AS/NZS 5139:2019 Amendment No. 1 (2025)

Battery Standard Update Course (Includes Appendix I)

Duration: 2 hours
Delivery: Online (On-Demand or Live Webinar)
Suitable for: Electricians, solar installers, designers, inspectors and compliance professionals

Course Overview

AS/NZS 5139:2019 Amendment No. 1 introduces significant changes to battery installation requirements, particularly in relation to:

• Clearance distances and restricted locations
• Battery energy storage system (BESS) rooms
• Parallel battery overcurrent protection
• Signage and safety data sheet (SDS) obligations
• Fault current calculation methodology

This course provides a structured, clause-based explanation of every change introduced in Amendment No. 1 and explains the practical compliance impact for residential and commercial installations.

The content is based directly on the published Amendment document .

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify all clauses amended in AS/NZS 5139:2019
• Apply the new clearance and egress requirements
• Interpret revised restricted location rules
• Understand updated BESS room definitions
• Implement new overcurrent protection requirements for parallel battery systems
• Calculate cell short-circuit current using Appendix I
• Apply the new signage and SDS requirements correctly
• Assess compliance implications for existing and new installations

Course Content

1. Amendment Overview

• Publishing timeline and regulatory context
• Clauses and figures affected
• Key themes and intent of the amendment

2. Definitions and Terminology Changes

• New definition: Battery energy storage system room
• Clarification of pre-assembled battery systems
• Pre-assembled integrated BESS classification
• Practical impact on system design and documentation

3. Clearance and Restricted Location Updates

This is the most significant compliance area affected by the amendment.

Topics include:

• 1 m corridor and hallway egress clearance
• Door and opening clearance changes (including garage exceptions)
• 600 mm clearance to windows and ventilation openings
• Roof installation restrictions
• Evacuation route prohibitions
• Clarification of recessed wall cavity installations
• Barrier thickness requirements (minimum 6 mm where applicable)

Practical residential and commercial examples are discussed.

4. Updated BESS Room Requirements

• Access requirements for pre-assembled integrated BESS rooms
• Minimum unimpeded working space
• Implications for dedicated battery rooms

5. Fault Current and Protection Updates

• Revised clause title: prospective fault current
• Introduction of Appendix I
• Cell short-circuit current calculation:Isc = Voc / Ri
• Selection of protective devices
• New requirements for parallel pre-assembled battery systems
• KA rating requirements and fault contribution considerations

6. Signage and Safety Data Sheet Requirements

Major compliance updates include:

• Mandatory conformity with AS 1319
• Minimum sign size requirements
• Explosive gas hazard signage
• Toxic fume hazard signage (including fault condition and PPE requirements)
• Chemical hazard signage
• Arc flash warning requirements
• Mandatory physical SDS at main switchboard or meter box (Australia)
• Protection of SDS from degradation

7. Updated Installation Diagrams

• Multiple BESS configurations
• Multiple PCE arrangements
• Disconnection and isolation device clarifications
• Alignment with AS/NZS 4777, AS/NZS 4509 and AS/NZS 3000

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for:

• Accredited solar and battery installers
• Electrical contractors
• System designers
• Compliance auditors
• Technical sales professionals
• Inspectors and regulators

Why This Course Matters

Amendment No. 1 materially changes:

• Installation clearances
• Egress compliance
• Parallel battery protection
• Signage and documentation requirements

Failure to comply may result in:

• Non-conforming installations
• Insurance exposure
• Inspection failures
• Increased liability risk

This course provides clear, practical guidance to ensure installations meet the amended Standard.

Included With Your Enrolment

• 2-hour structured training
• Downloadable summary notes
• Fault current calculation example
• Compliance checklist template
• Certificate of completion

Date:

Tuesday 31st March 11am-1pm AEDT

The course includes all presentation resources and training materials.

Cost AUD $95 (GST excluded)

Registration by payment of the course fee.