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Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Question:
Thanks for this Code Forum. Are energy storage systems required to be maintained based on the NEC. I thought the NEC was an installation Code and did not address maintenance. Any help would be appreciated.
Susan Preston
A
Answer:
Hello Susan and thanks for the question. The answer to your specific question is yes, energy storage systems are required to be maintained in proper safe operating condition. The required maintenance must be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Also a written record of the maintenance must be kept. See Section 706.7 (2020 NEC). This is an important requirement as various types of batteries require different types of maintenance. As to the NEC being an installation Code, this is generally true, however, there are many instances (over 274) of the NEC using the word maintenance. Where a specific NEC rule requires maintenance it triggers a mandatory requirement. NFPA 70B contains more specific information about recommended practices for maintaining electrical equipment.