Section 1206 — California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)

1206.1 Scope. The provisions in this section are applicable to¶

energy storage systems designed to provide electrical power to a building or facility. These systems are used to provide standby or emergency power, an uninterruptable power supply, load shedding, load sharing or similar capabilities.

Exceptions & meaning →

1206.2 Stationary storage battery systems.¶

Stationary storage battery systems having capacities exceeding the values shown in Table 1206.2 shall comply with Section 1206.2.1 through 1206.2.12.6, as applicable.

1206.2.1 Permits. Permits shall be obtained for the installation and operation of stationary storage battery systems in accordance with Section 105.7.2.

1206.2.2 Construction documents. The following information shall be provided with the permit application:

Location and layout diagram of the room in which the stationary storage battery system is to be installed.
Details on hourly fire-resistance-rated assemblies provided.
Quantities and types of storage batteries and battery systems.
Manufacturer’s specifications, ratings and listings of storage batteries and battery systems.
Details on energy management systems.
Location and content of signage.
Details on fire-extinguishing, smoke detection and ventilation systems.
Rack storage arrangement, including seismic support criteria.

TABLE 1206.2 BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEM THRESHOLD QUANTITIES.

BATTERY TECHNOLOGY	CAPACITYa
Flow batteriesb	20 kWh
Lead acid, all types	70 kWh
Lithium, all types	20 kWh
Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd)	70 kWh
Sodium, all types	20 kWhc
Other battery technologies	10 kWh

For SI:1 kilowatt hour = 3.6 megajoules. a. For batteries rated in amp-hours, kWh shall equal rated voltage times amp-hour rating divided by 1000. b. Shall include vanadium, zinc-bromine, polysulfide-bromide, and other flowing electrolyte-type technologies. c. 70 kWh for sodium-ion technologies.

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

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Toxic and highly toxic gases released during fires and other fault conditions shall not reach concentrations in excess of Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) levels in the building or adjacent means of egress routes during the time deemed necessary to evacuate from that area.
Flammable gases released from batteries during charging, discharging and normal operation shall not exceed 25 percent of their lower flammability limit (LFL).
Flammable gases released from batteries during fire, overcharging and other abnormal conditions shall not create an explosion hazard that will injure occupants or emergency responders.

1206.2.3.3 Additional protection measures. Construction, equipment and systems that are required for the stationary storage battery system to comply with the hazardous mitigation analysis, including but not limited to those specifically described in Section 1206.2, shall be installed, maintained and tested in accordance with nationally recognized standards and specified design parameters.

1206.2.4 Seismic and structural design. Stationary storage battery systems shall comply with the seismic design requirements in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code, and shall not exceed the floor-loading limitation of the building.

1206.2.5 Vehicle impact protection. Where stationary storage battery systems are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, including fork lifts, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.

1206.2.6 Combustible storage. Combustible materials not related to the stationary storage battery system shall not be stored in battery rooms, cabinets or enclosures. Combustible materials in occupied work centers covered by Section 1206.2.8.5 shall not be stored less than 3 feet (915 mm) from battery cabinets.

1206.2.7 Testing, maintenance and repair. Storage batteries and associated equipment and systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Any storage batteries or system components used to replace existing units shall be compatible with the battery charger, energy management systems, other storage batteries and other safety systems. Introducing other types of storage batteries into the stationary storage battery system or other types of electrolytes into flow battery systems shall be treated as a new installation and require approval by the fire code official before the replacements are introduced into service.

1206.2.8 Location and construction. Rooms and areas containing stationary storage battery systems shall be designed, located and constructed in accordance with Sections 1206.2.8.1 through 1206.2.8.7.4.

1206.2.8.1 Location. Stationary storage battery systems shall not be located in areas where the floor is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, or where the

floor level is more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge.

Exceptions:

Lead acid and nickel cadmium stationary storage battery systems.
Installations on noncombustible rooftops of buildings exceeding 75 feet (22 860 mm) in height that do not obstruct fire department rooftop operations, where approved by the fire code official.

1206.2.8.2 Separation. Rooms containing stationary storage battery systems shall be separated from other areas of the building in accordance with Section 509.1 of the California Building Code . Battery systems shall be allowed to be in the same room with the equipment they support.

