Residential Energy Storage Systems Under 2018 IRC
If a review of the 2018 International Residential Code leaves you uncertain about compliance for residential energy storage systems, our informational bulletin can help.
SEAC has recognized a need to clarify three requirements in the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC): requirements for battery energy storage product listing, marking, and allowable locations.
In summary,
- The listing requirement refers to the product safety standard for energy storage systems, UL 9540, but does not define it.
- The marking requirement says battery systems shall be listed and labeled “for residential use.” This is not consistent with UL 9540.
- The location requirement says battery systems shall not be installed “within the habitable space of a dwelling unit” but doesn’t specifically list allowable and prohibited spaces.
SEAC’s informational bulletin on Residential Energy Storage Systems Under 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) seeks to provide clarity for system designers and installers. We published the document in November 2021. We encourage you to consider additional guidance in the 2021 IRC and have also published an informational bulletin for the code’s 2021 edition.
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This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Solar Energy and Technologies Office Award Number DE-EE0009001.0000. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Energy or the United States Government.
