NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1 Fire safety of energy storage systems (BESS).

The NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1 standard provides an international framework for the fire safety of energy storage systems, making it indispensable for anyone involved in the installation, design or operation of battery systems.

What is the NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1 standard?

The NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1 standard forms the international basis for fire safety in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It describes the technical and organizational measures required to minimize the risks associated with energy storage. By doing so, the standard helps installers and designers to realize safe, reliable and future-proof energy systems.

The purpose of the standard and why it is important

The purpose of this standard is to provide uniform safety criteria for manufacturers, installers and system integrators to better manage fire risks. These include guidelines for thermal management, ventilation, smoke or gas detection, compartmentation and emergency procedures.

The standard helps prevent risks such as thermal runaway, overheating and short circuits, crucial factors in lithium-ion batteries and other electrochemical storage technologies.

By working according to this guideline, you demonstrate that your installations meet internationally recognized safety standards. This not only increases the reliability of your project, but also the confidence of clients, insurers and regulators.

What energy storage systems are covered?

NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1 applies to all electrochemical energy storage systems used for stationary applications. This includes industrial systems with high power capacity as well as residential battery storage systems for households or small businesses.

The standard applies to a variety of battery technologies, including lithium-ion, sodium-ion and other emerging chemical systems. It also provides guidance for both indoor and outdoor installations, with specific attention to installation location, ventilation provisions and fire detection.

At Frax, we consider all of these factors in the design of our plug-and-play BESS solutions, so that your projects are directly in line with current security standards.

What does the NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1 mean for you as an installer?

The NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1 translates into clear guidelines and responsibilities for installers. It helps you recognize safety risks early and address them structurally. In this way you ensure that every energy storage system is installed safely, reliably and in line with international fire safety standards.

Responsibilities and obligations in practice

As an installer or technical advisor, you are responsible for implementing safe installation methods that comply with applicable standards. The NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1 helps you identify risks and implement preventive measures, such as fire detection, extinguishing facilities and the correct spatial arrangement of battery modules.

For example, you should consider:

• The physical separation between battery compartments to limit fire spread;
• The integration of temperature and gas detection systems;
• Accessibility for emergency services and safe shutdown mechanisms;
• Compliance with local building and fire safety codes.

By implementing these regulations correctly, you not only reduce risk, but also meet the requirements of insurers and inspection agencies.

Practical steps to comply with the standard

Complying with NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1 requires a structured approach in which safety is the focus as early as the design phase. By working carefully according to these guidelines, you can not only minimize risks, but also increase system reliability and longevity.

Below are the key steps to make your projects compliant with the standard.

• Work only with certified battery modules and components tested to international safety standards.
• Ensure that plant design meets ventilation, compartmentation and temperature management requirements appropriate to the site and environment.
• Conduct a thorough fire safety risk analysis, considering factors such as placement, capacity and accessibility.
• Document all safety measures in a fire safety plan consistent with local regulations and inspection requirements.
• Work with manufacturers and suppliers, such as Frax, who already design their systems to the latest safety and quality standards.

Frax supports installers with clear documentation, technical guidance and turnkey plug-and-play systems that are fully prepared for compliance with NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1. So you can realize safe and compliant energy storage systems with confidence.

How Frax helps your BESS projects meet fire safety standards and regulations

At Frax, safety is central to the design of all our Battery Energy Storage Systems. Our plug-and-play solutions are developed according to the most stringent international standards, including NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1, and are equipped with integrated safety features such as temperature management, smoke detection and emergency shutdown.

We understand that as an installer or project developer, you need systems that are not only technically reliable, but also comply with all relevant regulations. That is why we provide complete, ready-to-use BESS solutions that are quick to install and already include all safety aspects.

Our specialists will advise you in the design, installation and documentation of your projects so that you can confidently comply with fire safety and building regulations. Thanks to our experience and focus on innovation, you are assured of a future-proof solution that combines safety with efficiency and sustainability.

At Frax, we believe that safe energy storage is the foundation for a reliable energy future. With our support, you not only comply with NEN-EN-IEC 62933-5-1, but also build sustainable, safe and cost-effective energy solutions for your customers.