{"data":{"id":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-fc-608","jurisdiction":"us-nyc","citation":"N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 608","heading":"Section FC 608: Stationary Energy Storage Systems","body":"608.1 Scope.\n\nThis section shall govern stationary energy storage systems, including emergency power, standby power, uninterruptible power and mobile systems.\n\n608.2. General.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this section, the rules, manufacturer's specifications, and, to the extent not inconsistent with this code and rules, NFPA 855, as modified by FC Appendix B.\n\n608.3 Permits.\n\nPermits shall be required as set forth in FC 105.6.\n\n608.4 Testing and listing standards.\n\nAll stationary energy storage systems shall be tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to the standards set forth in FC 608.4.1 through 608.4.3 (or later editions of these standards when necessary to address evolving standards applicable to a rapidly developing technology):\n\n608.4.1 Listing standards.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be listed to the following standards:\n\n1. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 1741 (2010 edition), entitled \"Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources;\"\n\n2. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 1973 (2018 edition), entitled \"Batteries for Use in Light Electric Rail (LER) Applications and Stationary Applications;\" and\n\n3. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 9540 (2020 edition), entitled \"Energy Storage Systems and Equipment.\"\n\nExceptions:\n\n1. Any stationary energy storage system technology or application not subject to one or more of these listing standards shall comply with such other testing or listing standards as may be approved by the department.\n\n2. A stationary energy storage system that received a listing under Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 9540 (2016 edition) prior to the effective date of this section may be considered for a certificate of approval provided that such listing is still valid and the system was subjected to full-scale testing in accordance with FC 608.4.2.\n\n3. A stationary energy storage system approved by the department under a listing standard superseded by a later edition may continue to be operated under such listing standard and department certificate of approval, provided that the listing is still valid and except as may be required by the department in accordance with FC 102.5.\n\n608.4.2 Full-scale testing.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be subjected to full-scale testing (referred to as \"large-scale testing\" in NFPA 855) in accordance with ANSI/Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Test Method 9540A (4th edition), entitled \"Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems,\" or other approved test method, or its failure mode and effects documented by other approved test data.\n\n608.4.3 Listing with installation conditions.\n\nUpon approval by the department \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tand the Department of Buildings of a listing standard that is used to establish listings with installation conditions based upon test data, such approved listing standard shall replace the existing listing and testing standards set forth in FC 608.4.1 and 608.4.2. The approved listing standard and listings shall supersede the equipment approval process set forth in FC 608.5 and, to the extent addressed in such approved listing, the required separation distances.\n\n608.5 Equipment approval.\n\nThe design of each storage battery unit, including pre-engineered and pre-packaged systems, shall be approved by the department. The manufacturer of the storage battery unit shall obtain a certificate of approval for such unit in accordance with FC 112 and the rules. Application for a certificate of approval shall include the results of the full-scale testing of the storage battery unit in accordance with FC 608.4.2, including a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) or other approved hazard mitigation analysis. The certificate of approval may set forth terms and conditions for stationary energy storage system use. Such terms and conditions may authorize below-grade installation, or indoor installation in Group R-3 occupancies, based on the hazards demonstrated by the full-scale testing data and the mitigation thereof.\n\n608.6 Installation approval.\n\nThe design of each stationary energy storage system installation shall be reviewed and approved by the department as required by FC 608.6.1 and 608.6.2.\n\n608.6.1 Indoor systems.\n\nDepartment review and approval of indoor system installations is required for systems utilizing equipment not approved by the department or not in accordance with the terms and conditions of the certificate of approval, equipment listing or requirements of this code. Otherwise, indoor system installation shall be reviewed and approved by the Department of Buildings in accordance with that agency's requirements, with department review and approval of energy storage management systems and monitoring stations, smoke control and smoke purge systems, explosion mitigation, and such fire protection and hazard mitigation systems and measures as are required to be reviewed by the department under this code or the construction codes.\n\n608.6.2 Outdoor systems.\n\nDepartment review and approval of outdoor system installations, including mobile and rooftop systems, shall be in accordance with the rules.