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2024 code clarifies where home battery systems can go; thresholds push large installs into fire code
Summary
The 2024 IRC adds diagrams and impact-protection guidance for battery energy storage systems (ESS), clarifies garage placement for some listed units, and keeps higher-storage installations subject to International Fire Code provisions.
County code staff summarized 2024 IRC changes that expand and clarify where residential battery energy-storage systems (ESS) can be installed. The 2024 text provides diagrams and impact-protection criteria (for example, when storage sits in a garage versus in an enclosed closet) and increases clarity about acceptable materials and ratings for enclosed installations.
Staff explained that typical listed units that meet UL 9540/9540A listing (for installations inside conditioned space) may be allowed without separate IFC-level measures, but aggregated storage above a county-discussed threshold (staff cited 80 kilowatt-hours as the point where projects are routed to the IFC) will trigger IFC requirements. Staff said the 2024 changes were intended to keep common residential ESS installations accessible while ensuring larger or aggregated installations meet the more stringent fire-code provisions.
Why it matters: As home battery systems proliferate, the 2024 IRC language reduces ambiguity for installers and plan reviewers about acceptable placement and protective measures; it also clarifies when an ESS installation must comply with the International Fire Code rather than just the IRC.
What’s next: Staff will track UL listing status for ESS products and coordinate with fire code staff to draft clear submittal and inspection requirements for ESS installations.
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