I'm looking at adding a UPS system to an existing installation (located within the main switchroom) and was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of specific requirements for the installation of VRLA battery racks?

I'm familiar with the need for adequate ventilation (BS EN 50272-2); however is there any specific requirement to have the batteries in a separate room?

Thanks

There is no specific requirement other than what your risk assessment, adequate dilution ventilation and external influences indicate.

Ambient temperature will be a prime consideration - batteries don't do well in extremes of temperature.

Access to the area is also a sensible consideration - if of any size, physically getting the batteries to the space is often a challenge.

Your risk assessment will of course consider the use of the UPS - if it's a critical load or has a safety function, then co locating the batteries with electrical switchgear might not be sensible - if the batteries are important to you (or your client) then protection from fire, flood and other influences including that of switchgear faults etc on the batteries may well drive to a seperate enclosure or room. That seperation may also require you to consider the resilience of cabling between batteries, invertor, bypass lines and the load - particularly if you have seperation between component parts of the system for resilience.


Regards

OMS

-------------------------
Failure is always an option

Many thanks OMS

Our VRLA batteries are all located inside the same switchroom as the control systems and switchgear.

They have been designed as modules really with all the associated control apparatus for specific plant items each built into their own switchrooms.

As OMS has said you just need to be careful of ambient temperatures and adequate airflows. Our forced ventilation systems also have alarms on them to the control room to warn if the fans fail.

All of the cells have insulated connections on them and sit on open racks supplied by the cell manufacturer. You can also get specific cell handling equipment to aid with the movement of the cells if they are sizeable ones.

Kind regards

Donald Lane