Mistakes, Warranties and Official Help
Home battery safety and where it can go: AS/NZS 5139, garages, walls, heat and recalls
Where a home battery can and cannot be installed in Australia under AS/NZS 5139, heat and ventilation, garage and outdoor sites, labelling photos, recalls and what to do after a fault.
In Australia, home batteries must be installed to AS/NZS 5139:2019 (the standard for battery systems used with power conversion equipment) and your state's electrical safety laws, by an SAA-accredited installer with a battery endorsement — these are also conditions for the federal STC discount. In general the standard (together with the wiring rules, AS/NZS 3000) keeps batteries out of habitable rooms and away from places such as ceiling spaces, wall cavities, under stairways and escape routes, and sets clearance and barrier requirements around doors, windows and other equipment. Most home batteries end up on an external wall or in a garage, and the right spot also needs to stay within the manufacturer's temperature range, which affects both performance and the warranty. After installation, register the battery with the manufacturer and check Product Safety Australia for recalls.
The location rules below are a plain-English overview; the installer applies the standard's details to your site. For complaint routes about unsafe work, see where to get help.
Why location matters
| Concern | What it affects |
|---|---|
| Fire safety | Distance from exits, habitable rooms and combustible materials |
| Heat | Battery performance, lifespan and warranty conditions |
| Physical damage | Cars in garages, gardening equipment, children |
| Access | Servicing, isolation switches and emergency services |
| Water and dust | Ingress protection rating of the unit |
| Noise | Fans in some units; placement near bedrooms |
Locations to discuss with the installer
| Location | Generally | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| External wall, shaded | Common choice | Direct afternoon sun, proximity to windows and doors, IP rating |
| Garage wall | Common choice | Vehicle impact (bollards may be needed), clearance from doors into the house |
| Carport | Possible for suitably rated units | Weather exposure, vehicle impact |
| Inside living areas or bedrooms | Not permitted for habitable rooms | – |
| Ceiling space, wall cavity, under stairs | Not permitted | – |
| Near an escape route or exit | Restricted | Clearances set by the standard |
| Separate shed or enclosure | Possible | Ventilation, access and cabling cost |
The CER requires solar and battery retailers to make sure installations meet state and territory electrical safety requirements and that installers take geotagged, timestamped photos of critical labelling; missing photos can delay or block the STC claim. Agree the location in writing before installation day, so it is not decided on the spot.
Heat, shade and performance
Lithium batteries work best within a moderate temperature range, and most home batteries reduce charge or discharge power when hot or cold. In much of Australia, a west-facing wall in full afternoon sun is a poor choice. Look at the manufacturer's installation manual for:
- Operating temperature range
- Whether direct sunlight is allowed
- Required clearances for ventilation
- Ingress protection rating for outdoor installation
If the battery is installed outside the manufacturer's conditions, the warranty may be affected; see warranties and consumer guarantees.
Chemistry and safety
Most current home batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which are generally regarded as more thermally stable than some other lithium chemistries. Every battery still stores a lot of energy and must be treated with care:
- Don't store flammable materials, fuel or paint near the battery.
- Keep the area around it clear as the installer advises.
- Don't open the enclosure or interfere with cabling.
- Know where the isolation switches are; the installer should show you and label them.
After installation: what you should receive
| Document | Why |
|---|---|
| Certificate of electrical compliance or safety (name differs by state) | Proof the work was inspected and certified by a licensed electrician |
| Commissioning report | Settings, backup configuration, tests done |
| Shutdown procedure | What to do in an emergency |
| Warranty documents and registration confirmation | For claims and recalls |
| Battery and inverter serial numbers | For recalls and warranty |
| STC assignment form copy | Proof of the discount |
Recalls and faults
The ACCC runs Product Safety Australia, which lists recalls of consumer products, including home batteries and solar equipment from time to time. To stay informed:
- Register your battery with the manufacturer.
- Keep the model and serial number handy.
- Check Product Safety Australia periodically, and before buying.
- If you get a recall notice, follow it — it may involve reducing the battery's charge level, a firmware update or replacement.
If the battery shows smoke, swelling, unusual heat, a burning smell or hissing, keep clear, call 000 if there is fire or smoke, and don't try to move or extinguish it yourself. For non-urgent faults, follow the shutdown procedure and contact the installer.
State electrical safety regulators
Unsafe or non-compliant electrical work can be reported to your state's electrical safety regulator, such as Energy Safe Victoria, Queensland's Electrical Safety Office, or Building Commission NSW for licensing matters in NSW. See checking installer accreditation for the full list.
Questions to ask before installation day
- Where exactly will the battery go, and why does that spot comply with AS/NZS 5139?
- Will it be in direct sun at any time of day?
- Are bollards or a barrier needed?
- Where will the isolation switches be?
- Is the unit rated for outdoor installation if it's outside?
Add these to the quote checklist and see comparing quotes.
FAQ
Can I install a battery inside my house?
Not in habitable rooms such as bedrooms and living areas. Some other indoor locations may be possible under the standard; your installer must assess them.
Is a garage installation safe?
Garages are common locations when the installer meets the clearance and protection requirements, such as protecting the battery from vehicle impact.
Does insurance cover my battery?
Check your home and contents policy and tell your insurer about the installation. Policies differ in how they treat fixed equipment and electrical faults.
Sources
- Clean Energy Regulator — installation and labelling requirements for STCs
- Standards Australia — AS/NZS 5139:2019
- Product Safety Australia — recalls
- Energy Safe Victoria — battery safety guidance
- Solar Accreditation Australia — accredited installers
