Outdoor Battery Installation Guidelines

When installing a battery outside, the type of house construction plays an important role in determining compliance and safety measures:
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‍Brick Homes: Since brick is a non-combustible material, you have more flexibility with the placement of the battery.
‍Weatherboard Homes: As weatherboard is a combustible material, you must install a non-combustible barrier—such as fire-rated cement sheeting—between the battery and the wall of the house.

Installation Scenarios (Refer to Images) :
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Image 1 – Top Left:Batteries must not be installed within 600mm of any entry or exit points, including doors and main walkways.
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Image 2 – Top Right:If a battery is installed against a habitable room, a non-combustible material must be installed behind it.The barrier must cover 600mm to either side of the battery and extend 900mm above it.
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Image 3 – Bottom Left:If the battery is placed outside against a habitable room and there is an openable window or vent within the required clearance zone, installation is not allowed.However, if the battery is installed against a non-habitable area, and there's an openable window or vent, installation is permitted.
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Image 4 – Bottom Right:When a battery is installed outside at the corner of a home and backs onto a habitable room, the following rules apply:Maintain at least 300mm clearance from the corner.Install non-combustible material that extends 600mm to both sides and 900mm above the battery.

Guidelines for Indoor Battery Installation :‍

‍Installing a battery system inside a garage is common in Australia, but strict rules must be followed to ensure fire safety, proper ventilation, and compliance with national standards.

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1. Battery Location Zone
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‍Batteries installed indoors must be located in what's called a “Battery Installation Zone.”The installation zone must: Be well-ventilated Not be a habitable room (garages are acceptable)Allow for safe egress in the event of an emergency
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2. Separation from Ignition Sources
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‍Battery systems must be separated from any ignition sources (e.g., hot water units, gas meters, or vehicles) by: At least 600mm clearance, or A certified non-combustible barrier (e.g., fire-rated wall), In Victoria the gas distribution requirements are 1000mm diameter from the gas meter vent to a distance of 1500mm in the direction of discharge (ERAC).
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3. Vehicle Clearance

‍Battery systems must not be installed where they could be impacted by a vehicle. A protective barrier or bollard may be required if there's a risk of collision.
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4. Wall Requirements

‍If mounted to a combustible wall (e.g., plasterboard), a non-combustible backing board (such as fire-rated cement sheeting) must be installed behind the battery. Batteries must also be securely fixed to support their weight and avoid tipping.
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5. Ventilation and Airflow

‍The garage must provide sufficient ventilation to prevent build-up of heat or gases. For some battery chemistries (especially lead-acid), natural or mechanical ventilation is mandatory.
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6. Signage and Labelling

‍Appropriate warning signs must be installed, including: Battery system labels“No Smoking” signs if required Emergency shutdown instructions
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7. Emergency Access

‍Batteries should not block access points or emergency exits in the garage. There must be adequate clearance around the unit for service and emergency disconnection. ❌ Not Allowed Installing batteries inside habitable rooms like bedrooms or living areas Blocking garage exits or walkways Installing batteries within prohibited clearance zones without protection

Guidelines for Indoor Battery Installation :‍

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‍1. Inside Habitable Rooms
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‍You cannot install a battery in any room where people live or sleep,
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including:
Bedrooms,
Living rooms,
Kitchens
Studies/home offices
Hallways used as evacuation paths

🔒 Why? Risk of gas build-up or thermal events (like fire) could endanger occupants.

2. Within 600mm of Entry/Exit Points
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‍Batteries must not be installed:
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Within 600mm horizontally from doors or windows that can be opened
Within 600mm of external exits or emergency pathways

‍🚪 Why? To avoid blocking evacuation and reduce risk during emergency exit.

3. Directly Behind Habitable Rooms (Outdoor Install) – Without Protection

‍If installing a battery on an exterior wall of a habitable room, it must NOT be installed:

Without fire-rated shielding (non-combustible material)
If an openable window or vent exists within the clearance zone
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Exceptions: Allowed with proper shielding covering 600mm on both sides and 900mm above the battery.

4. In Roof Cavities, Ceilings, or Under Floors
Batteries must not be installed in:
Roof voids or attic spaces
Suspended ceilings
Underfloor areas or crawlspaces

🚫 Why? Poor ventilation, risk of undetected fire, and difficult emergency access.

5. Areas Prone to Flooding

‍Batteries must not be installed in:
Basements or pits that can flood
Areas below ground level without drainage
Outdoor zones with no protection against heavy rain or water ingress

🌧️ Why? Batteries and water = safety hazard and electrical failure.

6. Near Ignition Sources

‍Batteries must be 600mm or more away from: May be more in Some State & Territory
Gas meters
Hot water heaters
Vehicle exhaust points
Barbecues or flammable fuel storage

🔥 Why? To avoid fire risk from sparks or heat sources.

7. In High Traffic Vehicle Zones Without Protection
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‍You can’t install batteries:
In garages or carports where a vehicle could hit the unit
‍Without installing a bollard or crash barrier

‍🚗 Why? To prevent impact damage and potential fire.

8. Poorly Ventilated Indoor Spaces

‍Battery installation is not permitted in:
Confined spaces with poor airflow
Rooms without natural or mechanical ventilation
Spaces with risk of gas accumulation (for vented battery chemistries)

💨 Why? Proper ventilation is critical, especially for lead-acid and some lithium types.
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