ASNZS5139:2019 Installation

Installation Requirements (Figure One)

Figure One illustrates the installation clearances for a battery cabinet. The wall behind the PPE battery cabinet must be fire-rated to AS1530.1 or constructed from non-combustible materials such as brick, masonry block, concrete, cement sheet, ceramic, or terracotta tile.

Non-combustible material must extend 600mm past each side and 900mm above the PPE battery cabinet. If the PPE battery cabinet is positioned within 900mm of a ceiling or structure, fire-rated material must also be fitted above, extending 600mm past the cabinet's extremities.

Unobstructed access is required: 600mm on each side of the PPE battery cabinet and 900mm above.

Specific clearance on the working side depends on voltage:

• 600mm clearance for the working side when voltage is DVC-A + >4Cal/cm³.
• 900mm clearance for the working side when voltage is greater than DVC-A +>4Cal/cm³.

A 1-meter clearance is required in front of the PPE battery cabinet in any walkway, corridor, or hallway.

Restricted Areas: Ceiling space, wall cavities, under stairs, under walkways, evacuation escape routes, and habitable rooms are considered restricted areas for installation.

Extra Restrictions (Section 6): Installation is prohibited under floors of habitable rooms, and within or under buildings with habitable rooms if the Fire Hazard Level is 1.

Battery Room Specifications (Figure Two)

Figure Two presents an aerial view of a typical battery room layout. The room must be clean, dry, and well-ventilated to minimize the likelihood of build-up of other materials around the battery system and to prevent infestation by insects or vermin.

Unobstructed access of 600mm is required on each side of the PPE battery cabinet. The working side requires 600mm clearance when voltage is DVC-A + >4Cal/cm³, and 900mm clearance when voltage is greater than DVC-A +>4Cal/cm³. A minimum aisle clearance of 900mm is mandatory.

Other Notes

• Associated battery storage equipment (PCE's, wiring, etc.) can be installed within the designated clearance zones.
• A DC isolator is required for each parallel PPE battery cabinet.
• The DC isolator must be located within 2 meters of battery terminals and the PCE.
• If battery terminals and PCE are more than 3 meters apart, the DC isolator should be placed at the PCE.
• A switch disconnector (DC isolator / HRC with DC switch) compliant to AS60947.3 is specified.
• Batteries with voltage greater than VDC-A must be earthed or equipped with an earth fault alarm.

Important Information

Always consult AS5139:2019, manufacturer's installation guides/manuals, and other applicable standards before designing or installing any equipment. This technical note serves as a guide only.