Overview

Introducing CSA TS-800:24 – Large-Scale Fire Test (LSFT) Procedure

CSA Group releases the CSA TS-800:24 Large-Scale Fire Test (LSFT) Procedure. This technical specification fills in a critical gap in the industry by providing a standardized method for evaluating fire hazards associated with energy storage systems (ESSs). With the exponential growth in ESS installations across various sectors — residential, commercial, industrial, and utility — this specification offers essential guidance to verify fire risks are effectively managed.

About CSA TS-800:24 (TS-800)

TS-800 is designed to address the potential fire hazards of ESSs, particularly those utilizing lithium-ion batteries. The risks associated with these systems are significant, ranging from manufacturing quality to external environmental stresses, which can lead to catastrophic fire events. TS-800 provides an extensive testing procedure that verifies fire events from a fully involved ESS unit do not propagate to adjacent units or external exposures, helping safeguard lives and the surrounding environment.

This specification goes beyond existing tests, such as UL 9540A, which may not result in a fire condition. TS-800 aligns with requirements in codes like the California Fire Code and the International Fire Code, offering a much-needed standardized approach to large-scale fire testing.

CSA Group is uniquely positioned as one of the few testing laboratories worldwide capable of providing large-scale fire testing services. Our advanced testing laboratory, equipped with an outdoor fire and explosion testing area and real-time data monitoring systems, allows us to support manufacturers in demonstrating compliance with evolving testing requirements. We have conducted numerous tests for reputable manufacturers and collaborated with key experts, including Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), to develop the procedures that form the foundation of TS-800.

TS-800 was prepared by a task group under the CSA C800 standards committee, focused on Thermal and Fire Testing, to serve as an interim guidance based on input from industry experts in testing, certification, product development, and AHJ approval.

CSA C800, which will be published early in 2025 as a U.S. (ANSI) and Canadian (SCC) national standard and will shortly be out for public comment, will incorporate TS-800 when released. We encourage all industry stakeholders to participate in the public commenting process to help the final standard meets industry needs and best practices.

In the meantime, TS-800 provides immediate guidance on large-scale fire testing procedures, addressing urgent safety concerns as the consensus standard is finalized.

The release of CSA TS-800:24 marks a significant step forward in addressing the fire safety challenges posed by modern ESSs. We are collaborating with industry members to finalize the CSA C800 consensus standard.

Commonly Asked Questions
  • What is Large-Scale Fire Testing?
    Large-scale fire testing involves intentionally initiating a fire in an ESS enclosure to evaluate how fire might spread to nearby systems. This testing is particularly important for ESS installations where multiple systems are installed close to each other, such as large commercial or utility sites with numerous ESS containers or residential setups with multiple battery cabinets. Unlike UL 9540A testing, which may only lead to the release of flammable gases without ignition, large-scale fire testing forces a fire condition in one ESS enclosure to assess if thermal runaway and fire propagation will occur in adjacent enclosures.
  • Why are AHJs and regulators now requiring Large Scale Fire Testing?
    AHJs and regulators are asking for large-scale fire testing in addition to the standard UL 9540A tests because UL 9540A does not always result in a fire condition. Although thermal runaway can occur, it may not ignite, leaving uncertainty about the potential for fire spread. To meet the safety goals outlined in the California Fire Code, International Fire Code, and others, AHJs require testing that verifies a fully involved fire in one ESS unit does not spread to nearby units. The International Fire Code Commentary emphasizes the need for large-scale fire tests to document that fire propagation between units will not occur and to gather data for risk assessments in different installation settings.
  • What is the purpose and scope of TS-800?
    The TS-800 document provides a standardized procedure to observe and document the effects of a fire in one battery energy storage system (BESS) on surrounding units and external exposures. It covers BESS installations across residential, commercial, industrial, and utility environments. Although the document was developed with specific chemistries, like lithium-ion, in mind, the test procedure is adaptable to any ESS chemistry, as required by AHJs and other stakeholders. The test report includes details on the initiation methodology, test conditions, setup, and observations during and after the fire event.
  • Is TS-800 a consensus standard? Did CSA Group collect industry input?
    No, TS-800 is not a consensus document. It has not been formally reviewed or approved by a CSA Technical Committee. However, it was prepared and reviewed by a task group within the CSA C800 standards committee, which focuses on Thermal and Fire Testing. This specification is based on extensive input from industry experts, including those in testing, certification, product development, AHJ approval, and other energy storage professionals. While TS-800 currently serves as interim guidance, it will be incorporated into the CSA C800 consensus standard when it is released in 2025.
  • What experience does CSA Group have with Large-Scale Fire Testing?
    CSA Group is one of the few testing laboratories worldwide with the capability to conduct large-scale fire testing for ESS. Our extensive experience includes testing beyond UL 9540 and UL 9540A, covering ESS units for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Our modern facility features a large outdoor fire and explosion testing area equipped with advanced monitoring systems for real-time data analysis. We have worked with leading manufacturers in the industry, and our experience and expertise helped shape the TS-800 procedure, developed in collaboration with AHJs and other key consultants.

Shop Standards

Explore standards for a wide range of industries

Standards offer enormous quality, safety and sustainability benefits. No matter where you manufacture or sell your products, standards play a critical role.

Services

Get your products tested, inspected and certified for safety, compliance and global market access.

Featured Icon. Testing

Testing

Transform your innovations into quality products that meet critical safety requirements with our expert testing services.

Featured Icon. Certification

Certification

Launch new products and boost customer confidence in North America and beyond with our global certification services.

Featured Icon. Marks & Labels

Marks & Labels

Get the marks you need to access and enter your target markets In North America with confidence.

Featured Icon. Value-Added Services

Value-Added Services

Save time and gain efficiencies with access to our customer portal, online product listings, and more.