\n\n608.7 Supervision.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be operated and maintained under the supervision of a person holding the certificate of fitness required for such purpose.\n\n608.7.1 Indoor systems.\n\nExcept as may be otherwise provided in the rules, indoor systems shall be operated and maintained under the general supervision of such certificate of fitness holder, provided, however, that an FLS director, FEP coordinator, certificate of qualification holder or other responsible person with approved qualifications shall be on the premises during the regular business hours in any building with an indoor system with an aggregate rated energy capacity of one megawatt (1 MWh) or more. Such person shall be responsible for assisting emergency responders, including coordinating with such certificate of fitness holder and the remote monitoring facility in accordance with the emergency management plan.\n\n608.7.2 Outdoor systems.\n\nOutdoor systems shall be operated and maintained under the general supervision of such certificate of fitness holder, except as may be otherwise provided in the rules.\n\n608.7.3 Qualifications and responsibilities.\n\nA certificate of fitness holder responsible for a stationary energy storage system shall possess the following qualifications and shall have the following duties and responsibilities and such other duties and responsibilities as may be set forth in the notice of examination for such certificate:\n\n1. Be trained and knowledgeable in the installation and operation of the stationary energy storage system, such as a person engaged in the design or installation of such systems;\n\n2. Possess the manufacturer's installation and operating specifications for each stationary energy storage system and any associated fire protection systems;\n\n3. Immediately report any emergency condition affecting a stationary energy storage system to the department; and\n\n4. Provide technical assistance about the stationary energy storage system installation to the department\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tin accordance with\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFC 608.8 and the rules, and, in coordination with the energy storage management system monitoring facility, identify a subject matter expert who can provide technical assistance about the stationary energy storage system's design and performance in the event of an emergency condition affecting the stationary energy storage system.\n\n608.8 Emergency management plan.\n\nThe owner, manufacturer and/or installer of a stationary energy storage system shall have an emergency management plan or protocol that includes procedures for notifications, provision of technical assistance to the department, mitigation of hazardous conditions, and decommissioning or restoration to normal operation. The department may require that a representative of the stationary energy storage system manufacturer or other subject matter expert with technical knowledge of the system and its operation be available in a timely manner to provide technical assistance to the department during an emergency involving or affecting the system.\n\n608.9 Design and installation.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall comply with the requirements set forth in FC 608.9.1 through 608.9.4.\n\nException: Lead acid and nickel-cadmium stationary energy storage systems with a maximum operating voltage of 50 volts alternating current or 60 volts direct current, designed and installed for the purpose of supplying emergency power, standby power or uninterruptible power to telecommunications equipment under the exclusive control of a telecommunications provider, when such systems are located outdoors or in an indoor telecommunications facility used exclusively for powering telecommunications equipment, and are in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 855, as adopted and modified by the Department of Buildings, and NFPA 76.\n\n608.9.1 Maximum aggregate rated energy capacity.\n\nThe maximum aggregate rated energy capacity of stationary energy storage systems shall be in accordance with FC 608.9.1.1 and 608.9.1.2.\n\n608.9.1.1 Indoor systems.\n\nThe aggregate rated energy capacity per control area of indoor systems shall not exceed the limitations set forth in FC Table 608.9.1.1.\n\nFC Table 608.9.1.1 Maximum Aggregate Rated Energy Capacity of Indoor Stationary Energy Storage Systems\n\nType of Storage Battery\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMaximum Aggregate Rated Energy Capacity (kWh) per Control Area \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\ta, b\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLead-acid, all types\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t600 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tc\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNickel, all types except sodium nickel chloride\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t600 \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tc\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLithium-ion, all types\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t400\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSodium nickel chloride\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t400\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlow\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t400\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOther\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs prescribed by rules or approved by the department\n\na. Subject to the control area limitations set forth in FC Table 5003.8.3.3\n\nb. The control areas on a floor of a dedicated use building, other than on a high-rise floor, may be combined or otherwise modified, provided that the total maximum aggregate rated energy capacity of indoor systems allowed per floor is not exceeded.