety of real-
or EV connector becomes disconnected during the time signals, utilities are able to dynamically
charging cycle. control the EV charging cycle to achieve specific
objectives or mitigate location specific and
11.2.4 Ventilation Interlocks
system-wide grid stress.
Ventilation interlocks are required in accordance with • Ancillary services. In real-time, vehicle charging
NEC Article 625 to avoid creating a situation where load can be adaptively increased or reduced by
hydrogen gas can collect in an enclosed space, such the electric utility to provide system regulation
as a garage, during the EV charging cycle. NOTE: and spinning reserves.
With conventional starter batteries used in gasoline
vehicles and some conversion EVs, hydrogen gas can • Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). The two-way flow of
be generated during charging. Modern batteries used power between the grid and EVs can be managed,
in EVs generally do not generate hydrogen gas. In returning energy to the grid when needed.
short, EV batteries that do not require ventilation
have become the rule, and EV batteries that require 11.4 Communication and Data
ventilation have become the exception. Requirements
Communication between the EV and the EVSE
The ventilation interlock performs three functions
is necessary for data transfer, safety and control.
in order to meet the requirements of Article 625
When installing new EVSE, it may be useful to
and pertinent sections of state and locally adopted
include Internet or some other communication
building codes. First, the EVSE queries the EV to
capability. Additional communication options include
determine if the EV requires ventilation during
wireless, cellular, infrared, and radio frequency.
charging. Second, the EVSE determines whether
Communications abilities will allow data collection,
ventilation is available. Finally, if ventilation is
such as frequency of charging and duration of use.
required, and if ventilation is available, the EVSE
Customers may be able to track the charging progress
operates the ventilation during and after the charging
of their EVs through wireless communication via
process cycle in accordance with applicable codes.
smart phone applications. Consult the EVSE supply
vendor for data collection and communications
11.3 Smart Chargers options and minimum requirements.
Smart EVSE can be programmed to charge vehicles
11.4.1 Communication Between the EV and
during periods of lower demand and during periods
EVSE
of lower energy costs. Smart EVSE also incorporates
software algorithms that allow charging vehicles to Communication between the EV and the EVSE may
be grouped as a single power resource that can be include:
controlled and managed by the energy provider who
n 40
• Vehicle code identification (e.g. for assignment The EVSE cord may provide a maximum of 7.5 m
of the vehicle to the account of the owner at the (25 feet) of flexibility from the EVSE location to the
power supplier. EV inlet, unless equipped with a cable management
system, in accordance with NEC Article 625.
• Vehicle charging system identification (what
kind of charging is required). If the EV batteries require ventilation during indoor
• Vehicle connection interlock to ensure adequate charging, the EVSE is required to energize a properly
electrical connection between the EV and the EVSE. sized ventilation system in accordance with NEC
Article 625. Once the charge connector is attached
• Accomplishment of personal protection. to the EV inlet, the EVSE will communicate with
• Acceptance of interlocks to initiate and to the EV to determine whether ventilation is required.
terminate the charging process. If ventilation is required but no ventilation system
exists, the EVSE will not charge the vehicle.
• Signal for interlocking of charging system.
• Signal for activation of the ventilation system, if 11.5.1 Electrical Load Calculations
required.
Perform calculations to determine the minimum
• Activation of the EV immobilizer system. ampacity of branch circuits, feeders and services that
supply EVSE, associated ventilation systems, where
• Service ground continuity monitoring.
required, in accordance with NEC Article 220, and
11.4.2 Communication Between the EV and the referring to the load calculation examples found in
Power Supplier NEC Annex D for dwelling units and other than
dwelling units.
Communication between the EV and the Power
Supplier may include: For existing facilities, conduct a site visit, inventory
electrical equipment, and interview the facility
• Controlled supply of power/variable rate of
occupants to determine the cyclical daily and
charging.
seasonal loading of the facility. When available,
• Provision of different customer billing rates. review a minimum of 12 months of electric utility
bills to determine the maximum demand for
• Billing of delivered power.
incorporation into load calculations.
• Controlled use of vehicle battery as a power
reservoir (vehicle-to-grid, V2G). AC Level 1 and AC Level 2 EVSE are considered
continuous loads with the maximum current
11.5 EVSE Equipment and Siting expected to continue for 3 hours or more. Load
Requirements calculations and sizing of branch circuit, feeder,
and service entrance conductors and overcurrent
EVSE facilities must comply with all local, state, and protective devices for EVSE and associated ventilation
national codes and regulations. EVSE installations systems, where required, must be sized for 125% of
typically require a permit. Check with the local the maximum current in accordance with the NEC.
planning department and review local building codes Where an automatic load management system is used,
for construction details for EVSE before starting the maximum EVSE load current is limited by the
work. Keep in mind that the local electric utility automatic load management system.
