Beyond Mobility and ESS: Batteries Are Transforming Our Built Environment

Suzanne Alfano Executive Director, CFAA

The rapid advancement of battery technology, primarily driven by the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and the increasing deployment of energy storage systems (ESS), is now reshaping the way we design and manage our built environment. Beyond mobility, batteries are becoming integral components of buildings, campuses, and smart cities. However, their integration poses significant challenges—especially for fire safety systems.

Batteries and the Changing Built Environment

Batteries, particularly lithium-ion types, are increasingly being embedded into residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They're used to store energy from renewable sources, manage peak demand, and even serve as backup power during grid outages. As more buildings adopt on-site ESS installations, fire alarm systems must evolve to accommodate the unique risks batteries introduce.

A depiction of a gas detection system designed to identify hazardous emissions from lithium-ion batteries.​

Impact on Fire Alarm Design and Implementation

Battery systems can present complex fire hazards, including:

  • Thermal runaway: A self-sustaining chemical reaction that can lead to fire or explosion.
  • Toxic gas release: Smoke from battery fires may contain harmful substances.
  • Hidden ignition sources: Batteries may ignite hours after an initial thermal event.

To address these challenges, fire alarm design must:

  • Integrate with battery monitoring systems to receive early alerts about abnormal temperatures, charge levels, or off-gassing.
  • Incorporate advanced detection technologies, such as air sampling detectors, gas sensors (e.g., for hydrogen or electrolyte vapors), and thermal cameras, especially in ESS rooms.
  • Implement zoned alerting and isolation protocols that can contain incidents and prevent spread while enabling safe evacuation.

Monitoring and Maintenance Challenges

Traditional fire alarm systems rely heavily on smoke and heat detection. In battery-rich environments, this is not enough. Systems now need to:

  • Be remotely monitored for real-time data from the ESS.
  • Work in tandem with Battery Management Systems (BMS) for early fault detection.
  • Undergo more frequent maintenance cycles to validate detection sensors in high-risk zones.
  • Be capable of communicating with building management systems (BMS) for coordinated emergency response.

A fire suppression system installed within a battery storage container to mitigate fire risks.

What Should the Fire Alarm Industry Be Looking Out For?

The fire alarm industry must prepare for:

  • New building codes and regulations specific to ESS fire safety and which requirements apply in Canada and abroad (CSA/ANSI C22.2 No. 340, CSA/ANSI C800, NFPA 855, CAN/UL 9540 and 9540A, IEC 62933, etc).
  • Standards for integrating fire alarms with energy systems and smart building technologies.
  • Insurance and liability implications of battery-related fires in commercial buildings.
  • Innovative fire suppression systems (e.g., aerosol agents, water mist systems) that can be triggered automatically in ESS incidents.

Skill and Knowledge Upgrades for Alarm Technicians

As ESS becomes commonplace, alarm technicians must level up with:

  • Understanding of battery chemistries and failure modes, especially lithium-ion.
  • Familiarity with BMS and how to interface fire systems with them.
  • Training on requirements related to ESS
  • Knowledge of gas detection systems and environmental monitoring.
  • Skills in networking and data integration, to enable smart alarms that interface with IoT devices, cloud monitoring, and real-time alerting platforms.

Conclusion

Batteries are revolutionizing not only mobility and energy storage but the entire fabric of our buildings. This transformation demands a proactive response from the fire alarm industry. By adapting designs, embracing new technologies, and reskilling the workforce, the industry can ensure safety keeps pace with innovation.

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