1206.2.8.3 Stationary battery arrays. Storage batteries, prepackaged stationary storage battery systems and preengineered stationary storage battery systems shall be segregated into stationary battery arrays not exceeding 50 kWh (180 megajoules) each. Each stationary battery array shall be spaced not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from other stationary battery arrays and from walls in the storage room or area. The storage arrangements shall comply with Chapter 10.

Exceptions:

Lead acid and nickel cadmium storage battery arrays.
Listed preengineered stationary storage battery systems and prepackaged stationary storage battery systems shall not exceed 250 kWh (900 megajoules) each.
The fire code official is authorized to approve listed, preengineered and prepackaged battery arrays with larger capacities or smaller battery array spacing if large-scale fire and fault condition testing conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory is provided showing that a fire involving one array will not propagate to an adjacent array, and be contained within the room for a duration equal to the fire-resistance rating of the room separation specified in Table 509 of the California Building Code .

1206.2.8.4 Separate rooms. Where stationary batteries are installed in a separate equipment room that can be accessed only by authorized personnel, they shall be permitted to be installed on an open rack for ease of maintenance.

1206.2.8.5 Occupied work centers. Where stationary storage batteries are located in an occupied work center, they shall be housed in a noncombustible cabinet or other enclosure to prevent access by unauthorized personnel.

1206.2.8.5.1 Cabinets. Where stationary batteries are contained in cabinets in occupied work centers,

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the cabinet enclosures shall be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the equipment that they support.

1206.2.8.6 Signage. Approved signs shall be provided on doors or in locations near entrances to stationary storage battery system rooms and shall include the following or equivalent:

The room contains energized battery systems.
The room contains energized electrical circuits.
The additional markings required in Section 1206.2.12 for the types of storage batteries contained within the room.

Exception: Existing stationary storage battery systems shall be permitted to include the signage required at the time it was installed.

1206.2.8.6.1 Electrical disconnects. Where the stationary storage battery system disconnecting means is not within sight of the main service disconnecting means, placards or directories shall be installed at the location of the main service disconnecting means indicating the location of stationary storage battery system disconnecting means in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

1206.2.8.6.2 Cabinet signage. Battery storage cabinets provided in occupied work centers in accordance with Section 1206.2.8.5 shall have exterior labels that identify the manufacturer and model number of the system and electrical rating (voltage and current) of the contained battery system. There shall be signs within the cabinet that indicate the relevant electrical and chemical hazards, as required by Section 1206.2.12.

1206.2.8.7 Outdoor installations. Stationary storage battery systems located outdoors shall comply with Sections 1206.2.8.7 through 1206.2.8.7.4, in addition to all applicable requirements of Section 1206.2. Installations in outdoor enclosures or containers that can be occupied for servicing, testing, maintenance and other functions shall be treated as battery storage rooms.

Exception: Stationary battery arrays in noncombustible containers shall not be required to be spaced 3 feet (914 mm) from the container walls.

1206.2.8.7.1 Separation. Stationary storage battery systems located outdoors shall be separated by a minimum 5 feet (1524 mm) from the following:

Lot lines.
Public ways.
Buildings.
Stored combustible materials.
Hazardous materials.
High-piled stock.
Other exposure hazards.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to approve smaller separation distances if large scale fire and fault condition testing conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory is provided showing that a fire involving the system will not adversely impact occupant egress from adjacent buildings, or adversely impact adjacent stored materials or structures.

1206.2.8.7.2 Means of egress. Stationary storage battery systems located outdoors shall be separated from any means of egress as required by the fire code official to ensure safe egress under fire conditions, but not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to approve lesser separation distances if large-scale fire and fault condition testing conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory is provided showing that a fire involving the system will not adversely impact occupant egress.

1206.2.8.7.3 Security of outdoor areas. Outdoor areas in which stationary storage battery systems are located shall be secured against unauthorized entry and safeguarded in an approved manner.

1206.2.8.7.4 Walk-in units. Where a stationary storage battery system includes an outer enclosure, the unit shall only be entered for inspection, maintenance and repair of batteries and electronics, and shall not be occupied for other purposes.

1206.2.9 Maximum allowable quantities. Fire areas within buildings containing stationary storage battery systems exceeding the maximum allowable quantities in Table 1206.2.9 shall comply with all applicable Group H occupancy requirements in this code and the California Building Code .

Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, areas containing stationary storage batteries that exceed the amounts in Table 1206.2.9 shall be treated as incidental use areas and not Group H occupancies based on a hazardous mitigation analysis in accordance with Section 1206.2.3 and large-scale fire and fault condition testing conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory.