company will not energize a new meter without an
approved building/electrical inspection. For commercial installations, consideration for
future expansion and additional EVSE should be
EVSE must be certified (listed) and marked by a included in load calculations. Involve electrical utility
nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL), in planners early in the process when planning EVSE
accordance with NEC Article 625. for fleet applications.
41 n
11.5.2 Site Selection and Preparation • Provide adequate space and accessibility to meet
ADA requirements (if applicable).
Determine locations for EVSE that allow for proper
layout of the charging equipment and adequate • Consider vandalism, lighting, signage, and
access space for EVs. Regardless of the type of EVs safety requirements.
in use, allow sufficient space for vehicles as well as • Identify potential nearby hazards or hazardous
the personnel operating them. If the site selected for materials.
installation of EVSE is susceptible to water runoff
from adjacent areas, roof drainage, or is not level, a • Review the site for running water, standing
concrete equipment pad may be required. water, and flooding. Permits for construction of
facilities, including EV charging stations, must
Design and install concrete pads for EVSE and EVs include a review to determine whether the site is
in accordance with manufacturer recommendations located in a flood prone area.
and in accordance with all applicable codes and • Check the EV manufacturer’s recommended
standards. operating and charging temperature range for
Provide curbs, wheelstops, and setbacks to properly the batteries and site the EVSE accordingly,
position the EV with respect to the EVSE, to protect such as providing shade for outdoor locations
the EVSE from the EV, and to reduce the likelihood or ventilation for indoor locations.
that an outstretched charging cord could present The following regulatory and code issues affect the
a tripping hazard. Consider ease of access to the placement of EVSE:
charger, mobility of users, and foot traffic in the area
when installing curbs, wheel stops, and setbacks. • Indoor EV charging receptacles/coupler must
be stored or located between 450 mm and 1.2 m
Ensure that EV charging spaces are not located near (18 and 48 inches) above the floor in accordance
potential hazards. EVSE should not be installed near with NEC Article 625.
explosive material, flammable vapors, liquids and
• Outdoor EV charging receptacles/coupler must
gases, combustible dust or fibers, or materials that
be stored or located between 600 mm and 1.2 m
ignite spontaneously on contact with air. NEC Articles
(24 and 48 inches) above the parking surface in
500 to 516 describe equipment and procedures
accordance with NEC Article 625.
for installation of electrical systems in hazardous
locations. If EVSE is installed in an enclosed area, • When EVSE is installed in a hazardous
ensure that ventilation requirements are met. (classified) location, the EVSE installation must
comply with NEC Articles 500 through 516
Additional site selection considerations include: (NEC Article 625). It is recommended EVSE
be installed in non-hazardous locations that do
• Determine the distance from EVSE to the
not contain any explosive materials, flammable
vehicle charge inlet to avoid a tripping hazard.
vapors, liquids and gases, combustible dust or
• Locate the EVSE in close proximity to available fibers, and materials that ignite spontaneously
AC power supply to minimize voltage drop. on contact with air.
• Determine whether the existing electrical EVSE located outdoors should be properly designed
service is adequate for the additional and future for exterior use. Consideration must be given
projected loads, or that an upgrade or a new to precipitation and temperature extremes. In
service is required. geographic areas that experience high precipitation,
pooling of water may be a concern. Freezing
• Determine the local electric utility metering
temperatures can also create an issue for cords
requirements, such as requiring a separate
freezing to the parking surface and cord support
utility revenue meter for EV charging.
should be considered.
n 42
NOTE: The NEC and locally adopted electrical codes Consider providing a minimum of one additional
typically require special signs for EVSE. Signs may raceway for future growth, expansion or upgrade
also be needed to designate parking spaces for EV-use when trenching or boring.
only. These signs should be positioned high enough to
be seen over parked vehicles. Provide a minimum of 600 mm (24 inches) clearance
around all sides of outdoor pedestal-mounted EVSE.
Provide bollards, curbs or wheel stops to protect
11.6 Electric Utility Interconnection EVSE from vehicles.
Requirements
Contact the local electrical utility company to Anchor EVSE to surfaces in accordance with
determine interconnection requirements. Specific manufacturer recommendations using the
requirements may include electric utility policies manufacturer’s recommended fasteners and
along with regulatory and statutory requirements. mounting hardware. Mount EVSE such that wall
Discussions should include: mounted outlets are not more than 48” above the
ground. For EVSE mounted to concrete surfaces,
• Power capacity of the facility. provide J-Bolts cast in concrete or drill holes for
concrete anchors. Mark the mounting bolt pattern
• Metering requirements, such as a second utility
on the mounting surface using the manufacturer’s
revenue meter.
template. Drill pilot holes in the mounting surface.
• Rate structure, such as time-of-use (TOU), Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
demand response (DR), real time pricing (RTP), depth and diameter of pilot holes. Keep in mind that
