The UL 9540 certification is a relatively new safety standard in Canada, designed specifically for energy storage systems (ESS). This regulation adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that batteries, inverters, and control systems within an ESS meet strict safety and performance requirements. It is built on top of existing certifications, creating a more comprehensive framework for system safety.
While many may be familiar with the foundational certifications, such as UL 1973 and UL 1741, UL 9540 goes further by focusing on the integration and safety of the complete system. Below, we’ll explain how UL 9540 fits into the regulatory landscape and why it's essential, even if your province hasn’t made it mandatory yet.
Existing UL Certifications You Should Know
UL 1973: This certification focuses on the safety of batteries used in energy storage systems. UL 1973 tests various factors such as thermal stability, electrical performance, and fire resistance, ensuring that stationary batteries in an ESS can operate safely.
UL 1741: This certification covers inverters and power conversion equipment, ensuring they meet essential safety and performance standards, both for grid-connected and off-grid systems. UL 1741 helps ensure the inverters safely interact with other components of the energy storage system.
UL 9540A: While not a standalone certification, UL 9540A is a test method used to evaluate the risk of thermal runaway, especially in lithium-ion batteries. It assesses fire risk in energy storage systems and provides valuable data for UL 9540 certification.
How UL 9540 Enhances Protection
Whereas UL 1973 and UL 1741 address the safety of individual components like batteries and inverters, UL 9540 is more comprehensive, testing the safety and performance of the entire system. This includes assessing how well these components work together under real-world conditions, including fire safety, electrical safety, system integration, and mechanical durability.
For example, UL 9540 evaluates how the battery management system communicates with the inverter, ensuring that the entire setup can safely manage electrical loads and withstand environmental factors.
Provinces That Enforce UL 9540
British Columbia: BC requires UL 9540 compliance for most energy storage systems, ensuring that installations meet the highest safety standards.
Ontario: The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) mandates UL 9540 certification, particularly for grid-tied systems, adding an essential layer of regulation in Ontario.
Quebec: The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) enforces UL 9540 compliance in energy storage systems, particularly in urban settings.
Provinces Without Enforcement (Yet)
Alberta: Although UL 9540 is not yet required, Alberta is likely to adopt the standard soon as energy storage systems continue to gain popularity.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba: These provinces currently do not enforce UL 9540, but future building code updates are expected to include it as ESS adoption grows.
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland & Labrador: While UL 9540 is not yet mandated in these provinces, it is likely to be adopted as energy storage systems become more widespread.
Why UL 9540 Compliance Matters
Even if your province hasn’t yet mandated UL 9540, it’s a smart move to ensure your energy storage system complies with the standard. As more provinces adopt these regulations, non-compliant systems may require costly retrofitting to meet the new rules. Moreover, compliance with UL 9540 significantly reduces the risk of fire, electrical malfunctions, and system failure, providing peace of mind for both residential and commercial installations.
Useful Links for Reference
Bottom Line
At REE Solar, all of our energy storage systems are fully UL-compliant, including UL 9540, UL 1973, UL 1741, and UL 9540A. Whether your province enforces these regulations or not, you can trust that our systems meet the highest safety and performance standards across Canada. With our systems, you won’t have to worry about future regulatory changes or the risk of fire or electrical malfunctions.
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