Where Can Home Batteries Be Installed Under PAS 63100

Regulations

If you're thinking about adding battery storage to your solar panel system, you've probably heard people talking about the PAS 63100 regulations.

And if you've started researching battery locations online, you may have come away more confused than when you started.

• Can batteries still go in garages?

• Are loft installations now banned?

• Can they be fitted inside the house?

• What about outside?

  
  

At Ulex Energy, we speak to homeowners across South Wales every week who have exactly these questions. So let's break everything down into plain English.

First Things First – What Is PAS 63100?

PAS 63100 is a fire safety specification created by the British Standards Institution (BSI) for domestic battery energy storage systems (BESS). In simple terms, it's a set of guidelines designed to make home battery installations safer.

The guidance was introduced because battery storage is becoming increasingly popular in UK homes, and regulators wanted a clear framework for where batteries should and shouldn't be installed.

The overall principle is straightforward:

The safest place for a home battery is outside the main living areas of the home whenever possible.

Where CAN Home Batteries Be Installed?

The good news is that most homes still have several suitable options.

1. Attached Garages

A garage is usually separate from the main living space, making it an ideal location from a fire safety perspective. Under PAS 63100, attached garages are generally acceptable provided there is suitable fire separation between the garage and the rest of the property.

2. Detached Garages and Outbuildings

Detached garages, garden rooms, workshops and dedicated outbuildings are suitable options. Because they're physically separated from the house, they offer an extra layer of protection while still allowing easy access for maintenance. PAS 63100 effectively treats these locations as outdoor installations.

3. External Wall Installations

Many modern batteries are designed for outdoor installation. Provided the battery is suitably protected from the weather and positioned correctly, an external wall can be an excellent location. PAS 63100 generally requires batteries to be at least one metre away from doors, windows, ventilation openings and escape routes.

4. Utility Rooms and Plant Rooms

In some situations, batteries can still be installed indoors. Utility rooms, plant rooms and dedicated service areas may be suitable, provided they meet the necessary fire separation and ventilation requirements. The space must also avoid blocking escape routes and should include appropriate fire detection measures. This means batteries inside the home are not automatically prohibited – they simply need careful planning.

Where CAN'T Home Batteries Be Installed?

This is where the new regulations have had the biggest impact.

Bedrooms

Batteries must not be installed in rooms intended for sleeping. This is one of the clearest requirements within PAS 63100.

Hallways, Staircases and Escape Routes

The regulations are designed to ensure occupants can safely leave the property in an emergency.

As a result, batteries should not be installed in hallways, landings, staircases, corridors or other routes that form part of the home's means of escape.

Lofts and Roof Spaces

One of the biggest changes homeowners have noticed is the restriction on loft installations. PAS 63100 specifically identifies lofts and roof spaces as unsuitable locations for battery storage. While many older installations may still have batteries in lofts, new installations generally need to find an alternative location.

Near Flammable Materials

Batteries should not be installed close to fuel tanks, gas cylinders or stored combustible materials. The guidance recommends maintaining a minimum separation distance.

Does This Mean Batteries Must Be Installed Outside?

No. This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear.

PAS 63100 strongly favours outdoor installations where practical, but it does not mean every battery must be mounted outside. Indoor installations are still possible when the location meets the required fire safety criteria.

In fact, many homes across South Wales continue to have batteries safely installed in garages and utility spaces.

What About Existing Battery Installations?

If your battery was installed before the new guidance came into effect, the regulations are generally not retrospective.

That means homeowners don't usually need to relocate an existing system simply because the guidance has changed. However, if you're considering expanding or replacing your battery system, it is worth having the installation reviewed by a qualified professional.

The Most Important Thing: A Proper Site Survey

Every home is different. A Victorian terrace in Brynmill has very different installation options compared to a detached property in Mumbles or a modern home in Sketty. That's why a professional survey is so important.

Rather than choosing a battery location based on guesswork, an experienced installer will assess:

• Available space

• Fire separation

• Ventilation

• Cable routes

• Access for maintenance

• Compliance with PAS 63100

  
  

The result is a battery installation that is both safe and practical for your home.

Thinking About Battery Storage?

Battery storage can dramatically increase the amount of solar energy you use at home, helping reduce electricity bills and providing greater energy independence.

At Ulex Energy, we design and install solar battery systems across Swansea and South Wales, ensuring every installation complies with the latest safety guidance and industry best practice.

If you're considering solar panels with battery storage or looking to add a battery to an existing solar system, our team can advise on the most suitable location for your property and guide you through the latest PAS 63100 requirements.

Get in touch with Ulex Energy today for a free, no-obligation consultation and discover how battery storage can help you get more from your solar investment.