vehicle-to-grid (V2G), or off-peak EV charging. different materials, such as steel, concrete, and wood,
will require different fasteners and different types of
• Interconnection requirements for vehicle-to-
pilot holes. Tighten fasteners to the manufacturer’s
grid (V2G) distributed generation.
recommended torque values.
• Smart grid applications and EV charging
control. Provide a disconnecting means that is readily
accessible from EVSE for circuits rated 60A and
Where the existing electrical service has insufficient higher in accordance with NEC requirements.
capacity, consider a load control strategy to manage Connect the branch circuit, feeder, or service to the
the charging load within the capacity of the electrical EVSE meter/disconnect terminals.
service, such as off-peak charging, rather than
upgrading the service to accommodate increased Install raceways and tighten connectors and
building load from EV charging. NOTE: Many AC fittings. Install cables and conductors and connect
Level 2 EVSE suppliers provide controls in the EVSE and terminate in accordance with manufacturer
to enable charging at programmable times to take recommendations. Provide cable and conductor
advantage of off-peak power pricing. If not, a time sizes and types in accordance with manufacturer
clock or timer device may be installed in the circuit to recommendations. Use the manufacturer
control charging times. recommended raceway entry locations or raceway
knockouts for EVSE. When provided by the
11.7 Installation manufacturer, select and remove the appropriate sized
raceway knockouts, considering raceway diameter.
The installation requirements for EVSE vary from
manufacturer to manufacturer. Install EVSE in Branch circuit, feeder and service conductors,
accordance with manufacturer recommendations and overcurrent protective devices for EVSE and
and in accordance with applicable local, state and for ventilation systems, where required, must be
federal codes and regulations. sized not less than 125% of the maximum rated
load current or the nameplate value, whichever is
43 n
greater, or comply with the maximum ampacity and Install plastic trim covers and their securing
overcurrent protection indicated on the equipment, lanyards, if required, before placing the parking
in accordance with NEC requirements for supplying bumper or wheelstop over the raceway/enclosure
continuous loads. assembly.
Consider providing a minimum of one spare power Using the lifting rings provided, squarely place each
conductor for single-phase 208 VAC and 240 VAC parking bumper or wheelstop over the raceway and
circuits for future use. enclosure. Insert the lifting rings through the bumper
or wheelstop mounting holes and thread them into
Connect the EVSE to either the branch circuit the embedded nut.
or feeder equipment grounding conductor in
accordance with NEC Article 250. Use a properly sized forklift, lifting rings and
proper lifting procedures when installing bumpers
11.7.1 Free Standing EVSE or wheelstops. Do not use a hand truck or similar
device for lifting bumpers or wheelstops.
If a raised concrete pad is required, size the pad in
accordance with manufacturer recommendations. After final positioning of the bumpers or wheelstops
Typically, the concrete pad is sized such that the parallel to the enclosure, anchor bumpers and
EVSE is placed with the front edge flush with the wheelstops in place by using the anchor bolts
front edge of the concrete pad, with a minimum of provided. Use the correct hardware and follow the
150 mm (6 inches) of the pad extending out from manufacturer’s instructions.
beneath the other three sides.
Pull the EV sensing antenna cables through raceways
Attach mounting straps or angle brackets to secure and into boxes and enclosures. Locate any cable slack
the EVSE in place using the provided hardware. Use inside the EVSE gutter space or junction box. Label
manufacturer recommended hardware, anchors and antenna cables where more than one cable is pulled
fasteners when replacements are required. through a raceway. Connect antenna cables to the
appropriate charge port in the EVSE. Label antenna
When required, install a grounding electrode and
cables in accordance with the manufacturer’s
connect to the branch circuit, feeder or service
numbering convention.
equipment grounding conductor in accordance
with NEC Article 250. NOTE: Auxiliary electrode Connect all antenna components to each of the
installations must connect to the supply circuit antenna cables and place each antenna inside
equipment grounding conductor in addition to the the appropriate PVC enclosures, orientated in
frame of the equipment. accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Secure antennae with the screws and hardware
11.7.2 RFID or Antenna and Parking Bumper or
provided.
Wheelstop Installation
Where EVSE has provisions for radio frequency Install box and enclosure lids and install trim covers
identification (RFID) tag sensing antennae installed on bumper and wheelstop openings.
in parking bumpers or wheelstops, route and install Mount the tag assembly onto the vehicle structural
raceways and locate PVC boxes and enclosures in member in accordance with manufacturer
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. recommendations. Affix the radio frequency
Measure each parking bumper or wheelstop and its identification (RFID) tag to the underside of each
openings to ensure the proper fit of raceways, boxes EV that will be charged at RFID-enabled EVSE.
and enclosures. Make sure that raceways, boxes, Install the RFID tag on a structural member of the
and enclosures are oriented in accordance with EV situated approximately above the RF antenna
manufacturer’s instructions. located in the parking bumper or wheelstop. Select a
n 44
structural member no more than 330 mm (13 inches)

