Amendment issued - battery energy storage installations
Amendments have been made to AS/NZS 5139:2019 – electrical installations – safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment.
The changes aim to provide better clarity for electricians working with battery energy storage systems (BESS) to ensure the standard is applied more consistently across installations, helping to support safety and compliance.
The changes provide additional guidance on:
- Location and spacing requirements - detailed explanations clarify where battery systems may be installed and the required clearances around them.
- Restricted areas around BESS - the update specifies what is permitted within restricted zones, helping installers better interpret safety boundaries.
- Barriers to habitable rooms - where barriers are required between battery systems and habitable rooms, the amendment clarifies that these barriers must be at least 6 mm thick.
- Signage requirements - further guidance has been added to ensure signage is applied correctly and consistently.
As battery energy storage becomes increasingly common in residential and commercial settings, clear and consistent standards are essential. This amendment supports safer installations by reducing uncertainty, while maintaining the intent of the original standard.
More information
Learn more about Australian Standards and access relevant documents at Standards Australia.