Thresholds, Permits & Required Plans for ESS

Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

• CFC § 1207.1.3 High relevance — show source text

  TABLE 1207.1.3—ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (ESS) THRESHOLD QUANTITIES	Col2
  TECHNOLOGY	ENERGY CAPACITYa
  Capacitor ESS	3 kWh
  Flow batteriesb	20 kWh
  Lead-acid batteries, all types	70 kWhc
  Lithium-ion batteries	20 kWh
  Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) and nickel zinc (Ni-Zn) batteries	70 kWh
  Nonelectrochemical ESSd	70 kWh
  Other battery technologies	10 kWh
  Other electrochemical ESS technologies	3 kWh
  Sodium nickel chloride batteries	70 kWh
  Zinc manganese dioxide batteries (Zn-MnO2)	70 kWh
  For SI: 1 kilowatt hour = 3.6 megajoules. a. Energy capacity is the total energy capable of being stored (nameplate rating), not the usable energy rating. For units rated in amp-hours, kWh shall equal rated voltage times amp-hour rating divided by 1,000. b. Shall include vanadium, zinc-bromine, polysulfide-bromide and other flowing electrolyte-type technologies. c. Fifty gallons of lead-acid battery electrolyte shall be considered equivalent to 70 kWh. d. Covers nonelectrochemical technologies such as flywheel and thermal ESS.	For SI: 1 kilowatt hour = 3.6 megajoules. a. Energy capacity is the total energy capable of being stored (nameplate rating), not the usable energy rating. For units rated in amp-hours, kWh shall equal rated voltage times amp-hour rating divided by 1,000. b. Shall include vanadium, zinc-bromine, polysulfide-bromide and other flowing electrolyte-type technologies. c. Fifty gallons of lead-acid battery electrolyte shall be considered equivalent to 70 kWh. d. Covers nonelectrochemical technologies such as flywheel and thermal ESS.

  12-10 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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  ENERGY SYSTEMS

  1207.1.4 Permits. Permits shall be obtained for ESS as follows:

  1. Construction permits shall be obtained for stationary ESS installations and for mobile ESS charging and storage installations covered by Section 1207.10.1. Permits shall be obtained in accordance with Section 105.6.6.
  2. Operational permits shall be obtained for stationary ESS installations and for mobile ESS deployment operations covered by Section 1207.10.3. Permits shall be obtained in accordance with Section 105.5.14.

  1207.1.4.1 Communication utilities. Operational permits shall not be required for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that comply with NFPA 76 and operate at less than 50 voltage alternating current (VAC) and 60 voltage direct current (VDC).

  1207.1.5 Construction documents. The following information shall be provided with the permit application:

  1. Location and layout diagram of the room or area in which the ESS is to be installed.
  2. Details on the hourly fire-resistance ratings of assemblies enclosing the ESS.
  3. The quantities and types of ESS to be installed.
  4. Manufacturer’s specifications, ratings and listings of each ESS.
• CFC § 12-10 High relevance — show source text

  Shall include vanadium, zinc-bromine, polysulfide-bromide and other flowing electrolyte-type technologies.
  c. Fifty gallons of lead-acid battery electrolyte shall be considered equivalent to 70 kWh.
  d. Covers nonelectrochemical technologies such as flywheel and thermal ESS.|

  12-10 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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  ENERGY SYSTEMS

  1207.1.4 Permits. Permits shall be obtained for ESS as follows:

  1. Construction permits shall be obtained for stationary ESS installations and for mobile ESS charging and storage installations covered by Section 1207.10.1. Permits shall be obtained in accordance with Section 105.6.6.
  2. Operational permits shall be obtained for stationary ESS installations and for mobile ESS deployment operations covered by Section 1207.10.3. Permits shall be obtained in accordance with Section 105.5.14.

  1207.1.4.1 Communication utilities. Operational permits shall not be required for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that comply with NFPA 76 and operate at less than 50 voltage alternating current (VAC) and 60 voltage direct current (VDC).