above the top of the parking bumper or wheelstop.
Insulate the RFID tag from EV metal surfaces by
mounting it on a 3/4” thick piece of plastic (nylon,
EPDM or polypropylene) with a suitable adhesive.
The RFID tag stores EV, battery configuration,

and charge cycle history in a semiconductor chip.
Because it contains unique information for that
specific vehicle, each RFID tag must remain with
the EV to which it is attached. A vehicle without an
RFID tag will not be recognized by the EVSE and
will not be charged.
11.8 EVSE Start-up and Commissioning

Start up EVSE in accordance with manufacturer
instructions. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
for properly parking EVs at EVSE, connecting the
charge connector, and interpreting the user interface
display and indicator lights during the charging
process. Remove the EV charge connector by the
housing. Do not remove the charge connector from
the EV inlet by pulling the cord.
When possible, test the EVSE by charging a

compatible EV with suitable ratings, couplers,
connectors, and equipment, or with an EV simulator
test tool.
45 n
(This annex is not a part of the standard)
Annex A: Battery Technologies
NOTE: Battery technology is in a constant state of in larger battery arrays for grid energy storage. Large
development. As such, the types of batteries used format Lithium-ion batteries are suitable for utility-
for various applications tend to change relatively scale energy storage.
frequently. This Annex is intended to give an overview
of common battery technologies available and in use A.4 Metal-Air Batteries
at the time of publication.
Batteries that use oxygen as the cathode and a metal
anode such as magnesium, iron, or lithium. Metal-
A.1 Lead-Acid and/or Advanced Lead- air batteries have the potential for providing higher
Acid Batteries energy density and lower cost than lithium-ion
Batteries that use lead as the anode and lead dioxide batteries.
as the cathode, and that have sulfuric acid as
electrolyte. Lead-acid batteries are a well-established A.5 Sodium Batteries
battery technology. Limitations include cost, limited
cycle life, limited recharging efficiency, charge loss Batteries that use sodium or sodium compounds
over time, and environmental hazard. Certain lead- as electrodes. Current battery chemistries include
acid batteries may use the addition of carbon to sodium-sulfur and sodium-nickel chloride. Sodium
act as a capacitor or means to extend cycle and/or batteries are well suited for high-temperature
service life. These batteries are sometimes referred to operation. In addition, a newer sodium ion battery
as “Advanced Lead-Acid” batteries. system is in development for utility-scale energy
storage applications. A sodium-ion battery system
is similar to a Lithium-ion battery system in that it
A.2 Flow Batteries uses sodium (vs. lithium) ions as charge carriers.
Batteries that use liquid electrolyte that flows across The potential benefit for a sodium ion system is a
a membrane. Energy is stored in electrolyte solutions purported lower first cost of direct materials over a
that are contained in external tanks from the battery Lithium-ion system.
cells, permitting the power components to be sized
independently of the energy components. Current
battery chemistries include vanadium redox and
zinc-bromide. New chemistries, including iron
chromium, are under development.
A.3 Lithium-Ion Batteries

Batteries in which lithium ions move from the
cathode to the anode during the discharging and
charging cycle. Lithium-ion batteries are popular for
personal electronics, power tools, and hybrid and
full electric vehicles. Lithium-ion cells developed for
the electric vehicle application are now finding use
n 46
Annex B: Compressed Air Energy

Storage (CAES)
Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems use Large-scale CAES requires:
excess power from the grid during off-peak hours
to compress air and to store it under high pressure. • A sufficiently large, air-tight confined space
For smaller CAES plants, compressed air is stored (such as an underground geologic formation,
in aboveground storage tanks or large pipes such salt cavern, aquifer, or mine) to store
as those designed for high-pressure natural gas compressed air
transmission. For larger CAES plants, compressed • Access to natural gas transmission in order to
air is stored in underground geologic formations, power the turbine(s)
such as aquifers, depleted natural gas fields, and salt
formations. • Access to electric transmission so that the power
generated can be delivered to the grid
CAES is divided into three distinct phases: Natural gas turbines used with CAES systems are
• Compression modular and can be scaled up to high capacities
(hundreds of MW-hours), but require a sufficient
• Storage fuel supply and underground compressed air storage
• Expansion (power generation) caverns or land area for compressed air storage
pipelines.
During compression, electricity is used (during off-
peak electric utility loading) to operate a series of CAES facilities are very similar to conventional gas
compressors to inject air under high pressure into an turbine power plants with the major difference that
un-insulated storage reservoir. A great deal of heat is the air compression and expansion processes do not
produced as the air is compressed, which is removed happen at the same time. In principle, a CAES plant
at each stage of compression, increasing system can be operated as a simple cycle gas turbine using a
efficiency. compressor during periods when the compressed air
storage is depleted.
Air is stored under high pressure at the temperature
of the storage reservoir, either a geological formation CAES is not a direct ESS. Fuel is used (typically
or piping and/or one or more storage tanks. natural gas) in conjunction with compressed air to
Controlling temperature rise as air is compressed achieve greater energy output than natural gas alone.
reduces the required volume for storage, and Compared to a combustion turbine, CAES plants
minimizes the thermal stress on the walls of the consume two-thirds less fuel and produce two-thirds
storage reservoir. of the pollutants per kWh of energy production.
Consequently, CAES can be regarded as a peaking
Power is generated during the expansion phase, gas turbine power plant, but with a higher efficiency,
when high pressure air is withdrawn from the storage thanks to the decoupling of compressor and turbine,
reservoir, heated, combined with fuel (typically and much lower overall cost.
natural gas), and combusted in a conventional high-
pressure natural gas turbine generator, typically in
two stages, to generate electricity.
47 n
Annex C: Pumped Hydro Storage

(PHS)
Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) is a method of storing • PHS facilities can trap and/or kill fish.
and releasing potential energy by transferring
PHS systems can be designed to stabilize water levels
water between two storage reservoirs at different
and maintain water quality. Methods of addressing
elevations. During non-peak electrical usage, water is
ecological concerns include:
typically pumped from a lower reservoir to an upper
reservoir (at higher elevation) using conventional • Water intake and outlet designs that can
pumps. Water is stored in the upper reservoir until minimize the turbulence, maintaining water
it is needed to generate power. Potential energy is quality.
released using gravity by routing water from the
upper reservoir through hydroelectric turbines to the • Oxygen injection systems that can compensate
lower reservoir. for the potential oxygen loss due to warming of
the water due to pumping.
PHS facilities typically take advantage of natural • Fish deterrent systems that can be installed to
topography and are built using two large water minimize fish entrapment and reduce fish kill.
reservoirs at significantly different elevations but in
close proximity. Operating issues include losses in Development timelines for PHS projects can exceed
water volume due to evaporation, which is a function ten years.
of local climate and can reduce overall system
efficiency. PHS provides large scale energy storage
with the capacity to release energy over a period
from hours to months.
Sites suitable for PHS can be remote from load

centers, and may require new transmission lines to
transfer energy to the electric utility grid.
Permitting processes for new hydro systems are

highly involved due to the large physical size of
these installations and their potential impact to the
environment. Environmental impact may include:
• Blocking natural water flow which can disrupt

aquatic ecosystems.
• Flooding of previously dry areas may destroy
terrestrial wildlife habitats and significantly
change the landscape.
• Pumping can increase water temperature
and stir up sediment at the bottom reservoir,
deteriorating water quality.
n 48
Annex D: Thermal Energy Storage

