IQ system Controller 2 Additional Info

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IMRIQBS-TB-0005-02-EN-US-2021-11-1
TECHBRIEF
IFC Mounting Requirements
for IQ Battery Systems
Overview
The International Fire Code (IFC) and International Residential Code (IRC) provide guidance
on the mounting of stationary energy storage systems (ESS). These standards have been
adopted by many jurisdictions in the United States. IFC has been adopted in approximately
75% of US states and the NFPA 1 – Fire Code has been adopted in 25% of states. There
are requirements in the 2021 IFC Section 1207, 2018 IFC Section 1206, that are commonly
referenced by AHJs with respect to energy storage systems (ESS). A link to the states that
have adopted a version of the IFC and IRC can be found here, but the version is not listed.
As of July 1, 2021, the updated California Residential Code (CRC) for installation of ESS in
single family homes and duplexes match the requirements in the California Fire Code (CFC)
as California adopted the 2021 IFC and IRC.
The IFC, IRC, and California CRC and CFC require all ESS to be listed to UL 9540. Enphase
IQ Batteries are listed to UL 9540. In the IRC, IFC, NFPA 855, and UL 9540, the separation
between ESS when installed is dened to be at least 3 feet (914 mm). IFC and CRC also
provide guidance that an ESS must be installed at least 3 ft from doors and windows
directly entering the dwelling unit. Equipment evaluated to UL 9540A with a report written
by an Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) shall be permitted (optionally
allowed by code ocials) to be installed with a separation distance less than 3 ft based on
the UL 9540A test results.
The Enphase IQ Batteries 3, 3T, and 10 have been tested per UL 9540A by an NRTL and
should be exempted from the requirements of as they meet the exceptions provided for
large-scale re testing and fault condition testing. The UL 9540A testing shows that the
manufacturers installation and spacing recommendations included in these products’ Quick
Installation Guides (QIG) are adequate and allow a separation distance less than 3 ft.
The IQ Battery 3 (Encharge 3) and IQ Battery 10 (Encharge 10) and IQ Battery 3T (Encharge
3T) have been tested according to UL9540A test requirements and manufacturer
installation guide. The testing conrmed that thermal runaway “did not propagate from
module to module in the unit.” The testing also showed that “Additional thermal runaway
behavior or re-ignitions were not observed.”
The Enphase IQ Batteries 10T shall be installed per UL 9540, IFC, and IRC requirements (e.g.,
3 ft separation distance) until the UL 9540A tests, evaluations, and reports for this product
are completed and released by an NRTL.