Large‑Scale Fire Testing for Battery Energy Storage Systems

Large‑scale fire testing (LSFT) helps ensure battery energy storage systems are designed to prevent fire from spreading beyond a single enclosure in worst‑case scenarios, strengthening safety for communities, workers, and first responders.

Key takeaways about large‑scale fire testing include:

• Testing worst‑case fire scenarios, assuming a full fire in one battery enclosure rather than a small, isolated failure.
• Verifying fire does not spread to nearby battery units when systems are installed according to manufacturer guidance.
• Supporting updated safety standards, including new LSFT requirements in the 2026 edition of NFPA 855 and updates to UL 9540A.
• Providing critical data for emergency planning, such as spacing, temperatures, and responder safety considerations.
• Strengthening confidence in system design, helping regulators and communities understand how modern battery systems are engineered to contain and manage fire risk.

Resource added May 5, 2026