# Are home batteries safe, and can I put one in the garage? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) 4. Are home batteries safe, and can I put one in the garage? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [Are home batteries safe, and can I put one in the garage?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/home-battery-safety-garage/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Are home batteries safe? 2. Can a battery go in the garage? 3. What should a proper installation involve? 4. What should I ask my installer? 5. If you already have a battery and are unsure about its location 6. What about heat, water and other hazards? 7. Frequently asked questions Home batteries installed by an accredited installer to the current Australian standard are designed to be safe, but location matters. Whether a garage is allowed depends on the battery type, fire separation and the rules in force at the time. The standard has changed over time, so confirm the current requirements with your installer. ## Are home batteries safe? A home battery stores a lot of energy, so it needs careful design and installation. Modern products are built with protection systems, and the installation standard exists to reduce risk. Safety depends on a good product, a correct installation and a suitable location. The standard for battery installations is AS/NZS 5139. It has been updated, and its location rules have changed over time, so an older article or an older installation may not reflect what is required now. ## Can a battery go in the garage? Often garages are discussed, but there is no simple yes or no. Whether a spot is acceptable depends on the type of battery, how it is fire-separated from the house, how close it is to other things and what the current rules say. A location that was fine under one version of the rules may not be under another. Your accredited installer should be able to explain what applies to your battery and your property. They should also tell you where the battery has to go before you buy, because moving it later can be difficult. If a battery is damaged, hot or smells If a battery is swollen, leaking, hot, noisy or smells of burning, or there is smoke or fire, leave the building and call 000. Keep children and pets away, and do not touch it or go near fumes. For any other concern, contact your installer or a licensed electrician. Do not open the battery or its cabinet. ## What should a proper installation involve? A licensed electrician, working with an accredited battery installer, should handle the installation and the connection to your home wiring. The network provider also needs to be notified when a battery is connected. That is part of the installer's job, but it is worth asking whether it has been done. ## What should I ask my installer? - Which version of the standard does this installation follow? - Why is this the right location, and what would make it unsuitable? - Is the battery and the installer accredited? - Has the network provider been notified? - What does the manufacturer say about location and clearances? - What should I do if I am worried about the battery? ## If you already have a battery and are unsure about its location 1. Find the paperwork — Locate the installation documents, invoice and the make and model of the battery. 2. Look, without touching — Note where it is, what is nearby and whether it shows any messages on the display or in the app. 3. Ask your installer — Ask whether the position meets current requirements, and keep their answer in writing. 4. Get a second opinion if needed — A licensed electrician can review the installation if your installer is unavailable. ## What about heat, water and other hazards? Manufacturers publish requirements for temperature range, ventilation, clearances and protection from water and impact. A garage can be hot, can flood and can be knocked by a vehicle. These are things an installer should weigh up when they recommend a location, and it is fair to ask them to explain their reasoning. If you are buying a battery, ask for the location in writing as part of the quote, and avoid agreeing to a spot only because it is convenient. A good installer will be comfortable explaining why a position works and what the alternatives were. ## Frequently asked questions - It depends on the battery type, fire separation and the rules in force. Your accredited installer can confirm what applies to your property. - Installers normally notify the network provider as part of the installation. Ask yours to confirm it has been done. - No. It is electrical work that needs a licensed electrician and an accredited installer. - Not necessarily. The standard has changed over time, so ask an installer to compare your installation with the current requirements. - Keep away and keep others away. If there is smoke or fire, leave and call 000. Otherwise call your installer or a licensed electrician. [Learn about Solar Power](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/) Related services: [Solar Batteries](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-batteries/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) - [Clean Energy Council](https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [SolarDo solar panels work during a blackout?Most grid-connected solar shuts down in a blackout to protect line workers, so backup power needs a battery set up for it.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [SolarHow do I turn off a solar inverter safely?Panels make power whenever light hits them, so shutdown should be done by your installer or a licensed electrician, not by guesswork.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [SolarHow do I restart my solar system after a shutdown?Restart your solar system only to your installer's or manufacturer's instructions, and expect a waiting period before it exports power again.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/restart-solar-system/) - [SolarShould I turn off my solar before a cyclone, flood or storm?Energex has published shutdown guidance for cyclones; follow it with your installer's advice, never go on the roof, and get storm damage inspected.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/shut-down-solar-before-storm/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Are home batteries safe? 2. Can a battery go in the garage? 3. What should a proper installation involve? 4. What should I ask my installer? 5. If you already have a battery and are unsure about its location 6. What about heat, water and other hazards? 7. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/solar/home-battery-safety-garage/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).