Frequently Asked Questions

All states fire codes require some form of spill containment in a battery room.  Throughout the nation, states will either fall under the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code.  Check with your local fire marshal or building inspector to determine which fire code is applicable for your battery room.  As a general rule of thumb, all wet cell battery systems require a complete spill containment barrier system.  A complete system consists of 4” high barriers to enclose battery system at a minimum of 1” beyond the furthest point of rack/cabinet, acid-resistant flooring and an absorbing & neutralizing method to a pH range of 7.0 to 9.0.

This is dependent upon the states’ governing fire code.  Keep in mind that additional measures may be required by the local code ordinances above and beyond state codes so it is always recommended to check with the local inspector for verification.

Uniform Fire Code (UFC) Article 64 requires a complete spill containment system with 4” high barriers to enclose any battery system containing 50 gallons or more of electrolyte in an unsprinklered facility or 100 gallons or more in a sprinklered facility.  This includes VRLA battery systems.

International Fire Code (IFC) Section 608 does not require the 4” high containment barriers to enclose VRLA battery systems, however, neutralization of 3% capacity of the largest jar IS REQUIRED per Section 608.5.2.  Acran’s Deluxe Lead-Acid Spill Response Kit PN 5SRK1000 or Deluxe Ni-Cad Spill Response Kit PN 5SRK2000 will satisfy IFC Section 608.5.2 as well as meet the federally mandated OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910.120(g)(5), 1910.120(q)(2)(XI), 1910.178(g)(2), 1920.268(b)(2)(i), and 1926.441(a)(5,6,7)

Acran spill containment systems are favored in the industry for retrofit applications because of our capabilities to easily install around existing batteries. Same as with new installations, Acran barriers are installed after the battery & rack system(s) are in place.  Barriers are adhered to the floor with a novolac adhesive (5EAK0002) to eliminate need to install barriers prior to rack system as well as eliminate labor time and cost for precise spotting, drilling and anchoring.  The included one-coat, pour-in, self-leveling, self-priming, novolac epoxy (5ECT0100) is poured into the constructed barrier system and seals the floor and rack anchors for an acid-resistant, liquid-tight, fire code compliant flooring (Barrier Installation Manual). Epoxy can be poured during normal business hours in an occupied building around existing battery systems because it has 0 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and is 100% solid. Fumes are very minimal and not a risk for fire ignition. Acran’s provided novolac epoxy meets ASTM D-635 flammability standards and NFPA Hazards Flammability rating is 0-1. For Reference Please See ACRAN's SDS Page.