  1207.1.5 Construction documents. The following information shall be provided with the permit application:

  1. Location and layout diagram of the room or area in which the ESS is to be installed.
  2. Details on the hourly fire-resistance ratings of assemblies enclosing the ESS.
  3. The quantities and types of ESS to be installed.
  4. Manufacturer’s specifications, ratings and listings of each ESS.
  5. Description of energy (battery) management systems and their operation.
  6. Location and content of required signage.
  7. Details on fire suppression, smoke or fire detection, thermal management, ventilation, exhaust and deflagration venting systems, if provided.
  8. Support arrangement associated with the installation, including any required seismic restraint.
  9. A commissioning plan complying with Section 1207.2.1.
  10. A decommissioning plan complying with Section 1207.2.3.
  11. A fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404.

  1207.1.5.1 Utilities applicability. Plans and specifications associated with ESS owned and operated by electric utilities as a component of the electric grid that are considered critical infrastructure documents in accordance with the provisions of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and other applicable governmental laws and regulations shall be made available to the fire code official for viewing based on the requirements of the applicable governmental laws and regulations. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.1.6 Hazard mitigation analysis. A failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) or other approved hazard mitigation analysis shall be provided in accordance with Section 104.2.2 under any of the following conditions:

  1. Where ESS technologies not specifically identified in Table 1207.1.3 are provided.
  2. More than one ESS technology is provided in a single fire area where there is a potential for adverse interaction between technologies.
  3. Where allowed as a basis for increasing maximum allowable quantities. See Section 1207.5.2.
  4. Where required by the fire code official to address a potential hazard with an ESS installation that is not addressed by existing requirements.
• CFC § 1207.10.2 Medium relevance — show source text

  Exception: Mobile ESS used to temporarily provide power to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility, and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.10.2 Deployment. For the purpose of Section 1207.10, deployment covers operations where mobile ESS are located at a site other than the charging and storage site and are being used to provide power.

  Exception: Mobile ESS used to temporarily provide power to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility, and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.10.3 Permits. Construction and operational permits shall be provided for charging and storage of mobile ESS and operational permits shall be provided for deployment of mobile ESS as required by Section 1207.1.4.

  1207.10.4 Construction documents. Construction documents complying with Section 1207.1.5 shall be provided with the construction permit application for mobile ESS charging and storage locations.

  1207.10.4.1 Deployment documents. The following information shall be provided with the operation permit applications for mobile ESS deployments:

  1. Relevant information for the mobile ESS equipment and protection measures in the construction documents required by Section 1207.1.5.

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  ENERGY SYSTEMS

  2. Location and layout diagram of the area in which the mobile ESS is to be deployed, including a scale diagram of all nearby exposures.

  3. Location and content of signage, including no smoking signs.

  4. Description of fencing to be provided around the ESS, including locking methods.

  5. Details on fire suppression, smoke and automatic fire detection, system monitoring, thermal management, exhaust ventilation and explosion control, if provided.

  6. For deployment, the intended duration of operation, including anticipated connection and disconnection times and dates.

  7. Location and description of local staging stops during transit to the deployment site. See Section 1207.10.7.5.

  8. Description of the temporary wiring, including connection methods, conductor type and size, and circuit overcurrent protection to be provided.

  9. Description of how fire suppression system connections to water supplies or extinguishing agents are to be provided.

  10. Contact information for personnel who are responsible for maintaining and servicing the equipment, and responding to emergencies as required by Section 1207.1.8.1. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.10.5 Approved locations. Locations where mobile ESS are charged, stored and deployed shall be restricted to the locations established on the construction and operational permits. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.10.6 Charging and storage. Installations where mobile ESS are charged and stored shall be treated as permanent ESS indoor or outdoor installations, and shall comply with the following sections, as applicable:

  1. Indoor charging and storage shall comply with Section 1207.7.
  2. Outdoor charging and storage shall comply with Section 1207.8.
  3. Charging and storage on rooftops and in open parking garages shall comply with Section 1207.9.
• CFC § 1207.10.2. Medium relevance — show source text