1206.2.9.1 Mixed battery systems. Where areas within buildings contain different types of storage battery technologies, the total aggregate quantities of batteries shall be determined based on the sum of percentages of each battery type quantity divided by the maximum allowable quantity of each battery type. If the sum of the percentages exceeds 100 percent, the area shall be treated as a Group H occupancy in accordance with Table 1206.2.9.

1206.2.10 Storage batteries and equipment. The design and installation of storage batteries and related equipment shall comply with Sections 1206.2.10.1 through 1206.2.10.8.

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TABLE 1206.2.9 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE BATTERY QUANTITIES

BATTERY TECHNOLOGY	MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIESa	GROUP H OCCUPANCY
Flow batteriesb	600 kWh	Group H-2
Lead acid, all types	Unlimited	Not Applicable
Lithium, all types	600 kWh	Group H-2
Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd)	Unlimited	Not Applicable
Sodium, all types	600 kWh	Group H-2
Other battery technologies	200 kWh	Group H-2c

For SI:1 kilowatt hour = 3.6 megajoules. a. For batteries rated in amp-hours, Kilowatt-hours (kWh) shall equal rated battery voltage times the amp-hour rating divided by 1,000. b. Shall include vanadium, zinc-bromine, polysulfide-bromide, and other flowing electrolyte-type technologies. c. Shall be a Group H-4 occupancy if the fire code official determines that a fire or thermal runaway involving the battery technology does not represent a

significant fire hazard.

1206.2.10.1 Listings. Storage batteries and battery storage systems shall comply with the following:

Storage batteries shall be listed in accordance with UL 1973.
Prepackaged and preengineered stationary storage battery systems shall be listed in accordance with UL 9540.

Exception: Lead-acid batteries are not required to be listed.

1206.2.10.2 Prepackaged and preengineered sys- tems. Prepackaged and preengineered stationary storage battery systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s instructions.

1206.2.10.3 Energy management system. An approved energy management system shall be provided for battery technologies other than lead-acid and nickel cadmium for monitoring and balancing cell voltages, currents and temperatures within the manufacturer’s specifications. The system shall transmit an alarm signal to an approved location if potentially hazardous temperatures or other conditions such as short circuits, over voltage or under voltage are detected.

1206.2.10.4 Battery chargers. Battery chargers shall be compatible with the battery chemistry and the manufacturer’s electrical ratings and charging specifications. Battery chargers shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1564 or provided as part of a listed preengineered or prepackaged stationary storage battery system.

1206.2.10.5 Inverters. Inverters shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1741. Only inverters listed and labeled for utility interactive system use and identified as interactive shall be allowed to operate in parallel with the electric utility power system to supply power to common loads.

1206.2.10.6 Safety caps. Vented batteries shall be provided with flame-arresting safety caps.

1206.2.10.7 Thermal runaway. Where required by Section 1206.2.12, storage batteries shall be provided with a listed device or other approved method to prevent, detect and control thermal runaway.

1206.2.10.8 Toxic and highly toxic gas. Stationary storage battery systems that have the potential to release toxic and highly toxic gas during charging, discharging and normal use conditions shall comply with Chapter 60.

1206.2.11 Fire-extinguishing and detection systems. Fire-extinguishing and detection systems shall be provided in accordance with Sections 1206.2.11.1 through 1206.2.11.5.

1206.2.11.1 Fire-extinguishing systems. Rooms containing stationary storage battery systems shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Commodity classifications for specific technologies of storage batteries shall be in accordance with Chapter 5 of NFPA 13. If the storage battery types are not addressed in Chapter 5 of NFPA 13, the fire code official is authorized to approve the fire-extinguishing system based on fullscale fire and fault condition testing conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved laboratory.

Exception: Spaces or areas containing stationary storage battery systems used exclusively for telecommunications equipment in accordance with Section 903.2.

1206.2.11.1.1 Alternative fire-extinguishing sys- tems. Battery systems that utilize water-reactive materials shall be protected by an approved alternative automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904. The system shall be listed for protecting the type, arrangement and quantities of storage batteries in the room. The fire code official shall be permitted to approve the alternative fire extinguishing system based on full-scale fire and fault condition testing conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved laboratory.

