If you adhere to information concerning power storage space systems (ESS) or have actually been checking into a house battery back-up system recently, you have actually possibly stumbled upon the term “UL 9540”. What is UL 9540 and also just how vital is it to guarantee your house power storage space system is licensed to this degree?
What is UL 9540?
UL 9540 is a security requirement for power storage space systems. For power storage space systems attached to an energy grid, the UL 9540 common reaches the tools utilized to make that link. This common relate to fire and also surge security issues related to ESS, consisting of:
- The security of the storage space (battery) element throughout procedure
- Fire discovery
- Fire breeding and also reductions
- Fire reduction efficiency in encased locations
Due to the fact that an ESS consists of several elements, the UL 9540 common really includes 2 various other, older criteria: UL 1973 (for the fixed battery pack) and also UL 1741 (for the inverter). These 2 private criteria– along with extensive thermal and also electric screening and also assessment of the elements collaborating as a system– consist of the UL 9540 qualification.
What is the Distinction In Between UL 9540 and also UL 9540A?
While UL 9540 is a collection of criteria a power storage space system have to carry out to, UL 9540A is a technique of examining thermal runaway breeding in an ESS. While UL 9540A is not an accreditation, it does give vital information for producers looking for to obtain their ESS items licensed to UL 9540 and also for their designers and also item programmers to confirm the efficiency of the item’s defense versus vital dangers like fire.
There are 4 phases in the UL9540A examination technique:
- Cell screening— Cells are examined for flammability, whether they can display thermal runaway, and also the structure of gasses launched.
- Component screening— Teams or “components” of cells are examined for the capability of thermal runaway to circulate from one cell to others, in addition to to outside the component.
- System screening— The capacity of fire to spread out from system to system is evaluated, as is the price of warmth launch and also the structure of gas to figure out the capacity for a surge.
- Installment screening— The last examinations system to system fire breeding in a shut space with fire reduction tools.
Is UL 9540 Accreditation Required for an ESS?
Accreditation of a power storage space system to UL 9540 is presently not called for in the majority of territories in the USA. The California structure code has actually embraced International Residential Code (IRC), which needs UL 9540 for ESS. Massachusetts has additionally just recently took on the code. We anticipate it is most likely that cities and also states throughout the nation adhere to these states, and also start needing it in the coming years.
Also if UL 9540 is not called for where you live, limiting your power storage space system search to UL 9540 systems will bring advantages like:
- Assurance from recognizing the system has been carefully examined for security
- Accelerating task allowing and also authorization with a solitary UL stamp on the whole system
- Exposing which ESS producers are taking security seriously and also preparing for the future by gaining UL 9540 qualification currently
Which ESS are Licensed to UL 9540?
If you’re purchasing an ESS, do not fret about UL 1973 and also UL 1741 due to the fact that as lengthy as you see a “UL 9540” or “Licensed to UL 9540” mark on an ESS guarantees the system you prepare to leave you house power storage space requires to is secure and also made to carry out at a high degree.
altE has actually made buying a secure, high-performance ESS simple with our choice of UL 9540 licensed Power Storage space Solutions from SimpliPhi, Sol-Ark, KiloVault, Wilderness, Schneider, and also Enphase.
