NFPA 855 is the National Fire Protection Association standard for the installation of stationary energy storage systems. It sets requirements for battery system size, separation, location, fire suppression, ventilation, and signage, and it is adopted by reference in most U.S. fire codes.
What it governs
- Maximum energy per unit and per fire area, minimum separation between units and from walls and exits, and whether a system can be indoors at all.
- Explosion control, ventilation for battery off-gassing, and the fire department’s access and pre-planning.
Why it matters for parking
Any battery energy storage system inside a parking structure, including one built from second-life EV packs, goes through NFPA 855 and the local fire marshal before it goes through the tariff. Plan the code review first.