\n\nc. Except where a greater maximum aggregate rated capacity is allowed per floor by FC 608.9.4.1.10.\n\n608.9.1.2 Outdoor systems.\n\nThe aggregate rated energy capacity of outdoor stationary energy storage systems (including mobile systems) shall be as approved by the department, unless the department prescribes by rule a maximum aggregate rated energy capacity for such systems.\n\n608.9.2 Energy storage management system monitoring.\n\nAll stationary energy storage systems shall be designed with an energy storage management system that transmits data regarding energy storage system status and temperature to a remote monitoring facility or other approved location. Indoor systems shall be provided with approved remote monitoring stations at the building's fire command center and/or other approved location.\n\n608.9.3 Fire protection and hazard mitigation.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be designed to address the hazards identified by full-scale testing, including protecting the stationary energy storage system and the building or enclosure that houses such system with, as applicable, fire barriers, fire alarm systems, explosion mitigation, gas detection and other emergency alarm systems, fire extinguishing systems and ventilation systems.\n\n608.9.3.1 Indoor systems.\n\nIndoor systems shall be provided with the fire protection and hazard mitigation systems and measures required by the conditions of the system's listing and equipment approval, this section, the construction codes, the Electrical Code and the rules.\n\n608.9.3.2 Outdoor systems.\n\nOutdoor systems shall be provided with the fire protection and hazard mitigation systems and measures required by the rules.\n\n608.9.4 Location.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be installed in accordance with the location requirements and restrictions set forth in FC 608.9.4.1 and 608.9.4.2.\n\n608.9.4.1 Indoor systems.\n\nIndoor systems shall be installed in accordance with FC 608.9.4.1.1 through 608.9.4.1.9.\n\n608.9.4.1.1 Below-grade locations.\n\nIndoor systems shall not be installed below grade, except when approved by the department in a dedicated use building, or as otherwise approved pursuant to FC 608.5.\n\n608.9.4.1.2 Sprinkler protection required.\n\nIndoor systems may be installed only in buildings fully protected throughout by a sprinkler system, except as otherwise provided in FC 608.9.4.1.9. Control areas housing stationary energy storage systems shall be fully protected throughout by a sprinkler system designed in accordance with NFPA 15, except as may otherwise be approved based on equipment listings and testing results pursuant to FC 608.4.\n\n608.9.4.1.3 Occupancy restrictions.\n\nIndoor systems may be installed in Group A, Group R-1, Group R-2 and Group I buildings and occupancies only when the building is of noncombustible construction, except as otherwise provided in FC 608.9.4.1.9.\n\n608.9.4.1.4 Control areas.\n\nIndoor systems shall be installed only in control areas designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this section. The maximum aggregate rated energy capacity of indoor systems per control area shall be in accordance with FC 608.9.1. The design and number of control areas per floor shall be in accordance with FC 5003.8.3.3, including FC Table 5003.8.3.3, except that (subject to FC 608.9.4.1.9 and FC 608.9.4.1.10) each control area housing an indoor stationary energy storage system shall be designed and constructed as a high-hazard occupancy, and rooftop installations shall be treated as outdoor installations.\n\n608.9.4.1.5 Smoke detection.\n\nControl areas housing stationary energy storage systems shall be protected by a fire alarm system or, if a fire alarm system is not otherwise required in the building or occupancy, by a dedicated smoke detection system.\n\n608.9.4.1.6 Ventilation.\n\nControl areas housing stationary energy storage systems shall be equipped with ventilation systems designed for high-hazard occupancies in accordance with the construction codes. Such ventilation systems shall be adequate to exhaust any flammable or other gases generated during the normal operation and/or failure of the stationary energy storage system.\n\n608.9.4.1.7 Spill control, neutralization, drainage and containment.\n\nControl areas housing stationary energy storage systems shall be provided with a means to control leaks and spills of liquid electrolyte and such containment and drainage systems as may be required by the construction codes and NFPA 855, as modified by FC Appendix B.\n\n608.9.4.1.8 Emergency power.\n\nAll fire protection and hazard mitigation systems required by this section shall be provided with an emergency power system in accordance with the Building Code.\n\n608.9.4.1.9 Exceptions for certain battery systems for fire and life safety.\n\nLead acid battery systems, and nickel-cadmium battery systems, and where approved by the certificate of approval based on their testing results, other types of energy storage systems, designed and installed solely for the purpose of supplying emergency or standby power for building fire safety and life safety systems in accordance with the construction codes and this code may be:\n\n1. installed in buildings that are not protected throughout by a sprinkler system.