(TES)
Thermal energy storage (TES) technologies store A properly designed cooling storage plant requires
volumes of liquid, such as glycol, chilled water, or a an operating staff with a high level of specialized
super-cooled brine solution, or a liquid that changes skill and the ability to monitor the storage system
state into a solid, such as freezing water into ice, in continuously. If the plant fails for even a short time
reservoirs that maintain the temperature below that during the peak demand period, the utility rate
of the environment. advantage may be lost for a month, a cooling season,
or an entire year.
Thermal storage is a means of purchasing electricity
at lower rates during non-peak hours when the One drawback to TES is that a large amount of space
utility generates more of its electricity with its most is needed by the storage container and its accessories.
efficient generators. At the same time, all forms of The volume of the TES container is generally
TES involve losses, and they may require additional proportional to the volume of the space being cooled,
energy for the reduced operational efficiency of the with chilled water storage taking more storage space,
system, as some forms of cooling storage make the and ice storage taking less.
chillers operate less efficiently.
A cooling thermal storage system is similar to a

conventional chiller system with the addition of one
or more containers that store cooling in ice, chilled
water, or some other material. Chilled water, super-
cool brine, or ice is stored until cooling is needed,
typically coincident with higher energy costs, such
as during peak electricity usage, at which time the
chilled water, brine, or ice is used as a heat sink,
“releasing” stored thermal energy.
At different times, the cooling load of the facility

may be served directly by the chiller, by the cooling
storage unit, or by both. Cooling storage has two
main advantages over a system without storage. First,
cooling can be available on any desired schedule,
relatively independently of the operation of the
chillers. Second, the cooling storage unit may be able
to deliver cooling at a higher rate than the chillers, or
to supplement the chillers.
TES can be used to reduce the chiller capacity, saving

overall chiller plant cost, but this is predicated on the
cooling load occurring during predictable intervals
that leave ample time for charging the storage unit.
49 n
Annex E: Installation Checklist for

Energy Storage Systems
E.1 General the ESS owner/installer, who, in turn, relies on the

Engineer of Record (EOR) and the manufacturer(s)
This installation checklist is intended to provide
of the products, materials, systems, components, or
guidance in evaluating and documenting Energy
equipment to provide sufficient documentation to
Storage Systems (ESSs), their components and
demonstrate compliance to the AHJ. NOTE: The AHJ
installation, for safety and for efficient operation.
adopts codes as the rules and regulations they enforce.
Codes, standards, and regulations are applied Standards are referenced and adopted by codes.
differently depending upon whether an ESS is:
Generally, one or more AHJs are responsible for
• A product of a single manufacturer that supplies verifying compliance with adopted codes (rules
a unitary, prepackaged, self-contained ESS that and regulations) and standards, or that equivalent
is installed in the field. testing or evaluation demonstrates such compliance.
AHJs may include interconnecting utilities, the fire
• Field-assembled from matched components service (fire chief or fire marshal), code officials
from a single manufacturer. (building, fire, mechanical, and electrical inspectors)
• Field-assembled from mixed components and third-party entities (testing and certification
of different manufacturers that are selected, entities, insurance carriers, and registered design
designed, and engineered to function as a professionals).
system.
It is important to work closely with AHJs to identify
Because of emerging technologies, codes, standards, the relevant AHJs, the scope of their authority, and
and regulations that provide safety and installation what codes (rules and regulations) and standards
criteria for specific ESSs may not be available or have been adopted to cover the installation of an
adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). ESS. NOTE: AHJs will generally have a library of
Consequently, it may be necessary to evaluate systems the codes (rules and regulations) and standards
and components using other codes, standards, that have been adopted that would be applicable
and regulations that are available. In this case, ESS to an ESS installation. Where more than one code
components and their installation should be evaluated applies, review them with the AHJs in relation to the
based on their equivalent performance to similar ESS technology being considered and the intended
technologies that are covered by specific codes, installation of the ESS to identify the specific
standards and regulations to demonstrate that the provisions (generally the most restrictive) that will
ESS is no more hazardous and no less safe than other, apply, and to resolve any conflicting requirements
similar systems, components, and technologies. prior to the start of the work.
Where the ESS is a single unit or matched assembly