  See Section 1207.10.2.
  b. Mobile operations on wheeled vehicles and trailers shall not be required to comply with Section 1207.4.4 seismic and structural load requirements.
  c. Fire suppression system connections to the water supply shall be permitted to use approved temporary connections.
  d. In walk-in units, spacing is not required between ESS units and the walls of the enclosure.
  e. Alarm signals are not required to be transmitted to an approved location for mobile ESS deployed 30 days or less.|a. See Section 1207.10.2.
  b. Mobile operations on wheeled vehicles and trailers shall not be required to comply with Section 1207.4.4 seismic and structural load requirements.
  c. Fire suppression system connections to the water supply shall be permitted to use approved temporary connections.
  d. In walk-in units, spacing is not required between ESS units and the walls of the enclosure.
  e. Alarm signals are not required to be transmitted to an approved location for mobile ESS deployed 30 days or less.|a. See Section 1207.10.2.
  b. Mobile operations on wheeled vehicles and trailers shall not be required to comply with Section 1207.4.4 seismic and structural load requirements.
  c. Fire suppression system connections to the water supply shall be permitted to use approved temporary connections.
  d. In walk-in units, spacing is not required between ESS units and the walls of the enclosure.
  e. Alarm signals are not required to be transmitted to an approved location for mobile ESS deployed 30 days or less.|

  1207.10.1 Charging and storage. For the purpose of Section 1207.10, charging and storage covers the operation where mobile ESS are charged and stored so they are ready for deployment to another site, and where they are charged and stored after a deployment.

  Exception: Mobile ESS used to temporarily provide power to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility, and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.10.2 Deployment. For the purpose of Section 1207.10, deployment covers operations where mobile ESS are located at a site other than the charging and storage site and are being used to provide power.

  Exception: Mobile ESS used to temporarily provide power to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility, and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.10.3 Permits. Construction and operational permits shall be provided for charging and storage of mobile ESS and operational permits shall be provided for deployment of mobile ESS as required by Section 1207.1.4.

  1207.10.4 Construction documents. Construction documents complying with Section 1207.1.5 shall be provided with the construction permit application for mobile ESS charging and storage locations.

  1207.10.4.1 Deployment documents. The following information shall be provided with the operation permit applications for mobile ESS deployments:

  1. Relevant information for the mobile ESS equipment and protection measures in the construction documents required by Section 1207.1.5.

  12-22 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

• CFC § 105.5.14 Medium relevance — show source text

  105.5.14 Energy storage systems. An operational permit is required for stationary and mobile energy storage systems regulated by Section 1207. Operational permits shall not be required for ESS located at detached one- and two-family dwellings and town- houses, other than Group R-4.

  105.5.15 Exhibits and trade shows. An operational permit is required to operate exhibits and trade shows.

  105.5.16 Explosives. An operational permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter 56. See Health and Safety Code Division 11, Part 1, Sections 12000, et seq. for additional requirements.

  Exception: Storage in Group R-3 occupancies of smokeless propellant, black powder and small arms primers for personal use, not for resale and in accordance with Section 5606.

  105.5.17 Fire hydrants and valves. An operational permit is required to use or operate fire hydrants or valves intended for fire suppression purposes that are installed on water systems and provided with ready access from a fire apparatus access road that is open to or generally used by the public.

  Exception: A permit is not required for authorized employees of the water company that supplies the system or the fire department to use or operate fire hydrants or valves.

  105.5.18 Flammable and combustible liquids. An operational permit is required:

  1. To use or operate a pipeline for the transportation within facilities of flammable or combustible liquids. This requirement shall not apply to the off-site transportation in pipelines regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOTn) nor does it apply to piping systems.
  2. To store, handle or use Class I liquids in excess of 5 gallons (19 L) in a building or in excess of 10 gallons (37.9 L) outside of a building, except that a permit is not required for the following: 2.1. The storage or use of Class I liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant, unless such storage, in the opinion of the fire code official, would cause an unsafe condition.

  2.2. The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar flammable mixtures where such liquids are stored for maintenance, painting or similar purposes for a period of not more than 30 days. 3. To store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons (95 L) in a building or in excess of 60 gallons (227 L) outside a building, except for fuel oil used in connection with oil-burning equipment. 4. To store, handle or use Class IIIB liquids in tanks or portable tanks for fueling motor vehicles at motor fuel-dispensing facilities or where connected to fuel-burning equipment.

