The meeting focused on two proposed code changes: Proposed Code Change Form (PCF) 2162 for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in Part 9 houses and PCF 2266 for ESS in Part 9 multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs).

For PCF 2162, discussion centered on CEC 64-1100 Subrule 9 and whether ESS installations evaluated to ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A are exempt from the aggregate energy storage limits of 40 kWh or 80 kWh imposed elsewhere in the code. UL confirmed that systems installed under Subrule 9 may exceed the standard 20 kWh system limit and that the aggregate limits in Subrules 5) and 6) would not apply. As a result, the task group is considering introducing a fixed upper limit to control overall fire load regardless of manufacturer testing or instructions.

CHBA raised concerns about references to NFPA 80 Chapters 2 to 14 and requested a simpler prescriptive option, retaining NFPA 80 as an acceptable alternative compliance path, rather than the only path. Discussion also highlighted a potential loophole allowing multiple maximum-sized ESS installations in different locations of the same property, although UL indicated that this is acceptable because the systems are physically separated.

Additional comments questioned the exclusion of stacked townhouses and suggested simplifying related wording. For PCF 2266, discussion focused on applicability to other residential occupancies, and CHBA questioned whether ESS requirements for MURBs could be consolidated with PCF 2162 rather than addressed separately.

Contact Derek Satnik (derek.satnik@chba.ca) for more information.