The British Standards Institute (BSI) has issued new recommendations on home battery installations. This includes installations in lofts.
The main question from our installers and customers following the PAS (Publicly Available Specification) is: can you install a GivEnergy battery in a loft space?
Short answer: yes.
However, there are a few key details we need to clarify.
What PAS 63100: 2024 says about installing home batteries in lofts
The PAS 63100: 2024 was published by the BSI in March 2024.
Section 6.5.5 states that batteries shall not be installed in ‘voids, roof spaces, or lofts.’
But…
The new PAS is NOT a regulation
Instead, it works as a best practice guide.
It is intended for the likes of local authorities and housing associations to create a specification which works for their installer partners. It serves as a fast-track standardisation document that defines good practice standards for a product, service or process.
Unless the new PAS is adopted as a British Standard, it remains a recommendation only.
The new PAS may be subject to change
It is worth noting that the PAS document will likely be subject to amendments from feedback from the industry over time.
For example:
- The document may not take into account newer, safer battery technology
- Fire ratings, or mounting options of products may not be taken into consideration
As the largest residential energy storage system provider in the UK, it’s somewhat disappointing that GivEnergy did not consult on this. However, we are currently in discussion with the BSI to redress certain points in PAS 63100: 2024.
How you know your GivEnergy battery is safe
All GivEnergy batteries use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) technology.
LiFePO4 batteries are proven to be less prone to thermal runaway than other battery types.
GivEnergy batteries do not contain cobalt – a common cause of battery fires.
From a safety perspective, our batteries are perfectly fine for a variety of siting options – and many of our customers opt to utilise this flexibility.
What the regulations say
As per official regulations, as long as you have considerations such as a smoke alarm, adequate lighting, an accessible entrance etc., then you can install batteries in a loft. (See Section 11, Table 11.1 of the IET Code of Practice, Electrical Energy Storage Systems, 2nd Edition, for full details.)
Here, it’s worth noting that regulations take precedence over recommendations such as the new PAS from the BSI.
The TL;DR in terms of installation advice
So, can you install GivEnergy batteries in a loft?
Away from the PAS and in terms of safety, you can absolutely install GivEnergy LiFePO4 batteries in lofts where appropriate siting, lifting, access and regulations are considered and historic installations are not affected.
However, this kind of installation would not follow the (current) PAS best practice guidelines, and we’d note that, if left unamended, home-builders and the like will likely adopt this standard in new installations.
So, it may be worth considering alternate locations to site home batteries for new projects moving forwards.
NB:
This is a fast-moving process. We will keep you updated should there be any changes.
Remember…
All our batteries, inverters, etc. must be installed by an approved GivEnergy installer.
