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Home Energy Storage Systems aka batteries

TheCommish

TheCommish

Registered User
Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Messages
1,866
Location
Charlton Ma
Can any of my peers direct me to code sections in the 2015 ICC and newer codes, that deal with energy storage systems, Tesla power walls or others, for installation in a 1or 2 family home?

please and thank you
 
And you get to NEC 690.71. from the IRC through E3401.2

2012 IRC
E3401.2 Scope.
Chapters 34 through 43 shall cover the installation of electrical systems, equipment and components indoors and outdoors that are within the scope of this code, including services, power distribution systems, fixtures, appliances, devices and appurtenances. Services within the scope of this code shall be limited to 120/240-volt, 0- to 400-ampere, single-phase systems. These chapters specifically cover the equipment, fixtures, appliances, wiring methods and materials that are most commonly used in the construction or alteration of one- and two-family dwellings and accessory structures regulated by this code. The omission from these chapters of any material or method of construction provided for in the referenced standard NFPA 70 shall not be construed as prohibiting the use of such material or method of construction. Electrical systems, equipment or components not specifically covered in these chapters shall comply with the applicable provisions of NFPA 70.
 
Pay close attention to the installation instructions. There is generally a “critical load” panel installed. If more than 6 ft. of conductor is added to15 and 20 amp branch circuits, AFCI may be required per the NEC.

Advise the applicant as to the location requirements or you might find the battery pack directly under panels where they violate working space requirements.

In garages or close to driveways a bollard might be required.

Tesla has a quirky rule on the height of the disconnect. My AHJ has requested an explanation about that from Tesla.
 
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ADA guy, no it seems like Tesla is only Tesla installers,

the correct phrase should have been; Tesla, or others (meaning other brands)
 
The battery systems seem to be ineffectual at best and mostly a waste of money. They are set up to discharge daily when the sun goes down. Depending on the load, they last a short time before depletion and then get charged by the PV the next day.
 
ICE said:
The battery systems seem to be ineffectual at best and mostly a waste of money. They are set up to discharge daily when the sun goes down. Depending on the load, they last a short time before depletion and then get charged by the PV the next day.
Click to expand...

So, no long term storage like an UPS system and if the sun doesn't come out your frozen goods thaw out.
 
Any battery powered system will have a limited lifetime. This does not mean that they are ineffectual. If you moderate your use and install a system with enough battery capacity they can provide power all night. House batteries can have a significant impact on peak grid demand. Also intelligent use of the batteries can result in significant reduction in the cost you pay for energy allowing you to buy power when it is cheap.
 
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