New FDNY Rule 3 RCNY 608 Goes Into Effect October 1, 2019

As of October 1, 2019, the New York City Fire Department’s new rule 3 RCNY 608-01, entitled “Outdoor Stationary Storage Battery Systems” will go into effect.

FDNY rule 3 RCNY 608-01 applies to the installation and utilization of Outdoor Stationary Storage Battery systems which use new energy storage technologies such as lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium and others. Existing and proposed systems must comply with the requirements of this rule.

Some exemptions to the rule include indoor stationary battery systems and other applications.

Table 1 of this rule establishes the classifications for different battery system sizes. Medium and large sized systems range from 70 KWH to 500 KWH and greater.

Table 2 establishes the items required for different systems in order to comply with this rule based on size classifications.

An example of Table 2 requirements which apply to all outdoor stationary storage battery systems are as follows:

• Certificate of Fitness
• Listing of system
• A map depicting Location and Construction of system; etc.

Depending on the size of your system, the following additional items may be required in order to be in compliance:

• A permit, for systems that fall under the medium and large size requirements.
• Department approval for the installation of any system as denoted in Table 2. Documentation required for this approval includes but is not limited to;
  • any Department of Building applications filed involving the system,
  • a department equipment approval for each unit,
  • a site plan; and
  • a commissioning/de-commissioning plan. 
• General Design and Installation requirements must be followed as subject to Table 2.
• The FDNY classifies the system size based on the cumulative power rating for a facility rather than individual components to ensure adequate fire safety measures are being followed.  

If you have any questions regarding the FDNY rule 3 RCNY 608 regarding your Stationary Storage Battery System or require assistance in achieving compliance with this new rule, please contact Walden’s design specialists who have experience with Department of Building and FDNY permit requirements.

For more information, such as Table 1 and Table 2, you may visit the Fire Department’s website (www.nyc.gov/fdny) and the NYCRULES’ website (www.nyc.gov/NYCRULES).