E.2 Single Manufacturer vs. Multiple
of components, the ESS is likely to have been tested
Component Manufacturers
and listed to one or more product standards, and the
The responsibility for demonstrating that an ESS applicable code provisions focus on the installation
complies with AHJ-adopted rules and regulations of the ESS as a single item or matched assembly of
(adopted codes), and standards ultimately lies with listed components.
n 50
Where the ESS tends toward mixed-matched E.3 ESS Installation Checklist
components designed, selected, and intended
As each ESS project is likely to be unique, the
for field-assembly as a system, the general code
following installation checklist provides an example
provisions will tend to have more relevance because
of considerations in completing an ESS project. The
they govern the assembly of the mixed-matched
checklist can be expanded or modified as needed to
components.
meet specific project requirements.
Table E.3 Energy Storage Systems Installation Checklist
General Information
Project Name
Project Address
Facility Owner (Name, Contact Person, Telephone
Number(s))
ESS Owner (if different from the Facility Owner) (Name,
Contact Person, Telephone Number(s))
System Developer (Name, Contact Person, Telephone
Number(s))
System Operator (if different from System Developer)
(Name, Contact Person, Telephone Number(s))
System Integrator, if applicable (Name, Contact Person,
Telephone Number(s))
Serving Electrical Utility Provider and Contact
Information (Utility Name, Contact Person, Telephone
Number(s))
ESS Name
ESS Location(s) on Premises
Locations of all electric utility meters for the facility

Is ESS a new system, or an addition to or renewal,
renovation, or repair of an existing system?
AHJ(s):
• Organization
• Contact Person and Telephone Number(s)
• Scope of Authority
• List of Adopted Codes, Standards, Regulations
51 n
√ n/a*
Technical Project Information
ESS Type
• Technology
• Services provided
• Chemistry (if electrochemical)
• Liquid capacity (gallons)
Enclosure:
• Type
• Overall Dimensions (feet)
• Footprint Area (square feet)
• Height (feet)
• Weight (pounds)
• Special environmental limitations (e.g. seismic,
indoor, outdoor)
Charge time (minutes) at rated power
Minimum Discharge Time (minutes)
Maximum Discharge Time (minutes)
Self-Discharge Rate (% energy loss/day)
Input Voltage (VAC)
Output Voltage Range (Min to Max, VAC)
Designed (Site Rated) Stored Energy Capacity (kWh)
Measured (Actual) Stored Energy Capacity (kWh)
Maximum Rated Continuous Discharge Power (kW)
Maximum Rated Continuous Charge Power (kW)
Operating Temperature Range (Min to Max, degrees
Fahrenheit)
Operating Humidity Range (Min to Max, %)
Operating Efficiency Range (Min to Max, %)
Arc Flash Hazard Analysis
Auxiliary, if applicable, and relevant input voltage,
output voltage, current, and frequency
ESS Equipment and Component Safety Documentation
Unitary or Prepackaged ESS Equipment ID, and
Testing and Listing Information
√ verified * not applicable
n 52
Pre-Engineered ESS with Factory-Matched

Modular Components ID, and Testing and Listing
Information
Individual ESS Component ID, and Testing and

Listing Information
Engineered and Field-Assembled ESS ID, and NFPA

791 or other Safety Documentation (Failure Mode
Effects Analysis (FMEA) or similar)
ESS Installation – Location and Siting Information
ESS proximity to any buildings or structures
Clearances between any ESS fresh air intakes or
exhausts and any fresh air intakes or exhausts of
other buildings, structures or systems in close
proximity
ESS elevation above flood plane
ESS foundation type and structural calculations,
including seismic calculations, if applicable
Seismic anchoring details, if applicable
Potential sources physical damage and means of
protection
Details on ESS protection from external elements
(wind, rain, snow, wildfire) as applicable
Are multiple ESSs protected from each other, if
applicable
Required egress provided
Methods to protect against unauthorized access
(access control, physical security measures)
Description of means of access to and egress from
the ESS location
Description of means of access to the ESS location
for fire department or first responder access
Description of means of access for service and
maintenance of systems and equipment
Systems and equipment listed for hazardous
atmospheres, if applicable
Distance from stored combustible materials and
similar hazards
53 n
List of chemicals (and volumes) associated with the

ESS and their acceptability as a function of type of
construction, building use, height above grade, and/
or distance from other buildings and facilities
List of systems and equipment for Hazmat mitigation
of above chemicals, if applicable.
List of locations of emergency eye-wash and/or
emergency shower locations, where required
List of locations and contents of emergency spill
containment kits provided to contain any leaks or
spills associated with ESS equipment or operation,
or resulting from any incident response, such as fire
suppression system activation or other firefighting
activities
Indoor ESS installation are not more than 30 feet
below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit
discharge, and not over 75 feet above the lowest level
of fire department access
Required fire and smoke separations provided
between rooms housing ESSs and other spaces
ESS suitable for installation outdoors, if applicable,
and interconnected with required central control or
monitoring systems
Roof construction is noncombustible, if roof-
mounted
Rooftop access provided for emergency access, if
applicable
Rooftop service walkways provided, if applicable
Sufficient clearances are maintained to edges of the
roof or other rooftop construction
ESS Installation – Interconnection systems (i.e., electrical, gas, ventilation, communications,
central control systems, fire detection) Related Information
Location of all Points of Common Coupling to any
Utility
Locations of all disconnecting means are identified
Required disconnecting means and associated labels/
placards are provided for the ESS
All ESS electrical wiring and connections comply
with adopted electrical codes, including field-
assembled ESS components
n 54
Any connections between the ESS and non-electrical

energy sources meet applicable adopted codes
All connections to and from the ESS to mechanical
systems meet applicable adopted mechanical codes
All connections to and from the ESS to plumbing
systems meet applicable adopted plumbing codes
All connections to and from the ESS to fire detection
and fire suppression systems meet applicable adopted
fire codes
All connections to and from the ESS to control
systems meet applicable adopted codes addressing
such systems
All mechanical, plumbing, fire detection and fire
suppression and control connections between field-
installed ESS components meet applicable adopted
codes
ESS Installation – Ventilation, Thermal Management and Exhaust Information