  Exception: Fuel oil and used motor oil used for space heating or water heating. 5. To remove Class I or II liquids from an underground storage tank used for fueling motor vehicles by any means other than the approved, stationary on-site pumps normally used for dispensing purposes. 6. To operate tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used.

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• CFC § 12-9 Medium relevance — show source text

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 12-9

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  ENERGY SYSTEMS

  1206.8 Outdoor installation. Stationary fuel cell power systems located outdoors shall be separated by not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the following:

  1. Lot lines.

  2. Public ways.

  3. Buildings.

  4. Stored combustible materials.

  5. Hazardous materials.

  6. High-piled stock.

  7. Any portion of a designated means of egress system.

  8. Other exposure hazards.

  1206.9 Fuel supply. The design, location and installation of the fuel supply for stationary fuel cell power systems shall comply with Chapter 53, Chapter 58 and the International Fuel Gas Code, based on the particular fuel being supplied to the system.

  1206.10 Manual shutoff. Access to a manual shutoff valve shall be provided for the fuel piping within 6 feet (1829 mm) of any fuel storage tank serving the fuel cell and within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the power system. If the fuel tank and the stationary fuel cell power system are less than 12 feet (3658 mm) apart, a single shutoff valve shall be permitted. If the stationary fuel cell power system is located indoors, the shutoff valve shall be located outside of the room in which the system is installed, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.

  1206.11 Ventilation and exhaust. Ventilation and exhaust for stationary fuel cell power systems shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 853.

  1206.12 Fire protection. Fire protection systems for stationary fuel cell power system installations shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 853.

  1206.13 Group R-3 and R-4 fuel cell vehicle energy storage system use. The temporary use of the dwelling unit owner or occupant’s fuel cell-powered electric vehicle to power a Group R-3 or R-4 dwelling while parked in an attached or detached garage or outside shall comply with the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and the California Electrical Code .

  SECTION 1207—ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (ESS)

  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 correction, and standalone capacitor banks for voltage correction and stabilization. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.1.2 Mobile ESS. Mobile ESS deployed at an electric utility substation or generation facility for 90 days or less shall not add to the threshold values in Table 1207.1.3 for the stationary ESS installation if both of the following conditions apply:

  1. The mobile ESS complies with Section 1207.10.
  2. The mobile ESS is being used only during periods in which the facility’s stationary ESS is being tested, repaired, retrofitted or replaced. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)
• CFC § 907.2.3 Medium relevance — show source text

  Early Suppression Fast-Response Sprinkler (ESFR) (see Automatic Sprinklers) Education Occupancy (Group E) 203 Alarms and detection 907.2.3 Means of egress Aisles 1018.2, 1018.5 Corridors 1020.3, 1020.2 Locking 1010.2.12, 1010.2.7 Panic hardware 1010.2.8

  Stairways, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1017.2, 1006.3.3,

  1006.2.1

  Sprinklers 903.2.3 Egress (see Means of Egress) Electrical Equipment 603 Aviation facilities 2006.14 Dust-producing machines 5906.5.5 Signs 603.4.1, 1207.4.8 Work space and clearance 603.4 Workstations in HPM facilities

  2703.7.2

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  INDEX

  Energy Storage System (ESS) 202, 1207 Cabinets 1207.4.10, 1207.4.8, 1207.6.3 Commissioning, decommissioning, operation and maintenance 202, 1207.2

  Fire remediation 1207.1.8 Hazard mitigation analysis 1207.1.6 Large-scale fire test 1207.1.7 Mobile ESS 202, 1207.1, 1207.1.2,

  1207.10 Residential (R-3 and R-4) 1207.11 Stationary ESS 202, 1207 Walk-in units 202, 1207.1.7, 1207.4.12, 1207.4.6, 1207.4.8, 1207.4.9, 1207.5.2, 1207.5.2.1, 1207.5.4, 1207.5.5, 1207.5.6, 1207.6.1, 1207.6.3, 1207.9.4 Energy Systems Chapter 12, 1201.1, 1201.2 Electrical energy storage systems 1201.3, 1207 Emergency and standby power systems 1203