1206.2.11.2 Smoke detection system. An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in rooms containing stationary storage battery systems in accordance with Section 907.2.

1206.2.11.3 Ventilation. Where required by Section 1206.2.3 or 1206.2.12, ventilation of rooms containing stationary storage battery systems shall be provided in

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accordance with the California Mechanical Code and one of the following:

The ventilation system shall be designed to limit the maximum concentration of flammable gas to 25 percent of the lower flammability limit, or for hydrogen, 1.0 percent of the total volume of the room.
Continuous ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute (cfm) per square foot [0.00508 m ³ /(s • m ² )] of floor area, but not less than 150 cfm (4 m ³ /min).

The exhaust system shall be designed to provide air movement across all parts of the floor for gases having a vapor density greater than air and across all parts of the vault ceiling for gases having a vapor density less than air.

1206.2.11.3.1 Cabinet ventilation. Where cabinets located in occupied spaces contain storage batteries that are required by Section 1206.2.3 or 1206.2.12 to be provided with ventilation, the cabinet shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.3.

1206.2.11.3.2 Supervision. Required mechanical ventilation systems for rooms and cabinets containing storage batteries shall be supervised by an approved central station, proprietary or remote station service or shall initiate an audible and visual signal at an approved constantly attended on-site location.

1206.2.11.4 Gas detection system. Where required by Section 1206.2.3 or 1206.2.12, rooms containing stationary storage battery systems shall be protected by a gas detection system complying with Section 916. The gas detection system shall be designed to activate where the level of flammable gas exceeds 25 percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL), or where the level of toxic or highly toxic gas exceeds one-half of the IDLH.

1206.2.11.4.1 System activation. Activation of the gas detection system shall result in all the following:

Initiation of distinct audible and visible alarms in the battery storage room.
Transmission of an alarm to an approved location.
De-energizing of the battery charger.
Activation of the mechanical ventilation system, where the system is interlocked with the gas detection system.

Exception: Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium stationary storage battery systems shall not be required to comply with Items 1, 2 and 3.

1206.2.11.5 Spill control and neutralization. Where required by Section 1206.2.12, approved methods and materials shall be provided for the control and neutralization of spills of electrolyte or other hazardous materi als in areas containing stationary storage batteries as follows:

For batteries with free-flowing electrolyte, the method and materials shall be capable of neutralizing a spill of the total capacity from the largest cell or block to a pH between 5.0 and 9.0.
For batteries with immobilized electrolyte, the method and material shall be capable of neutralizing a spill of 3.0 percent of the capacity of the largest cell or block in the room to a pH between 5.0 and 9.0.

1206.2.12 Specific battery-type requirements. This section includes requirements applicable to specific types of storage batteries. Stationary storage battery systems with more than one type of storage battery shall comply with requirements applicable to each battery type.

1206.2.12.1 Lead-acid storage batteries. Stationary storage battery systems utilizing lead-acid storage batteries shall comply with the following:

Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.3.
Spill control and neutralization shall be in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.5.
Thermal runaway protection shall be provided for valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) storage batteries in accordance with Section 1206.2.10.7.
The signage in Section 1206.2.8.6 shall indicate the room contains lead-acid batteries.

1206.2.12.2 Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) storage batter- ies. Stationary storage battery systems utilizing nickelcadmium (Ni-Cd) storage batteries shall comply with the following:

Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.3.
Spill control and neutralization shall be in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.5.
Thermal runaway protection shall be provided for valve-regulated sealed nickel-cadmium storage batteries in accordance with Section 1206.2.10.7.
The signage in Section 1206.2.8.6 shall indicate the room contains nickel-cadmium batteries.

1206.2.12.3 Lithium-ion storage batteries. The signage in Section 1206.2.8.6 shall indicate the type of lithium batteries contained in the room.

1206.2.12.4 Sodium-beta storage batteries. Stationary storage battery systems utilizing sodium-beta storage batteries shall comply with the following:

Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.3.
The signage in Section 1206.2.8.6 shall indicate the type of sodium batteries in the room and include the instructions, “APPLY NO WATER.”

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1206.2.12.5 Flow storage batteries. Stationary storage battery systems utilizing flow storage batteries shall comply with the following:

Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.3.
Spill control and neutralization shall be in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.5.
The signage required in Section 1206.2.8.6 shall indicate the type of flow batteries in the room.

