STANDATA Variance on Energy Storage Systems in Residential Buildings

October 30, 2023

Industry has identified concerns regarding Energy Storage System (ESS) requirements. This variance permits the installation of an ESS at a dwelling unit or residential occupancy not exceeding 20 kWh for any single ESS, as an alternative method to the C22.1:21 – Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.

The current electrical code, C22.1:21 – Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Rule 64-918 2) prohibits the installation of ESS’s utilizing batteries below grade, including basements of dwelling units. Additionally, 64-918 4) prohibits ESS’s with a storage capacity above 1 kWh from being installed in a dwelling unit or living space of a residential occupancy including clothes closets, storage rooms, bathrooms, stairways, or in any similar undesirable locations.

The next electrical code is C22.1:24 – Canadian Electrical Code, Part I is expected to contain requirements for ESS installations up to 20 kWh for any single ESS installed at a dwelling unit or residential occupancy.

The upcoming code provisions in the 2024 edition were developed by the CSA Group. Additional standards related to ESS’s include:

  • Batteries for Use in Stationary and Motive Auxiliary Power Applications ANSI/CAN/UL1973, which covers battery safety,
  • Energy Storage Systems and Equipment ANSI/CAN/UL 9540, which covers overall ESS system safety,
  • ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A Standard for Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems, which covers fire propagation testing.

Go HERE for more information

Related Articles

Latest Articles

  • Navigating Tariff Uncertainty as an Electrical Contractor

    April 15, 2025 By Matthew Biswas These three words put me into a catatonic shock – Supply Chain Disruption. It seems like just yesterday I was standing at a counter asking for products I’d bought 100’s of times before and being told they are on backorder with no expected delivery date. Circuit breakers, dimmers, panels,… Read More…

  • Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

    Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

    April 14, 2025 Today’s workplaces are expanding beyond the four walls of an office. As technology continues to evolve, employees are looking for new and alternative workspaces to inspire creativity and increase productivity. This includes taking their work to outdoor spaces. Bringing technology to outdoor spaces has become a challenge for facility managers and property… Read More…

  • CAF-FCA Provides Recomendations on Apprenticeship Investment

    CAF-FCA Provides Recomendations on Apprenticeship Investment

    April 13, 2025 CAF-FCA have provided an outline of actionable recommendations—developed through national consultation—to enhance accessibility, reduce financial barriers, and better align apprenticeship training with industry needs. Source Read More…

  • New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

    New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

    April 13, 2025 Alberta is facing more severe weather events, with rising temperatures, wildfires, and more frequent extreme storms threatening homes and businesses. Our report, Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather−written in partnership with the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program−highlights the need for deep retrofits to ensure the province’s buildings can withstand these changing conditions. Four… Read More…

Changing Scene