\n\n2. installed in buildings of combustible construction.\n\n3. housed in control areas that are not constructed as high-hazard occupancies but meet such fire separation standards as may be set forth in the construction codes.\n\n608.9.4.1.10 Exceptions for certain battery systems for business operations.\n\nThe exceptions set forth in FC 608.9.4.1.9 shall also be applicable to lead acid battery systems and nickel-cadmium battery systems, not exceeding a maximum aggregate rated energy capacity of 70 kWh per floor, and where approved by the certificate of approval, other types of energy storage systems, designed and installed for the purpose of supplying emergency power, standby power or uninterruptible power, for business operations, in accordance with the construction codes and this code.\n\n608.9.4.2 Outdoor systems.\n\nOutdoor systems, including reach-in and walk-in facilities and mobile systems, shall be designed and installed in accordance with the rules. Rooftop systems with an aggregate rated energy capacity exceeding 400 kWh, other than lead acid battery systems, may be installed only on the rooftops of buildings of noncombustible construction.\n\n608.10 Commissioning and decommissioning.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be installed and activated for use (commissioned) and deactivated from use and removed from the premises (decommissioned) in accordance with this section, the rules and NFPA 855, as modified by FC Appendix B.\n\n608.10.1 Commissioning.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be installed by trained and knowledgeable persons in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Upon completion of the installation, the certificate of fitness holder assuming responsibility for supervision of the system shall authorize it to be activated, after confirming that the energy storage system is in good working order and operating in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Approved fire protection, smoke control and smoke purge, and hazard mitigation systems and measures installed to protect the system shall also be inspected and tested by a person holding the qualifications required by this code, the construction codes and/or the Electrical Code, and any required acceptance testing conducted, prior to activation of the system.\n\n608.10.2 Decommissioning.\n\nThe certificate of fitness holder supervising a stationary energy storage system shall be responsible for its decommissioning. The deactivation, de-energizing, dismantling and removal of the system shall be conducted by trained and knowledgeable persons in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. The owner, manufacturer, installer, hazardous materials carrier or other party responsible for removal, transportation and/or disposal of the stationary energy storage system shall ensure that the energy storage system is lawfully decommissioned, transported and disposed of in accordance with DOTn hazardous materials regulations and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.\n\n608.10.3 Notice to department.\n\nNotice of the commissioning and decommissioning of stationary energy storage systems shall be given to the department¸ and the removal of a malfunctioning system coordinated with the department, in accordance with the rules.\n\n608.11 Operation and maintenance.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be operated and maintained in accordance with FC 608.11.1 through 608.11.6.\n\n608.11.1 Remote monitoring of energy storage management system and reporting.\n\nExcept for telecommunications equipment subject to the exception set forth in FC 608.9, the owner of a stationary energy storage system shall arrange for data transmissions from the energy storage system's energy storage management system to be continuously monitored (on a 24/7 basis) by a remote monitoring facility staffed by trained and knowledgeable persons retained by the manufacturer or installer of the energy storage system. The remote monitoring facility shall, without delay, make all necessary notifications, as required by the rules and the emergency management plan, including notifications to the department, the certificate of fitness holder and the subject matter expert, in the event a stationary energy storage system installed in New York City exceeds or appears likely to exceed thresholds at which fire, explosion or other serious adverse consequences may result.\n\n608.11.2 Central station monitoring of fire protection systems.\n\nAll fire protection systems protecting the stationary energy storage system installation, including any fire extinguishing system, and fire and gas detection or other emergency alarm system, shall be monitored by an approved central station.\n\n608.11.3 Signage.\n\nStationary energy storage systems shall be identified by signs or markings in accordance with the rules. The department may require that such signs and markings provide required warnings, location of controls, emergency shut down procedures, energy storage management system monitoring facility and other emergency contact information, and other necessary information.\n\n608.11.4 Maintenance.\n\nThe owner shall ensure that stationary energy storage systems are periodically inspected, tested, serviced and otherwise maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and the requirements of this section by a person trained and knowledgeable in the specific system. The department may prescribe by rule stationary energy storage system periodic inspection requirements.