I’m nearing the end of a loooonnngggg battery install (to an existing 10kw solar system). I have 2 PW2s. My installer has already mounted the batteries on an outside stucco wall of my house. The latest crew leader told me that he didn’t think I would pass inspection because the batteries are too close to each other (10 inches) and too close to a window (about a foot). The window is a picture window (does not open) if that makes any difference. I don’t have enough space to get 3’ of clearance from each other and the window. Is this a hard and fast rule? If so, I may be forced to remove and fill in the window.
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Powerwall 2 installation location questions
- Thread starter njmurvin
- Start date
My understanding is the non-operable window shouldn't be an issue. I also understand that if the batteries are certified under UL 9540 then they can be closer than 3 feet. I was reading the Enphase guide on this to advice a friend on possible locations for their Enphase batteries. The current versions of the Enphase batteries are allowed within 6" of each other. So if the Powerwalls meet the same standard you would be fine on the space. If I'm right on the windows then you're good.
Remember, I'm just a random dude on internet.
Remember, I'm just a random dude on internet.
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Well, random dude on the internet, it so happens that the PW2 is UL 9540 compliant. So, thanks for the glimmer of hope. Fingers crossed on the window and/or a clueless or understanding inspector.
For what it is worth my 2 powerwalls are approx 9 1/4 inches apart. This is Sonoma county in CA.
There are definitely people here who know this stuff way better than I do. With that being said, I "think" we have moved to the 2020 version of the electrical code, and that version may have slighly different rules that many of us got installed under. I dont have the answer to the OPs question though. perhaps @Vines or @wwhitney may know?
What matters is which agency approves your permits. There are localities that have their own view of the world, and rules to match. There are several threads on the subject, e.g.
Santa Clara County retroactively Changing ESS Rules
I am dealing with a significant rule change in Santa Clara County Fire jurisdiction, which is effecting our ability to get permits for Powerwall installations. SCC has retroactively applied new rules to our existing permits and is rejecting our other new permits based on their rules. These new...
teslamotorsclub.com
Does Powerwall have a UL 9450A test report?
Back in September 2021, member @Vines posted a comment, which said in part: Powerwalls have had a UL9540A Test Report for a while now Can anybody verify this? And, if so, does anybody where to obtain a copy of the test report? I have a pending solar + PW order with Tesla and have been...
teslamotorsclub.com
All the best,
BG
The rule that restricts powerwall locations to 3' from doors and windows leading into the dwelling unit (not garage) came into effect Jan 1 2023. Somem jurisdictions adopted it early, though not sure about simi valley. It depends who your fire jurisdiction is. If it's LA county Fire I hear you might have issues.
Whether a window opens or not has no bearing on this question.
Maybe this helps (from the county’s website):
“The current edition of the Ventura County Building Code is the 2019 edition, which will remain in effect through December 31, 2022. For permit applications submitted after December 31, 2022, the applicable Code is the 2022 VCBC.”
I am pretty certain that my permit was submitted well before 2023. However I don’t know if the above applies in this particular case.
“The current edition of the Ventura County Building Code is the 2019 edition, which will remain in effect through December 31, 2022. For permit applications submitted after December 31, 2022, the applicable Code is the 2022 VCBC.”
I am pretty certain that my permit was submitted well before 2023. However I don’t know if the above applies in this particular case.
CrazyRabbit
Active Member
No help, need to know op’s equipment…. I’m wondering if Tesla’s install is up to code.
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Rough, just be sure to ask the inspector for a code citation. There is no restriction in the code with regard to other openings besides doors and windows leading directly into the dwelling unit.
FYI there was a recent OSFM clarification with regard to other kinds of openings, but this has been withdrawn, so if this was the basis for the rejection the fire officials should be made aware of this.
Also LA county fire is among the most if not the most strict fire jurisdiction in California.
Update … I did not encounter any problems passing inspection. I was very concerned as my original permit expired (note in my first post that this has been a very long project) and the new, reissued permit was dated after Jan 2023. And, a neighborhood friend had 2 Powerwalls installed by Tesla that are pancaked together. And that one passed as well.
Matt-FL
Member
My county inspector didn't give my powerwalls more than a cursory glance. He looked inside my panel and the gateway. That's it. He was more interested in separate grounds and neutrals. My four powerwalls are installed inside a garage, 2 pancaked sets, maybe a foot apart.
My utility inspector just had me pull the 'off' switch, place it in 'off-grid' mode, and he was happy.
My utility inspector just had me pull the 'off' switch, place it in 'off-grid' mode, and he was happy.
Yes, no surprise on strict. Sometimes things are just over done in the name of safety. But they did end up covering the vent and fire inspector passed it. I may have a chance to run that by a fire fighter in the near future. Thanks.
Check those numbers again, I think you mean there is 12" required ABOVE them when placed side by side. 10" BETWEEN Powerwalls is the correct dimension per the image you show.
Also, the 6" dimension you mention is only from the right side opening of the single powerwall, you can place them as close as 2" from the left wall, though they become extremely difficult to wire.
