Are home batteries safe, and can I put one in the garage?

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.

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?

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.