  Permits 105.5.14, 105.6.10, 105.6.21,

  105.6.6 Portable generators 1204, 3309 Solar and photovoltaic systems 1205 Stationary fuel cell power systems 1206 Entry, Right of 104.4 Equipment, Fueled 313 Equipment Platform Defined 202

  Guards required 1015.2 Escalator Openings (see Floor Openings and Shafts) Escape Openings 1031 ESFR Sprinklers (see Automatic Sprinklers) Ethylene Gas 2503

  Generators 2506

• CFC § 3201.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  SECTION 3201—GENERAL

  3201.1 Scope. H igh-piled combustible storage shall be in accordance with this chapter. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, the following material-specific requirements shall apply:

  1. Aerosols shall be in accordance with Chapter 51.
  2. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapter 57.
  3. Hazardous materials shall be in accordance with Chapter 50.
  4. Storage of combustible paper records shall be in accordance with NFPA 13.
  5. Storage of combustible fibers shall be in accordance with Chapter 37.
  6. General storage of combustible material shall be in accordance with Chapter 3.

  3201.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6.

  3201.3 Construction documents. At the time of building permit application for new structures designed to accommodate high-piled storage or for requesting a change of occupancy/use, and at the time of application for a storage permit, plans and specifications shall be submitted for review and approval. In addition to the information required by the California Building Code, the storage permit submittal shall include the information specified in this section. The construction documents shall include all of the following:

  1. Floor plan of the building showing locations and dimensions of high-piled storage areas.

  2. Usable storage height for each storage area.

  3. Number of tiers within each rack, if applicable.

  4. Commodity clearance between top of storage and the sprinkler deflector for each storage arrangement.

  5. Aisle dimensions between each storage array.

  6. Maximum pile volume for each storage array.

  7. Location and classification of commodities in accordance with Section 3203.

  8. Location of commodities that are banded or encapsulated.

  9. Location of required fire department access doors.

  10. Type of fire protection systems.

  11. Location of valves controlling the water supply of ceiling and in-rack sprinklers.

  12. Type, location and specifications of smoke removal and curtain board systems.

  13. Dimension and location of transverse and longitudinal flue spaces.

  14. Additional information regarding required design features, commodities, storage arrangement and fire protection features within the high-piled storage area shall be provided at the time of permit, where required by the fire code official.

  3201.3.1 Approved construction documents. Following approval of the construction documents, a copy of the approved plans shall be maintained on the premises in an approved location.

  3201.3.2 Approved storage layout. A floor plan, of legible size, shall be provided, mounted on a wall and protected from damage. The floor plan shall be mounted in an approved location and show the following:

  1. Locations, dimensions and rack layout of high-piled storage areas.

  2. Design storage height for each storage area.

  3. Types of commodities.

  4. Commodity clearance between top of storage and the sprinkler deflector for each storage arrangement.

  5. Aisle dimensions between each storage array.

  6. For palletized and solid-piled storage, the maximum pile volume for each storage array.

  7. Location and classification of commodities in accordance with Section 3203.

  8. Location of required fire department access doors.

  9. Location of valves controlling the water supply of ceiling and in-rack sprinklers.

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  HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

• CFC § 1203.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text

  
  Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |1203.1.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1203.1.3.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1203.1.5.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1203.2.11|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1205.2.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1205.3.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1207.11.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1207.11.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Table 1207.11.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||

  • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  12 ENERGY SYSTEMS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 12 was added to address the current energy systems found in this code, and is provided for the introduction of a wide range of systems to generate and store energy in, on and adjacent to buildings and facilities. The expansion of such energy systems is related to meeting today’s energy, environmental and economic challenges. Ensuring appropriate criteria to address the safety of such systems in building and fire codes is an important part of protecting the public at large, building occupants and emergency responders. More specifically, this chapter addresses standby and emergency power, portable generators, photovoltaic systems, fuel cell energy systems and energy storage systems.

