Nec Article 480 Storage Batteries Pdf Download

NEC Article 480 Storage Batteries

Storage batteries are devices that store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy and convert it back to electrical energy when needed. They are used for various applications, such as backup power, renewable energy integration, microgrids, and electric vehicles. The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a set of standards that regulate the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States. NEC Article 480 covers the requirements for stationary installations of storage batteries, such as lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, and other types.

Scope and Definitions

NEC Article 480 applies to all stationary installations of storage batteries, regardless of their voltage, capacity, or chemistry. It does not apply to portable or mobile batteries, such as those used in vehicles, tools, or appliances. It also does not apply to batteries that are part of other articles, such as Article 706 (Energy Storage Systems), Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems), or Article 712 (DC Microgrids).

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NEC Article 480 provides definitions for some terms related to storage batteries, such as cell, container, electrolyte, intercell connector, intertier connector, nominal voltage, sealed cell or battery, storage battery, and terminal. These definitions are important for understanding the requirements and specifications of storage batteries and their components.

Installation Requirements

NEC Article 480 specifies the installation requirements for storage batteries, such as location, accessibility, ventilation, spill containment, working space, disconnecting means, overcurrent protection, grounding and bonding, wiring methods, marking and labeling, and testing and maintenance. Some of these requirements are general and apply to all types of storage batteries, while some are specific to certain types or chemistries of storage batteries. For example:

Storage batteries shall be installed in locations where they are protected from physical damage, excessive temperature, moisture, corrosive materials, and unauthorized access .

Storage batteries shall be accessible for inspection and maintenance. Sealed cells or batteries shall be provided with a means to determine their state of charge .

Storage batteries shall be provided with adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of explosive or toxic gases. The ventilation requirements vary depending on the type and size of the battery system .

Storage batteries shall be provided with spill containment and management systems to prevent the leakage or spillage of electrolyte. The spill containment requirements vary depending on the type and size of the battery system .

Storage batteries shall be provided with a disconnecting means for all ungrounded conductors derived from the battery system. The disconnecting means shall be readily accessible and capable of being locked in the open position .

Storage batteries shall be protected from overcurrent by fuses or circuit breakers that are sized and rated according to the battery manufacturer's recommendations. The overcurrent protection devices shall be located as close as practicable to the battery terminals .

Storage batteries shall be grounded and bonded according to Article 250. The grounding conductor shall be sized according to Table 250.122 and shall not be smaller than 8 AWG copper or 6 AWG aluminum .

Storage batteries shall be wired using conductors that are suitable for the voltage, current, temperature, and environmental conditions of the battery system. The conductor insulation shall be rated at least 90ÂC and shall be resistant to electrolyte .

Storage batteries shall be marked and labeled with information such as voltage, current, capacity, polarity, chemistry, manufacturer's name and model number, date of installation or manufacture, warning signs, and instructions for operation and maintenance .

Storage batteries shall be tested and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions and industry standards. The testing and maintenance procedures may include measuring voltage, specific gravity, electrolyte level, internal resistance, capacity, temperature, and state of charge .

References

[Article 480]

[First Revision No. 8979-NFPA 70-2018]

[Status Report on Standardization for Energy Storage]

[Interconnection of storage battery systems]

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