Battery Storage is an important component in modern energy grids, but it comes with a risk of fire due to the electrochemical nature of the batteries that are typically used. Thermal runaway, mechanical damage, and excessive heating may lead to fire – and possibly an explosion. Fast and accurate detection and indication of a fire emergency is always important - and BESS are no exception.

Code often requires radiant energy sensing technology (RST), but not all RST will do well in an outdoor environment. For example, IR, UV, 3IR, and UV+IR detectors are radiant energy detectors, but typically will not perform well in an outdoor application. While code often requires radiant energy detection, it does not specify the type of radiant energy detection technology that should be used for the application. If the wrong technology is selected for the project, the result will usually be problems with unwanted alarms. For the best performance it is important to match the right technology with the application. 3IR+UV detectors provide RST that detects multiple fire types with the highest false alarm immunity in these complex environments.

D381 3IR+UV	D371 3IR+UV

The D371 and D381 3IR+UV Multi-Spectrum Flame Detectors designed to respond to Hydrocarbon, Non-Hydrocarbon, and Hydrogen while rejecting false alarm sources. The detectors sense UV radiation in the Ultraviolet spectrum and Infrared radiation in 3 discrete bands of IR spectrum for detecting ?res and gas. The D371 and D381 have a NEMA 4X (IP67) enclosure, and the D371 is rated for Class 1, Div1 installations.

The D381 is in a compact aluminum enclosure allowing for flexibility of installation. The D381 is optimally designed to detect invisible Hydrogen ?res. The ability to quickly detect a Hydrogen ?re, should one occur, allows for fast mitigation actions such as disconnecting the batteries from the charger and load. Such actions may prevent the matter from escalating and are important steps to prevent a disaster.

From the 2024 International Fire Code:

1207.5.4 Fire Detection

An approved automatic smoke detection system or radiant energy-sensing ?re detection system complying with Section 907.2 shall be installed in rooms, indoor areas and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS. An approved radiant energy-sensing ?re detection system shall be installed to protect open parking garage and rooftop installations.

From the 2023 Edition of NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems:

4.8.1*

Where required elsewhere in this standard, areas containing ESS systems shall be provided with a smoke detection or radiant energy–sensing system in accordance with NFPA 72, unless modi?ed by the requirements in Chapters 9 through 13.

4.4.1*

A hazard mitigation analysis shall be provided to the AHJ for review and approval where…required for outdoor lithium-ion battery ESS systems in accordance with 9.5.2.1.

14.6.4

Outdoor storage areas with an aggregate area greater than 400 ft² (37.1 m²) shall be provided with a ?re alarm system activated by a radiant-energy detection system with occupant noti?cation installed in accordance with NFPA 72