BS EN 50604-1-2016 + A2-2025 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN 50604-1-2016 + A2-2025 — Secondary batteries and battery installations for stationary applications — Safety requirements for secondary lithium batteries for use in industrial applications; consolidated text incorporating Amendment A2 (2025). This publication contains the English language version of the European Standard with UK designation, providing requirements, tests and guidance for safe design, construction and testing of lithium-based stationary battery systems used in industrial and utility environments.

Abstract

This standard specifies safety requirements and test methods for secondary lithium batteries and battery systems intended for stationary use in industrial applications, including energy storage systems (ESS). It addresses design, manufacturing, electrical and mechanical safety, thermal management, containment and fire mitigation, protection and monitoring, labelling and instructions for safe installation, operation and maintenance. The consolidated edition incorporates the original 2016 standard as amended and updated by Amendment 2 published in 2025.

General information

• Status: Published / Current consolidated edition (2016 base standard amended by A2, 2025)
• Publication date: Base: 2016; Amendment A2: 2025 (consolidated publication reflecting both)
• Publisher: British Standards (BS) adoption of European Standard (CENELEC/EN)
• ICS / categories: 29.120 (Electrical energy storage), 29.160 (Batteries), 17.220 (Safety engineering)
• Edition / version: EN 50604-1:2016 with Amendment A2 integrated (2025 consolidated text)
• Number of pages: Typically 40–80 pages depending on consolidated layout and national foreword (estimate; final consolidated document page count may vary)

Scope

This standard applies to stationary secondary lithium batteries and battery systems used in industrial and utility applications, including energy storage systems, where the batteries are intended for use in non-transportable installations. It sets out safety requirements for cell, battery and system design, packaging, thermal management, electrical protection, containment and mitigation of hazards such as thermal runaway, fire and gas emission. The standard covers type testing, factory testing and requirements for documentation, marking and instructions necessary for safe installation, operation and maintenance. It does not cover batteries for portable consumer devices, traction applications, or transportable batteries unless specifically referenced.

Key topics and requirements

• Safety design principles for cells, modules and battery racks, including mechanical integrity and enclosure requirements.
• Electrical protection: overcurrent, short-circuit, overvoltage and undervoltage protection, and requirements for battery management systems (BMS).
• Thermal management and testing to assess thermal stability, propagation and mitigation of thermal runaway.
• Fire safety and containment: requirements for fire barriers, extinguishing measures, ventilation and gas management.
• Type and routine tests: performance, abuse, vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and insulation/clearance tests.
• Monitoring, alarms and control functions required for safe charging, discharging and state-of-health management.
• Labelling, documentation and instructions for safe transport, installation, operation, maintenance and end-of-life handling.
• Requirements for integration into buildings and electrical installations, including earthing, segregation and installation spacings.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of lithium-based stationary batteries and energy storage systems, system integrators, test laboratories, safety and compliance engineers, consulting engineers, utilities, facility managers, and regulatory bodies. The standard is applied during product design, type testing, factory production control, installation planning and safety assessments for industrial-scale battery energy storage installations.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and related documents include standards for battery management and safety testing, electrical installations and energy storage systems, such as IEC 62133 (cell safety), IEC 62619 (safety requirements for secondary lithium industrial batteries), EN 50272 series (safety requirements for batteries in stationary installations), EN 62485 series (safety requirements for lead-acid batteries — referenced for installation practices), and relevant national electrical installation regulations and fire codes. System integrators also cross-reference standards for power conversion equipment and grid interconnection.

Keywords

stationary battery, lithium battery, energy storage system, ESS, battery safety, battery management system, thermal runaway, containment, type testing, EN 50604, amendment A2, industrial battery, installation safety

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: This is the UK-adopted European standard EN 50604-1 (2016) consolidated with Amendment A2 (2025) that sets safety requirements and test procedures for secondary lithium batteries and systems for stationary industrial applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers design, construction, testing and documentation requirements to ensure safe operation of stationary lithium battery cells, modules, batteries and systems, including electrical protection, thermal management, containment, monitoring and instructions for installation and maintenance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, system integrators, testing laboratories, safety and compliance engineers, utilities, building and fire safety authorities, and facility operators involved with stationary energy storage systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The consolidated text presented here reflects the 2016 base standard amended by Amendment A2 in 2025; users should confirm they have the latest consolidated or amended publication from the standards body for the definitive requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. EN 50604-1 is part of a broader set of standards addressing battery safety and energy storage, and is related to other EN/IEC standards covering cells, industrial batteries, installation practices and testing methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: stationary battery, lithium, energy storage, battery management system, thermal runaway, containment, safety, EN 50604-1, amendment A2