\n\n608.11.5 Restoration to service after serious failure.\n\nAny stationary energy storage system that undergoes a serious failure, including one that results in a fire, release of flammable or toxic gas, and/or physical damage to system components, shall be removed from service forthwith. The stationary energy storage system shall not be restored to service until it has been evaluated and, if necessary, repaired or replaced, by a trained and qualified person, and recommissioned by the certificate of fitness holder responsible for the system.\n\n608.11.6 Replacement components.\n\nAny replacement storage battery units or other stationary energy storage system components shall be designed for the same storage battery technology and/or chemistry and be compatible with the existing energy storage system installation. In-kind replacement of existing components (consistent with the listing for the storage battery unit or stationary energy storage system) constitutes maintenance and does not require department review and approval. Department review and approval, and, as applicable, Department of Buildings review and approval, is required in the same manner as an application for a new stationary energy storage system installation for replacement of existing components that effect an alteration of the energy storage system, including:\n\n1. replacement of components included in the storage battery unit listing, or that could otherwise affect the results of the full-scale testing of the battery storage unit;\n\n2. replacement components that use different battery technologies or chemistries (including the electrolyte chemistry in a flow system); and\n\n3. replacement components that change the storage/generating capacity or other functionality of the stationary energy storage system.\n\n608.12 Recordkeeping.\n\nA written record of the following information shall be maintained at the premises or other approved location by the certificate of fitness holder and by the owner or operator of the stationary energy storage system, except as otherwise prescribed by the department by rule:\n\n1. Stationary energy storage system installation and commissioning;\n\n2. Stationary energy storage system maintenance, including all inspections, servicing and repair;\n\n3. Stationary energy storage system decommissioning and removal;\n\n4. Installation and maintenance of stationary energy storage system fire protection systems, including all inspection, testing, servicing and repair; and\n\n5. Fires or other incidents involving or affecting the stationary energy storage system.\n\n608.13 Group R-3 occupancies.\n\nStationary energy storage systems installed in or on the premises of Group R-3 occupancies (indoor and outdoor systems) shall comply with the foregoing provisions of this section, except as follows:\n\n1. Notwithstanding any provision of FC 608.7 to the contrary, both indoor systems and outdoor systems shall be operated and maintained under the general supervision of such certificate of fitness holder.\n\n2. In lieu of FC 608.9, the following provisions shall apply to the design and installation of stationary energy storage systems in a Group R-3 dwelling and any attached or detached garage space serving such a dwelling:\n\n2.1. No indoor system shall be installed below grade in such a dwelling or garage except when approved by the department.\n\n2.2. No indoor system shall be installed in such a dwelling except when approved for such installation by its certificate of approval based on UL9540 listing meeting the performance-cell level test requirements of UL9540A or as otherwise approved pursuant to FC 608.5.\n\n2.3. The maximum rated energy capacity of any storage battery in an energy storage system installed in such a dwelling, attached garage or detached garage or mounted outdoors on an exterior wall thereof, shall not exceed 20 kWh, and the maximum aggregate rated energy capacity of such energy storage system shall not exceed the following amounts:\n\n2.3.1 in any such dwelling, 20 kWh per dwelling unit, except as may be approved by the department; or\n\n2.3.2 in any such attached garage, or when mounted outdoors on an exterior wall of such a dwelling or attached garage, 40 kWh, provided that there is an approved two-hour fire barrier separating such indoor system or wall mounted installation from the dwelling, or other approved measure based on the testing results of the energy storage systems; or\n\n2.3.3 in any such detached garage, or mounted on an exterior wall thereof, 40 kWh.\n\n2.4. Indoor systems installed in such a dwelling shall be protected by a one-hour fire barrier. Indoor systems shall otherwise be located, installed and protected in such dwellings and garages in accordance with the construction codes, the Electrical Code and the rules.\n\n2.5. Indoor systems shall be equipped with an energy storage management system in accordance with FC 608.9.2.\n\n3. Outdoor systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the rules.","path":["New York City Administrative Code","Title 29","Chapter 2: New York City Fire Code"],"source_url":"https://files.amlegal.com/pdffiles/NewYorkCity/Admin/XML.zip","current_through":"Local Law 2026/135 (enacted August 31, 2026)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-06T02:48:57Z","sha256":"ed15cf1160ffe6928d7f4397bab025f08b78ada973b709c86ad4105d26f02700","source_id":"us-nyc","stale":true,"prev":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-fc-607","next":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-fc-609"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}