1206.2.12.6 Other battery technologies. Stationary storage battery systems utilizing battery technologies other than those described in Sections 1206.2.12.1 through 1206.2.12.5 shall comply with the following:

Gas detection systems complying with Section 916 shall be provided in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.4 where the batteries have the potential to produce toxic or highly toxic gas in the storage room or cabinet in excess of the permissible exposure limits (PEL) during charging, discharging and normal system operation.
Mechanical ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.3.
Spill control and neutralization shall be in accordance with Section 1206.2.11.5.
In addition to the signage required in Section 1206.2.8.6, the marking shall identify the type of batteries present, describe the potential hazards associated with the battery type, and indicate that the room contains energized electrical circuits.

Exceptions & meaning →

1206.3 Capacitor energy storage systems. Capacitor energy¶

storage systems having capacities exceeding 3 kWh (10.8 megajoules) shall comply with Sections 1206.3 through 1206.3.2.6.1.

Exception: Capacitors regulated by the California Electri- cal Code, Chapter 460, and capacitors included as a component part of other listed electrical equipment are not required to comply with this section.

1206.3.1 Permits. Permits shall be obtained for the installation of capacitor energy storage systems in accordance with Section 105.7.3.

1206.3.2 Location and construction. Rooms and areas containing capacitor energy storage systems shall be designed, located and constructed in accordance with Sections 1206.3.2 through 1206.3.2.5.

1206.3.2.1 Location. Capacitor energy storage systems shall not be located in areas where the floor is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, or where the floor level is more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge.

1206.3.2.2 Separation. Rooms containing capacitor energy storage systems shall be separated from the following occupancies by fire barriers or horizontal

assemblies, or both, constructed in accordance with the California Building Code .

Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies by 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
Group A, E, I and R occupancies by 2-hour fireresistance-rated construction.

1206.3.2.3 Capacitor arrays. Capacitor energy storage systems shall be segregated into capacitor arrays not exceeding 50 kWh (180 megajoules) each. Each array shall be spaced not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from other arrays and from walls in the storage room or area. The storage arrangements shall comply with Chapter 10.

Exception: Capacitor energy storage systems in noncombustible containers located outdoors shall not be required to be spaced 3 feet (914 mm) from the container walls.

1206.3.2.4 Signage. Approved signs shall be provided on doors or in locations adjacent to the entrances to capacitor energy storage system rooms and shall include the following or equivalent verbiage and information:.

“CAPACITOR ENERGY STORAGE ROOM.”
“THIS ROOM CONTAINS ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS.”
An identification of the type of capacitors present and the potential hazards associated with the capacitor type.

1206.3.2.5 Electrical disconnects. Where the capacitor energy storage system disconnecting means is not within sight of the main service disconnecting means, placards or directories shall be installed at the location of the main service disconnecting means identifying the location of the capacitor energy storage system disconnecting means in accordance with the California Elec- trical Code .

1206.3.2.6 Outdoor installation. Capacitor energy systems located outdoors shall comply with Sections 1206.3.2.6 through 1206.3.2.6.4 in addition to all applicable requirements of Section 1206.3. Installations in outdoor enclosures or containers that can be occupied for servicing, testing, maintenance and other functions shall be treated as capacitor storage rooms.

Exception: Capacitor arrays in noncombustible containers shall not be required to be spaced 3 feet (914 mm) from the container walls.

1206.3.2.6.1 Separation. Capacitor energy systems located outdoors shall be not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the following:

Lot lines.
Public ways.
Buildings.
Stored combustible materials.

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Hazardous materials.
High-piled stock.
Other exposure hazards.

1206.3.2.6.2 Means of egress. Capacitor energy storage systems located outdoors shall be separated from any means of egress as required by the fire code official to ensure safe egress under fire conditions, but not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).

1206.3.2.6.3 Security of outdoor areas. Outdoor areas in which capacitor energy storage systems are located shall be secured against unauthorized entry and safeguarded in an approved manner.

1206.3.2.6.4 Walk-in units. Where a capacitor energy storage system includes an outer enclosure, the unit shall only be entered for inspection, maintenance and repair of batteries and electronics, and shall not be occupied for other purposes.

1206.3.3 Maximum allowable quantities. Fire areas within buildings containing capacitor energy storage systems that exceed 600 kWh of energy capacity shall comply with all applicable Group H occupancy requirements in this code and the California Building Code .

