Article 100 Definitions. Battery.

This energy storage system uses Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries.
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This energy storage system uses Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries.

Code Change Summary: Revised definition of a Battery.

In the 2023 NEC®, the definition of a “Storage Battery” from Section 480.2 was moved to Article 100, renamed to “Battery”, and revised.

A battery can be a single cell, or a group of cells connected electrically in series, in parallel, or a combination of both. A sealed battery has no provision for the routine addition of water or electrolyte.

The previous definition of a “Storage Battery” mentioned lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other rechargeable electrochemical types. The 2023 definition removes all of the battery chemistry types previously mentioned and now aligns with the definition of a “Battery” in NFPA 855.

Other previous definitions related to batteries were relocated from Article 480 and 706 to Article 100.

Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.

2020 Code Language:

480.2 Definitions.

Storage Battery (Battery). A single or group of rechargeable cells connected together electrically in series, in parallel, or a combination of both, and comprised of lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other rechargeable electrochemical types.

2023 Code Language:

Article 100 Definitions:

N Battery. A single cell or a group of cells connected together electrically in series, in parallel, or a combination of both.

N Battery, Flow. (Flow Battery). An energy storage component that stores its active materials in the form of one or two electrolytes external to the reactor interface. When in use, the electrolytes are transferred between reactor and storage tanks. (706) (CMP-13)

N Battery, Sealed. (Sealed Battery). A battery that has no provision for the routine addition of water or electrolyte or for external measurement of electrolyte specific gravity and might contain pressure relief venting.

N Battery, Stationary Standby. (Stationary Standby Battery). A battery that spends the majority of the time on continuous float charge or in a high state of charge, in readiness for a discharge event. (CMP-13)

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Article 100 Definitions. Battery.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Based on the 2023 NEC, which of the following is true of a “Battery”?

A: A Battery is a single cell or a group of cells connected together electrically in series, in parallel, or a combination of both.
B: A Battery can only be comprised of lead-acid.
C: A Battery can only be comprised of nickel-cadmium.
D: A Battery can only be a single cell.
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