  SECTION 1201—GENERAL

  1201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, retrofitting, testing, commissioning and decommissioning of energy systems used for generating or storing energy, including but not limited to energy storage systems under the exclusive control of an electric utility or lawfully designated agency. It shall not apply to equipment associated with the generation, control, transformation, transmission, or distribution of energy installations that is under the exclusive control of an electric utility or lawfully designated agency. Energy storage systems regulated by Section 1207 shall comply with this chapter, as appropriate, and NFPA 855.

  1201.2 Electrical wiring and equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment used in connection with energy systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this chapter, Section 603 and the California Electrical Code.

• CFC § 12-2 Medium relevance — show source text

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  12-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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  12 ENERGY SYSTEMS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 12 was added to address the current energy systems found in this code, and is provided for the introduction of a wide range of systems to generate and store energy in, on and adjacent to buildings and facilities. The expansion of such energy systems is related to meeting today’s energy, environmental and economic challenges. Ensuring appropriate criteria to address the safety of such systems in building and fire codes is an important part of protecting the public at large, building occupants and emergency responders. More specifically, this chapter addresses standby and emergency power, portable generators, photovoltaic systems, fuel cell energy systems and energy storage systems.

  SECTION 1201—GENERAL

  1201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, retrofitting, testing, commissioning and decommissioning of energy systems used for generating or storing energy, including but not limited to energy storage systems under the exclusive control of an electric utility or lawfully designated agency. It shall not apply to equipment associated with the generation, control, transformation, transmission, or distribution of energy installations that is under the exclusive control of an electric utility or lawfully designated agency. Energy storage systems regulated by Section 1207 shall comply with this chapter, as appropriate, and NFPA 855.

  1201.2 Electrical wiring and equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment used in connection with energy systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this chapter, Section 603 and the California Electrical Code.

  1201.3 Mixed system installation. Where mixed systems are approved, the aggregate nameplate kWh energy of all energy storage systems in a fire area shall not exceed the maximum quantity specified for any of the energy systems in this chapter. Where required by the fire code official, a hazard mitigation analysis shall be provided and approved in accordance with Section 104.2.2 to evaluate any potential adverse interaction between the various energy systems and technologies.

  SECTION 1202—DEFINITIONS

  1202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

  BATTERY SYSTEM, STATIONARY STORAGE.

  BATTERY TYPES.

  CAPACITOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM.

  CRITICAL CIRCUIT.

  EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM.

  ENERGY STORAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

  ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (ESS).

  ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM, ELECTROCHEMICAL.

  ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM, MOBILE.

  ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM, WALK-IN UNIT.

  ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM CABINET.

  ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMMISSIONING.

  ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM DECOMMISSIONING.

  FUEL CELL POWER SYSTEM, STATIONARY.

  PORTABLE GENERATOR.

  STANDBY POWER SYSTEM.

  SECTION 1203—EMERGENCY AND STANDBY POWER SYSTEMS

  1203.1 General. Emergency power systems and standby power systems required by this code or the California Building Code shall comply with Sections 1203.1.1 through 1203.1.9.

  1203.1.1 Stationary generators. Stationary emergency and standby power generators required by this code shall be listed in accordance with UL 2200.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 12-3

• CFC § 1207.2.1. Medium relevance — show source text

  A decommissioning plan for removing the ESS from service, and from the facility in which it is located. The plan shall include details on providing a safe, orderly shutdown of energy storage and safety systems with notification to the code officials prior to the actual decommissioning of the system. The decommissioning plan shall include contingencies for removing an intact operational ESS from service, and for removing an ESS from service that has been damaged by a fire or other event.

