Energy Storage System Emergencies

If an energy storage system (battery) is burning, immediately contact PPL Electric Utilities, and wait for their personnel to arrive.

  • Isolate the area at least 300 feet in all directions. Keep unauthorized persons away.
  • Protect exposures outside of the immediate hazard area, such as trees and buildings, to prevent fire from spreading.
  • Wait for PPL Electric Utilities personnel to give the go-ahead to begin firefighting.
  • Use a firefighting method appropriate for the specific chemistry of the battery. For example, if ignition has occurred in a lithium-ion battery bank, use a copious amount of water to prevent propagation to adjacent battery banks.

Explore the safety meeting resources on energy storage and other distributed energy resources offered by the National Fire Protection Association: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Resources/Emergency-Responders/High-risk-hazards/Energy-Storage-Systems

Photo courtesy of Liiontamer.com.