Member Knowledge Centre
member Knowledge centre
The Knowledge Centre provides CHBA members with access to information and resources. It is a growing resource that is currently focused on updating members about national building code information. Please note that this information is a benefit of your membership, and should not be shared beyond your company/organization.
You can browse the items below, filter by category, or enter search terms in the "What are you looking for" box below.
This information is provided by CHBA for informational purposes only and cannot be used as an official or authoritative document.
Task Group on Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Electrical Vehicle (EV) Charging
Task Group on Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Electrical Vehicle (EV) Charging
The meeting focused on EV fire safety and proposed National Building Code (NBC) changes related to energy storage systems (ESS).
EV Sub-Group
The EV sub-group reviewed data, including information from Electro-Fed, indicating that EV fires are less frequent than internal combustion (IC) vehicle fires and do not present greater overall fire risk. However, EV fires may behave differently, particularly through longer-duration events, and clustered charging areas were identified as concentrated risk locations. Presentations highlighted increased fire loads from modern vehicles (plastics), the benefits of natural ventilation in open parking garages, and the importance of early detection. The group generally agreed that future code provisions should address the characteristics of modern vehicles broadly, rather than focusing solely on EVs. Discussion also covered charger placement, “right to charge” policies in some provinces, and DC fast-charging installations. UL research was shared which suggests EV and IC vehicle fires have similar overall thermal impacts. The sub-working group expects to bring recommendations forward to the main group in the fall.
Proposed Change Form (PCF) 2162
PCF2162 proposes new requirements for fire safety around Energy Storage Systems (ESS), including interconnected smoke or heat alarms and 45min fire separations. Discussion addressed whether alarms should also be required in garages, concerns about retrofit applications, applicable alarm standards, and alignment with electrical code requirements. Participants noted the need to accommodate evolving technologies such as home office UPS', appliance-integrated ESS, and avoid unintended consequences. CHBA influenced discussion toward simplified requirements, including 45-minute fire separations for ESS up to 40 kWh in Part 9 buildings, excluding portable systems and systems under 1kWh of over 40kWh. Ventilation requirements were mentioned, but the meeting ran out of time. Next meeting is planned for Aug. 7.
Contact Derek Satnik for more information: Derek.Satnik@chba.ca