Provincial government officials know they’re enforcing regulations that make it more expensive for homeowners to store green electricity while undercutting a Nova Scotian manufacturer.“The electrical code regulations in Nova Scotia require that the Canadian Electrical Code be adopted,” reads a written response from the Department of Labour.
This makes sense for lithium-ion batteries, for which the computerized battery management system is critical to the safe charge and discharge of electricity, along with maintaining battery life. UL9540 applies to all battery backup systems and in 2020 was adopted by the Canadian Electrical Code.“This has been the bane of my existence – people putting in regulations without understanding the parameters of use,” said Rob Sedgewick, the Windsor-based owner of off-grid installer SAGE Energy.
“He is aware that currently the new UL9540 / UL9540A requirements, without exemption, are limiting,” said Jeff Myles of Surette Battery of the meeting. In Nova Scotia, those who want to install a lead-acid battery backup system are being invited to apply for a “deviation order” from the department – which could, if approved by the chief electrical inspector, result in the system being approved.