Section 1207 — ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (ESS) — 2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)

1207.1 General. ¶

1207.1 General. The provisions in this section are applicable to stationary and mobile electrical energy storage systems (ESS). Exception: ESS in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall only be required to comply with Section 1207.11 except where Section 1207.11.4 requires compliance with Sections 1207.1 through 1207.9. 1207.1.1 Utilities and industrial applications. This section shall not apply to capacitors and capacitor equipment for electric utilities and industrial facilities used in applications such as flexible AC transmission (FACTS) devices, filter capacitor banks, power factor…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.2 Commissioning, decommissioning, operation and maintenance. ¶

1207.2 Commissioning, decommissioning, operation and maintenance. Commissioning, decommissioning, operation and maintenance shall be conducted in accordance with this section. 1207.2.1 Commissioning. Commissioning of newly installed ESS and existing ESS that have been retrofitted, replaced or previously decommissioned and are returning to service shall be conducted prior to the ESS being placed in service in accordance with a commissioning plan that has been approved prior to initiating commissioning. The commissioning plan shall include the following: 1. A narrative description of the…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.3 Equipment. ¶

1207.3 Equipment. ESS equipment shall be in accordance with Sections 1207.3.1 through 1207.3.9. 1207.3.1 Energy storage system listings. ESS shall be listed in accordance with UL 9540. Exceptions: 1. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems less than 50 VAC, 60 VDC in telecommunications facilities for installations of communications equipment under the exclusive control of communications utilities located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations that are in compliance with NFPA 76. 2. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems that are used for DC power for…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.4 General installations requirements. ¶

1207.4 General installations requirements. Stationary and mobile ESS shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1207.4.1 through 1207.4.12. 1207.4.1 Electrical disconnects. Where the ESS disconnecting means is not within sight of the main electrical service disconnecting means, placards or directories shall be installed at the location of the main electrical service disconnecting means indicating the location of stationary storage battery system disconnecting means in accordance with the California Electrical Code . Exception: Electrical disconnects for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.5 Electrochemical ESS protection. ¶

1207.5 Electrochemical ESS protection. The protection of electrochemical ESS shall be in accordance with Sections 1207.5.1 through 1207.5.8 where required by Sections 1207.7 through 1207.10. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) TABLE 1207.5—MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES OF ELECTROCHEMICAL ESSCol2 ------ TECHNOLOGYMAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIESa STORAGE BATTERIESSTORAGE BATTERIES Flow batteriesb600 kWh Lead-acid, all typesUnlimited Lithium-ion600 kWh Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (NI-MH) and nickel zinc (Ni-Zn)Unlimited Sodium nickel chloride600 kWh Zinc-manganese dioxide…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.6 Electrochemical ESS technology-specific protection. ¶

1207.6 Electrochemical ESS technology-specific protection. Electrochemical ESS installations shall comply with the requirements of this section in accordance with the applicable requirements of Table 1207.6. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) TABLE 1207.6—ELECTROCHEMICAL ESS TECHNOLOGY-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTSCol2Col3Col4Col5Col6Col7Col8Col9Col10 ------------------------------ COMPLIANCE REQUIREDbCOMPLIANCE REQUIREDbBATTERY TECHNOLOGYBATTERY TECHNOLOGYBATTERY TECHNOLOGYBATTERY TECHNOLOGYBATTERY TECHNOLOGYBATTERY TECHNOLOGYOTHER ESS<brAND BATTERY<brTECHNOLOGIESbCAPACITOR<brESSb…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.7 Indoor installations. ¶

1207.7 Indoor installations. Indoor ESS installations shall be in accordance with Sections 1207.7.1 through 1207.7.4. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) 12-18 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER. ENERGY SYSTEMS TABLE 1207.7—INDOOR ESS INSTALLATIONSCol2Col3Col4 ------------ COMPLIANCE REQUIREDCOMPLIANCE REQUIREDDEDICATED-USE<brBUILDINGSaNONDEDICATED-USE<brBUILDINGSb FeatureSectionSectionSection Dwelling units and sleeping units1207.7.3NAYes COMPLIANCE REQUIREDCOMPLIANCE REQUIREDDEDICATED-USE<brBUILDINGSaNONDEDICATED-USE<brBUILDINGSb FeatureSection

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.8 Outdoor installations. ¶

1207.8 Outdoor installations. Outdoor installations shall be in accordance with Sections 1207.8.1 through 1207.8.3. Exterior wall installations for individual ESS units not exceeding 20 kWh shall be in accordance with Section 1207.8.4. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER. ENERGY SYSTEMS TABLE 1207.8—OUTDOOR ESS INSTALLATIONSaCol2Col3Col4 ------------ COMPLIANCE REQUIREDCOMPLIANCE REQUIREDREMOTE INSTALLATIONSaINSTALLATIONS NEAR EXPOSURESb FeatureSectionSectionSection All ESS installations1207.4YesYes Clearance to exposures1207.8.3YesYes Fire…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.9 Special installations. ¶

1207.9 Special installations. Rooftop and open parking garage ESS installations shall comply with Sections 1207.9.1 through 1207.9.6. TABLE 1207.9—SPECIAL ESS INSTALLATIONSCol2Col3Col4 ------------ COMPLIANCE REQUIREDCOMPLIANCE REQUIREDROOFTOPSaOPEN PARKING GARAGESb FeatureSectionSectionSection All ESS installations1207.4YesYes Clearance to exposures1207.9.3YesYes Fire suppression systems1207.9.4YesYes Maximum allowable quantities1207.5.2YesYes Maximum enclosure size1207.5.6YesYes Means of egress separation1207.5.8YesYes Open parking garage installations1207.9.6NoYes Rooftop…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.10 Mobile ESS equipment and operations. ¶

1207.10 Mobile ESS equipment and operations. Mobile ESS equipment and operations shall comply with Sections 1207.10.1 through 1207.10.7.7. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) TABLE 1207.10—MOBILE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (ESS)Col2Col3 --------- COMPLIANCE REQUIREDCOMPLIANCE REQUIREDDEPLOYMENTa FeatureSectionSection All ESS installations1207.4Yesb Fire suppression systems1207.5.5Yesc Maximum allowable quantities1207.5.2Yes Maximum enclosure size1207.5.6Yes Means of egress separation1207.5.8Yes Size and separation1207.5.1Yesd Smoke and automatic fire detection1207.5.4Yese Technology-specific…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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1207.11 ESS in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies. ¶

1207.11 ESS in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies. ESS in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall be in accordance with Sections 1207.11.1 through 1207.11.9. Exceptions: 1. ESS listed and labeled in accordance with UL 9540 and marked “For use in residential dwelling units,” where installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the California Electrical Code . 2. ESS rated less than 1 kWh (3.6 megajoules). 1207.11.1 Equipment listings. ESS shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 9540. 1207.11.2 Installation. ESS shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s…

provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use provision permitted lot commission district approval parking minimum height dwelling application requirement review coverage subject setback occupancy development standard accessory yard section structure compliance use

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