The new year sees a new amendment to AS/NZS 5139:2019. It is a welcome addition to the standard with further clarification and definitions for a rapidly growing industry.

Here is a quick overview of the more significant revisions.

• A new Appendix I has been created to assist with the calculation of cell short- circuit current within a battery system.

•  A new definition regarding battery rooms has been created.

1.3.13A battery energy storage system room – dedicated room housing the components of the battery energy storage system and the associated battery system components including, but not limited to, PCE, battery system(s) and the necessary accessories.

This is to clarify that a room that can be used for more than one purpose such as a vehicle garage or storage room is not considered a dedicated battery

room. Extra assurance of this is contained within note 2 attached to the definition.

Note 2 to entry: A room that can be used for more than one purpose such as a vehicle garage or storage room is not considered a dedicated room.

• 3 definitions have had notes added to provide further clarity and practical examples.

Another significant but welcomed change is the introduction of new figures and diagrams for clearances. These have been added to clarify suitable locations and restrictions for battery system installations.

• Fig 4.1A – Egress clearance in a corridor, hallway or lobby.

• Fig 4.1B – Clearance to doors and openings

•  Fig 4.1D – Clearance from restricted locations – A side view of restricted locations indicating 600mm in front and 900mm above batteries.

• Fig 4.2A – Clearances for battery connection access depending on type (DC or AC.)

An exemption has finally been added to deal with systems installed in a garage (or other locations) with a door opening wider than 900, Clause 4.2.2.2 (b). exception states:

Where an exit is larger than 900 mm (e.g. a garage opening) installation is permitted within 600 mm of the opening. The opening shall allow sufficient clearance from the BESS for safe egress and be no less than 1 m from the front or a side that a person could need to pass.

Figure 4.1D shows an example layout of this:

It is also good to note that the separate (but repeated) figures in Section 5 have been removed and now just refer to the figures in Section 4 to save duplication.

The amended edition is live and available for download on the MEA members portal.

Any queries on the new amendment or for any other technical advice please get in touch with the Technical Team on 1300 889 198 or [email protected].