  Exceptions:

  1. Commissioning shall not be required for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that comply with NFPA 76 and operate at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC. A decommissioning plan shall be provided and maintained where required by the fire code official.
  2. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems less than 50 VAC, 60 VDC that are in telecommunications facilities for installations of communications equipment under the exclusive control of communications utilities, and are located outdoors or in building spaces or walk-in units used exclusively for such installations that are in compliance with NFPA 76, shall be permitted to have a commissioning plan in compliance with recognized industry practices in lieu of complying with Section 1207.2.1.
  3. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utilities, and are located in building spaces or walk-in units used exclusively for such installations, shall be permitted to have a commissioning plan in compliance with applicable governmental laws and regulations in lieu of developing a commissioning plan in accordance with Section 1207.2.1. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.2.1.1 Initial acceptance testing. During the commissioning process an ESS shall be evaluated for proper operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the commissioning plan prior to final approval.

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  ENERGY SYSTEMS

  1207.2.1.2 Commissioning report. A report describing the results of the system commissioning, including the results of the initial acceptance testing required in Section 1207.2.1.1, shall be provided to the fire code official prior to final inspection and approval and maintained at an approved on-site location. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

  1207.2.2 Operation and maintenance. An operation and maintenance manual shall be provided to both the ESS owner or their authorized agent and the ESS operator before the ESS is put into operation and shall include the following:

  1. Manufacturer’s operation manuals and maintenance manuals for the entire ESS, or for each component of the system requiring maintenance, that clearly identify the required routine maintenance actions.
  2. Name, address and phone number of a service agency that has been contracted to service the ESS and its associated safety systems.
  3. Maintenance and calibration information, including wiring diagrams, control drawings, schematics, system programming instructions and control sequence descriptions, for all energy storage control systems.
  4. Desired or field-determined control set points that are permanently recorded on control drawings at control devices or, for digital control systems, in system programming instructions.
  5. A schedule for inspecting and recalibrating all ESS controls.
• CFC § 3.6 Medium relevance — show source text

  DC wiring shall be installed in_ metallic conduit or raceways when located within enclosed spaces in a building. Conduit shall run along the bottom of load bearing members.

  SECTION R330—ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

  R330.1 General. Energy storage systems (ESS) shall comply with the provisions of this section.

  Exceptions:

  1. ESS listed and labeled for use in habitable spaces, in accordance with UL 9540 and where installed in accordance with the listing, the manufacturer’s instructions and the California Electrical Code.
  2. ESS less than 1 kWh (3.6 megajoules).

  R330.2 Equipment listings. Energy storage systems (ESS) shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 9540.

  Exception: Where approved, repurposed unlisted battery systems from electric vehicles are allowed to be installed outdoors or in detached sheds located not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from exterior walls, property lines and public ways.

  R330.3 Installation. ESS shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and their listing.

  R330.3.1 Spacing. Individual units shall be separated from each other by not less than 3 feet (914 mm) except where other separation distances are specified by the ESS listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

  R330.4 Locations. ESS shall be installed only in the following locations:

  1. Detached garages and detached accessory structures.

  2. Attached garages separated from the dwelling unit living space in accordance with Section R302.6.

  3. Outdoors or on the exterior side of exterior walls located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit, except where smaller separation distances are permitted by the UL 9540 listing and manufacturer’s installation instructions.

  4. Enclosed utility closets, basements, storage or utility spaces within dwelling units with finished or noncombustible walls and ceilings. Walls and ceilings of unfinished wood-framed construction shall be provided with not less than [5] / 8 -inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard. Openings into the dwelling shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than 1 [3] / 8 inches (35 mm) in thickness, solid or honeycomb-core steel doors not less than 1 [3] / 8 inches (35 mm) in thickness, or doors with a 20-minute fire protection rating. Doors shall be self-latching and equipped with a self-closing or an automatic-closing device. Penetrations through the required gypsum wallboard into the dwelling shall be protected as required by Section R302.11, Item 4.

  � ESS shall not be installed in sleeping rooms, or closets or spaces opening directly into sleeping rooms.

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  BUILDING PLANNING

  R330.5 Energy ratings. Individual ESS units shall have a maximum rating of 20 kWh. The ratings of the ESS in each location shall not exceed the ratings in Table R330.5. The total aggregate ratings of ESS on the property shall not exceed 600 kWh.

  ESS installations exceeding the permitted individual or aggregate ratings shall be installed in accordance with Section 1207 of the California Fire Code.

  |TABLE R330.