As required by code and the ESS manufacturer,
ventilation and/or exhaust systems are installed and
meet the manufacturer requirements for air flow,
temperature, and humidity control. These systems
can be manually shut down as needed.
Systems provided for ventilation, thermal
management, and exhaust maintain negative
pressure in ESS spaces in relation to other spaces
ESS Installation – Fire Protection

Fire detection and fire suppression (protection)
systems are compatible with ESS technologies and
chemistries, as applicable
Fire detection and fire suppression (protection)
systems for ESSs are interconnected to any required
fire and smoke detection systems where required by
manufacturer instructions or relevant codes.
Rooms housing ESS and other components are
separated from other areas by fire rated construction
methods in accordance with adopted building and
fire codes
55 n
Openings in required fire and smoked separations

are protected by fire doors or fire or smoke dampers
as applicable
Smoke control systems are provided for indoor ESSs
when required
Signage is provided adjacent to any ESS access point
indicating:
• Type of ESS
• Means of access and egress
• Incident response instructions
• Instructions for first responders addressing fire
and smoke control
• Hazardous material communications, including
the amount and type of any corrosive liquids or
hazardous chemicals associated with the ESS
• Location(s) and operating instructions for
all disconnecting means, emergency shutoffs,
and system controls.
Means provided to contain any leaks or spills

associated with ESS equipment or operation, or
resulting from any incident response, such as fire
suppression system activation or other firefighting
activities
Where required by code, approved methods and

materials shall be provided for the control and
neutralization of spills of hazardous materials in
areas containing stationary storage batteries.
√ verified * not applicable ESS Installation – Commissioning

A commissioning and testing plan for the ESS and
interconnected auxiliary systems is developed and
implemented, and a report is available for the AHJ.
n 56
Annex F: Reference Standards
This publication, when used in conjunction with the National Electrical Code, National Electrical Safety Code,
and cable manufacturers’ literature, provides sufficient information to install and test fiber optic cables.
Standards are under continuous development therefore it is recommended that the user obtain the latest versions
of all referenced standards.
National Fire Protection Association

1 Batterymarch Park
P.O. Box 9101
Quincy, MA 02269-9101
(617) 770-3000 tel
(617) 770-3500 fax
www.nfpa.org
NFPA 70-2017, National Electrical Code (ANSI)
NFPA 70B-2016, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance
NFPA 70E-2018, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

445 Hoes Lane
P.O. Box 1331
Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331
(732) 981-0060 tel
(732) 981-9667 fax
www.ieee.org
IEEE Std 450, Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid (VLA)
Batteries for Stationary Applications
IEEE Std 484, Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Vented Lead-Acid (VLA)
IEEE Std 1106, Recommended Practice for Installation, Maintenance and Testing of Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)
IEEE Std 1187, Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid
(VRLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications
IEEE Std 1188, Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing and Replacement of Valve-Regulated Lead-
Acid (VRLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications
57 n
IEEE Std 1578, Recommended Practice for Stationary Battery Spill containment and Management
IEEE Std 1657, Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifications for Installation and Maintenance of
Stationary Batteries
IEEE Std 1184, Guide for Batteries for UPS Applications
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

902 Battelle Boulevard
Richland, WA
1-888-375-PNNL (7665)
www.pnl.gov
PNNL-SA-118870/SAND2016-5977R, Energy Storage System Guide for Compliance with Safety Codes and
Standards
Current National Electrical Installation Standards published by NECA:

Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 215-4504 tel
(301) 215-4500 fax
www.neca-neis.org
NECA 1-2015, Standard for Good Workmanship in Electrical Construction (ANSI)

