Battery Storage

[AlishaE]

One the facilities of my organization rents recreational gear, such as Bass and Jon boats, to the public; with the boats we also issue batteries. The batteries, (6) total, set on the floor of our warehouse when they are not in use (not a locked room but the area is accessible only to employees). Recently, a Fire Inspector told us that the batteries had to be stored in a flammable locker. He sited NFPA 70E, 320.4(A) and (C). After reading Article 320.4 I feel like it is being mis-applied to the situation (I pictured battery banks and UPS boxes).

In another one of my facilities we have batteries for resale, like you would see at Auto Zone or Walmart. If we are truley required to place our (6) rec batteries in a locker or deticated battery room, then I would think the same would apply to our resale batteries.

Any guidance or clarification in reference to NFPA 70E, 320.4 would greatly be appreciated.

 

[ScottyUK]

My opinion... FWIW.

The hazard with rechargeable cells is generally hydrogen gas which is produced during during charging. Hydrogen forms an explosive mixture with air, so it's not something you want building up. If these are valve-regulated batteries then the chances of hydrogen being evolved are pretty slim because this type of battery is specifically designed not to vent hydrogen if it is used within the manufacturer's guidelines for charging rate.

If the batteries are just sitting there and aren't being charged then I don't know why they would need to be in a falm store.


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[itsmoked]

He is mistaken... The problem will be educating him.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[ScottyUK]

"falm store" = 'flam store'. Oops!


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[AlishaE]

320.4 refers to secondary batteries permently installed in or on buildings, structures, or premises....a secondary battery is defined in the article as two or more rechargable cells eletrically conneted and used as a source of energy. What does this mean? In common usage I know a single battery is usually refered to as one cell, so does this mean two or more batteries connencted? Are would it be refering to the cells that make up a battery?

 

[itsmoked]

I would say yes a typical 6 or 12V lead acid battery are "two or more electrically connected".

But since your rental carry-away batteries are not "permanently installed"...

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[darai]

I assume your batteries are of the vented type. If so, not only must you comply with NFPA 70E-320.4(A), you must also comply with NFPA 70E-320.4(C).
Obey the Inspector. Resistance is futile!

 

[alehman]

There is no requirement to comply with NFPA 70E unless the local jurisdiction has formally adopted it. Very few have done so. It might be worth checking.

Nevertheless, sometimes it is not worth fighting city hall. A number of years ago an inspector insisted one of my clients install ventilation for the starting batteries on a diesel generator. It was a large generator room with plenty of natural "leakage". The fans were completely silly, but it was clear this young inspector was not going budge, in spite of a letter from the PE of record (yours truly).

Alan
“The engineer's first problem in any design situation is to discover what the problem really is.” Unk.

 

[mcgyvr]

The requirement does not apply to your situation as this is not a permanent installation period. The scope of 320 is for stationary storage batteries.
Your application is identical to batteries placed in racks at the "battery store".. They do not require locked flame cabinets either. The inspector is clearly incorrect.