Energy storage systems are becoming part of more commercial, industrial and institutional projects. As that happens, the fire safety standards around those systems are evolving quickly. The 2026 edition of NFPA 855: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems introduces important updates that affect how energy storage projects are designed, reviewed, tested and approved.
For contractors, engineers, owners and Authorities Having Jurisdiction, the biggest message is clear: energy storage fire safety now requires earlier planning, stronger documentation and more detailed hazard evaluation.
IFTI keeps up-to-date with all relevant codes and regulations to ensure our fireproofing products, such as DC-315 and DC-360, provide the best protection on the market.
Hazard Mitigation Analysis Now Plays a Larger Role
One of the most significant updates is the expanded use of Hazard Mitigation Analysis, or HMA. Previous editions required an HMA only in certain situations, such as when installations exceeded specific stored-energy thresholds. The 2026 edition moves away from that narrow trigger and makes HMA a standard part of the safety evaluation for most battery energy storage system installations unless a technology-specific chapter provides an exemption.
An HMA may evaluate thermal runaway initiation and propagation, hazardous gas generation and dispersion, deflagration or explosion potential, detection, suppression, ventilation and the reliability of containment or compartmentation strategies.
Fire and Explosion Testing Requirements Are Stronger
The 2026 edition also places greater emphasis on fire testing evidence. UL 9540A remains a foundational test method, but the updated standard adds stronger expectations around large-scale fire testing. This helps address situations where earlier testing may stop at the cell or module level, leaving project teams to rely more heavily on modelling for larger installations.
The standard also updates explosion control and prevention expectations, including greater emphasis on managing hazardous gases produced during thermal runaway events. Exponent notes that NFPA 68 deflagration venting is no longer permitted as the primary explosion control strategy, reflecting a shift toward prevention and control of gas accumulation.
Detection and Emergency Planning Are Expanding
NFPA 855:2026 also updates detection language for lithium-ion battery storage. The new edition allows smoke detection, thermal imaging fire detection or radiant energy detection where installed in accordance with NFPA 72, replacing more limited previous language.
Emergency response planning is also receiving more attention. The 2026 edition updates safety and installation requirements with a strong focus on lithium-ion systems, including fire testing, explosion control and alignment with broader fire code changes.
Passive Fire Protection Remains Central to ESS Safety
Although NFPA 855 focuses on energy storage systems, the updates reinforce the importance of passive fire protection. Fire-rated assemblies, properly specified firestop systems and maintained compartmentation help limit the movement of fire, smoke and hot gases when building systems become more complex.
At IFTI, we support project teams with tested fire protection products, including spray foam thermal barrier coatings. As NFPA 855 continues to evolve, early coordination, correct product selection and proper documentation will remain essential to safer energy storage installations.