NSW: Can a lot owner install a lithium-ion battery in a strata car park?

Question: A lot owner in our building has applied for approval to install a lithium-ion storage battery in their lower car park garage. Considering the safety risks, how do we proceed?

A lot owner in our building has applied for approval to install a lithium-ion storage battery in their lower car park garage.

Have the NSW strata minister or the NSW Fire Department prepared legislation or restrictions on lithium-ion storage batteries in lower-level car parks and the potential for fires as a result of battery failure?

Answer: This installation inside the building may be considered building works and, therefore, trigger planning requirements much bigger than the intended works.

To my knowledge and research, there is no government regulation or direct instruction on this potential installation. Please note that this installation inside the building may be considered building works and, therefore, trigger planning requirements much bigger than the intended works (e.g. a CDC, DA or council fire order).

There are various info sheets from Fire & Rescue NSW, Fair Trading, SCA, OCN and more on the subject if Googled. They mostly talk about operating or using lithium-ion batteries safely and in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Regarding ad-hoc advice, storage batteries present a very high risk of toxic smoke, uncontrolled fires, and extremely high heat output; however, as opposed to ebikes and escooters, they present a very low chance of occurrence.

Fire sprinklers are the only life safety system proven (US/ NFPA research) to contain a battery fire to the fire compartment of origin.

If it were my building, I would consider the following:

1. Speak to a certifier &/or fire engineer about the installation implications and the likely requirements under the Design and Building Practitioner’s Act.
2. What does the battery manufacturer say about installation inside a building (most are outside)?
3. Do you have sprinklers fitted to the area to contain a fire if it were to occur?
4. What physical constraints (e.g. concrete walls) are in place to prevent thermal runaway involving this battery from spreading to nearby flammable items (e.g. vehicles)?

Hope that helps, but I’d highly recommend you do a LOT more research via a certifier before proceeding further.

This post appears in the April 2025 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.

Rob Broadhead
2020 Fire Protection
E: rob.broadhead@2020fire.com.au
P: 1300 340 210