NECA 90-2015, Standard for Commissioning Building Electrical Systems (ANSI)
NECA 100-2013, Symbols for Electrical Construction Drawings (ANSI)
NECA 101-2013, Standard for Installing Steel Conduits (Rigid, IMC, EMT) (ANSI)
NECA 102-2004, Standard for Installing Aluminum Rigid Metal Conduit (ANSI)
NECA/AA 104-2012, Standard for Installing Aluminum Building Wire and Cable (ANSI)
NECA/NEMA 105-2015, Standard for Installing Metal Cable Tray Systems (ANSI)
NECA 111-2003, Standard for Installing Nonmetallic Raceways (RNC, ENT, LFNC) (ANSI)
NECA/NACMA 120-2012, Standard for Installing Armored Cable (AC) and Metal-Clad Cable (MC) (ANSI)
NECA 121-2007, Standard for Installing Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable (Type NM-B) and Underground Feeder
and Branch-Circuit Cable (Type UF) (ANSI)
NECA 130-2016, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Wiring Devices (ANSI)
NECA 169-2016, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground-
Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) (ANSI)
NECA 200-2016, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Temporary Electric Power at Construction Sites (ANSI)
NECA 202-2013, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Industrial Heat Tracing Systems (ANSI)
NECA 230-2016, Standard for Selecting, Installing, and Maintaining Electric Motors and Motor Controllers
(ANSI)
n 58
NECA/FOA 301-2016, Standard for Installing and Testing Fiber Optic Cables (ANSI)
NECA 303-2005, Standard for Installing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems (ANSI)
NECA 305-2010, Standard for Fire Alarm System Job Practices (ANSI)
NECA 331-2009, Standard for Building and Service Entrance Grounding and Bonding
NECA 400-2007, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Switchboards (ANSI)
NECA 402-2014, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Motor Control Centers (ANSI)
NECA/EGSA 404-2014, Standard for Installing Generator Sets (ANSI)
NECA 406-2014, Standard for Installing Residential Generator Sets (ANSI)
NECA 407-2015, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Panelboards (ANSI)
NECA 408-2015, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Busways (ANSI)
NECA 409-2015, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers (ANSI)
NECA 410-2013, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Liquid-Filled Transformers (ANSI)
NECA 411-2014, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) (ANSI)
NECA 412-2012, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Photovoltaic (PV) Power Systems (ANSI)
NECA 413-2012, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (ANSI)
NECA 416-2016, Recommended Practice for Installing Energy Storage Systems (ESS) (ANSI)
NECA 420-2014, Standard for Fuse Applications (ANSI)
NECA 430-2016, Standard for Installing Medium-Voltage Switchgear (ANSI)
NECA/IESNA 500-2006, Standard for Installing Indoor Commercial Lighting Systems (ANSI)
NECA/IESNA 501-2006, Standard for Installing Exterior Lighting Systems (ANSI)
NECA/IESNA 502-2006, Standard for Installing Industrial Lighting Systems (ANSI)
NECA 503-2005, Standard for Installing Fiber Optic Lighting Systems
NECA/BICSI 568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling (ANSI)
NECA/NCSCB 600-2014, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Medium-Voltage Cable (ANSI)
NECA/NEMA 605-2005, Recommended Practice for Installing Underground Nonmetallic Utility Duct
NECA/BICSI 607-2011, Standard for Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding Planning and Installation
Methods for Commercial Buildings (ANSI)
NECA 700-2016, Standard for Installing Overcurrent Protection to Achieve Selective Coordination (ANSI)
NECA 701-2013, Standard for Energy Management, Demand Response and Energy Solutions (ANSI)
59 n
n 60
61 n
n 62
Bethesda, Maryland 20785
301-657-3110 • 301-214-4500 fax
www.necanet.org
Index # NECA 416-16 | 5C-5/17

NEIS Recommended Practice For Installing Energy Storage Systems NECA 416 16

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Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

AN AM ERIC AN N ATI O NA L S TA NDA RD

National Electrical Contractors Association

3. Overview of Energy Storage Systems (ESS)...................................................................................... 6

4. Receiving, Inspecting, Handling, and Storage................................................................................ 10

6. General Installation Requirements................................................................................................. 15

7. Electrical Installation Requirements.............................................................................................. 16

8.3 Open Rack Battery Systems............................................................................................................................27

11. Smart Charger Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications...................................................................... 39

Annex A: Battery Technologies........................................................................................................... 46

Annex B: Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES).............................................................................. 47

Annex C: Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)............................................................................................ 48

Annex D: Thermal Energy Storage (TES)............................................................................................ 49

Annex E: Installation Checklist for Energy Storage Systems............................................................... 50

Annex F: Reference Standards........................................................................................................... 57

This Recommended Practice describes installation Additionally, Superconducting Magnetic Energy

Permissive requirements of manufacturer’s

Quality and performance recommendations identify

Explanatory material, such as references to other

Non-mandatory information and other reference

from electric utility grid operators to provide the

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) A system in which electric

3.1 General from the lowest-cost generation sources during times

3.2.2 Flywheels as vehicle-to-grid or V2G). V2G energy storage can be

3.2.7 Thermal Energy Storage (TES) 3.2.9 Superconducting Magnetic Energy

• Power Quality: Energy storage can be used

4.1 Receiving and Inspecting If equipment and accessories are to be stored

to prevent shorting of battery terminals or DC manufacturer recommended hooks, slings, and

Store dry-charged batteries in a ventilated,

Give batteries a refreshing charge as required

Store other types of batteries and recharge

abnormal conditions of ambient temperature and

Verify that ventilation openings are clear and that

5.3 Seismic Considerations

Verify that ESS equipment and components are

Brace cables or provide adequate slack for electrical

Install bolts, anchors, hangers, braces, and other

When required and as called out on the installation

Use manufacturer-recommended hardware and

Remove equipment and cabinets from wooden

7.1 General Personnel door(s) intended for entrance to and

7.2 Inverters in accordance with NEC Article 230, provided

protective device ratings of not less than 125% of the

Overcurrent devices, either fuses or circuit breakers,

8.1 General of the non-conductive cases. NOTE: This requirement

Follow manufacturer’s installation, service, and multi-cell container, to a pH of 5-9. In addition,

8.4 General Installation Requirements

8.9.1 Inspecting Batteries

8.9.4 Final Adjustments

Add distilled or de-ionized water to lead-acid or

Check that battery connections are properly torqued

Remove and dispose of empty, partially full, and

It does not hurt to recheck all electrical connections

Energize battery charge controllers and place

9.1 General operation. Improper removal of any electronic

9.5.3 Initial Flywheels Startup and Testing

Follow the on-screen instructions for starting and

while transporting the tank to a disposal site. If fluid