1206.3.4 Capacitors and equipment. The design and installation of capacitor energy storage systems and related equipment shall comply with Sections 1206.3.4.1 through 1206.3.4.5.

1206.3.4.1 Listing. Capacitors and capacitor energy storage systems shall comply with the following:

Capacitors shall be listed in accordance with UL
Prepackaged and preengineered stationary capacitor energy storage systems shall be listed in accordance with UL 9540.

1206.3.4.2 Prepackaged and preengineered systems. In addition to other applicable requirements of this code, prepackaged and preengineered capacitor energy storage systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s instructions.

1206.3.4.3 Energy management system. An approved energy management system shall be provided for monitoring and balancing capacitor voltages, currents and temperatures within the manufacturer’s specifications. The system shall transmit an alarm signal to an approved location if potentially hazardous temperatures or other conditions such as short circuits, over voltage or under voltage are detected.

1206.3.4.4 Capacitor chargers. Capacitor chargers shall be compatible with the capacitor manufacturer’s electrical ratings and charging specifications. Capacitor chargers shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1564 or provided as part of a listed preengineered or prepackaged capacitor energy storage system.

1206.3.4.5 Toxic and highly toxic gas. Capacitor energy storage systems that have the potential to release toxic and highly toxic materials during charging, discharging and normal use conditions shall comply with Chapter 60.

1206.3.5 Fire-extinguishing and detection systems. Fire-extinguishing and smoke detection systems shall be provided in capacitor energy storage system rooms in accordance with Sections 1206.3.5.1 through 1206.3.5.2.

1206.3.5.1 Fire-extinguishing systems. Rooms containing capacitor energy storage systems shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Commodity classifications for specific capacitor technologies shall be in accordance with Chapter 5 of NFPA 13. If the capacitor types are not addressed in Chapter 5 of NFPA 13, the fire code official is authorized to approve the automatic sprinkler system based on full-scale fire and fault condition testing conducted by an approved laboratory.

1206.3.5.1.1 Alternative fire-extinguishing sys- tems. Capacitor energy storage systems that utilize water-reactive materials shall be protected by an approved alternative automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904. The system shall be listed for protecting the type, arrangement and quantities of capacitors in the room. The fire code official shall be permitted to approve the system based on full-scale fire and fault condition testing conducted by an approved laboratory.

1206.3.5.2 Smoke detection system. An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in rooms containing capacitor energy storage systems in accordance with Section 907.2.

1206.3.5.3 Ventilation. Where capacitors release flammable gases during normal operating conditions, ventilation of rooms containing capacitor energy storage systems shall be provided in accordance with the Cali- fornia Mechanical Code and one of the following:

The ventilation system shall be designed to limit the maximum concentration of flammable gas to 25 percent of the lower flammability limit.
Continuous ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute (cfm) per square foot [0.00508 m ³ /(s • m ² )] of floor area, but not less than 150 cfm (4 m ³ /min).

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The exhaust system shall be designed to provide air movement across all parts of the floor for gases having a vapor density greater than air and across all parts of the ceiling for gases having a vapor density less than air.

1206.3.5.3.1 Supervision. Required mechanical ventilation systems for rooms containing capacitor energy storage systems shall be supervised by an approved central station, proprietary or remote station service, or shall initiate an audible and visible signal at an approved, constantly attended on-site location.

1206.3.5.4 Spill control and neutralization. Where capacitors contain liquid electrolyte, approved methods and materials shall be provided for the control and neutralization of spills of electrolyte or other hazardous materials in areas containing capacitors as follows:

For capacitors with free-flowing electrolyte, the method and materials shall be capable of neutralizing a spill of the total capacity from the largest cell or block to a pH between 5.0 and 9.0.
For capacitors with immobilized electrolyte, the method and material shall be capable of neutralizing a spill of 3.0 percent of the capacity of the largest cell or block in the room to a pH between 5.0 and 9.0.

1206.3.6 Testing, maintenance and repair. Capacitors and associated equipment and systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Any capacitors or system components used to replace existing units shall be compatible with the capacitor charger, energy management systems, other capacitors, and other safety systems. Introducing different capacitor technologies into the capacitor energy storage system shall be treated as a new installation and require approval by the fire code official before the replacements are introduced into service.

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CHAPTERS 13 through 19

RESERVED

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330 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

Exceptions & meaning →