Battery systems are an important component in many modern buildings and installations, being used for backup power supply, UPS systems, energy storage, and other technical applications. However, they must not be installed arbitrarily. According to the requirements of Standard P118/1-2025, batteries are generally installed in dedicated rooms specifically designed for this purpose. Certain types of sealed batteries may also be allowed in other locations, but only if strict conditions regarding ventilation, fire protection, operational access, and charging safety are met.
From a technical perspective, battery rooms must be organized in a way that reduces the risk of overheating, gas accumulation, sparks, or fire spread. Appropriate distances between battery rows and from walls are required to ensure air circulation and inspection access. In addition, access corridors must be dimensioned so that intervention and maintenance can be carried out safely. Devices capable of generating sparks, incandescent elements, or other ignition sources must not be installed near batteries, while relative humidity must be maintained within appropriate limits, without condensation.
Particular attention must be given to lithium-ion batteries, which are increasingly used in modern energy storage applications. These batteries may present specific risks in the event of damage, overcharging, internal defects, or exposure to high temperatures. For this reason, the standard establishes clear storage conditions, including limitations regarding storage surface area, storage height, and separation aisles between storage zones, especially in spaces protected by sprinkler systems. These measures are intended to limit the rapid development of a potential fire and allow safer emergency intervention.
In the case of outdoor lithium-ion battery containers, requirements become even more important, as a fire may affect not only the container itself, but also nearby buildings, installations, or surrounding areas. Therefore, measures regarding the fire resistance of walls and doors, minimum safety distances from adjacent constructions, proper separation, and emergency intervention accessibility are required.
Battery systems provide useful energy and technical flexibility, but they must be treated as a potential risk source requiring proper analysis, design, and protective measures.