Office compatibility of valve-regulated SLA stand-by batteries

The authors discuss the possible safety problems posed by potential gas emissions from valve-regulated stationary lead-acid batteries in offices. A review of European regulations on installation is presented and the results of gassing tests under various charging conditions are reported. These tests were carried out on an actual installation of a 24 kWh Fiamm Monolite-valve-regulated starved electrolyte battery, housed in a standard Fiamm cabinet that was placed in a laboratory area reproducing a room dedicated to office activities. The installation of valve-regulated lead-acid batteries in naturally ventilated cabinets (located in rooms where a natural air exchange, compatible with people and/or electronic equipment, is provided) is demonstrated to allow a safe dispersal to the external environment of the gas released, i.e. dangerous flammable gas mixtures will be neither in the cabinet nor in the room