Electrical Lithuim sealed enclosure - new laws

[NAYR77]

Has anyone seen any new 'sealed enclosure's that suit specific batterys which are compatible with the new Lithuim laws?
I've emailed Itechworld, and their sales manager replied with: "it is something we are looking into but it is still in development with no ETA'.

Looking for something to suit around 200 - 250 a/h.

 

[Boots in Action]

Has anyone seen any new 'sealed enclosure's that suit specific batterys which are compatible with the new Lithuim laws?
I've emailed Itechworld, and their sales manager replied with: "it is something we are looking into but it is still in development with no ETA'.

Looking for something to suit around 200 - 250 a/h.

Welcome @NAYR77 to the forum. Itechworld are a bit behind the times as new laws regarding enclosures for lithium batteries came into effect on 1st November 2023. The new regs are NOT retrospective and apply only to all new builds or mods made after that date. There are already some threads and posts on this forum supplied by some members who were interested/and or were affected by this new regulation. I am not personally involved and don't have the full details as I am still with the AGM battery system, but I am sure you will get plenty of feedback from members and how they adapted to the changes and any insurance claims that might have occurred since the introduction of new laws. Good luck!!

 

[Boots in Action]

Welcome @NAYR77 to the forum. Itechworld are a bit behind the times as new laws regarding enclosures for lithium batteries came into effect on 1st November 2023. The new regs are NOT retrospective and apply only to all new builds or mods made after that date. There are already some threads and posts on this forum supplied by some members who were interested/and or were affected by this new regulation. I am not personally involved and don't have the full details as I am still with the AGM battery system, but I am sure you will get plenty of feedback from members and how they adapted to the changes and any insurance claims that might have occurred since the introduction of new laws. Good luck!!

Hi there @NAYR77, further to my earlier post regarding lithium batteries in vans, have a look at the following site for all the info:

regulations for lithium batteries in vans - Google Search

 

[Drover]

My rig's battery compartment actually complies and it was built 13 yrs ago, sealed compartment with a door to outside and vented external door ....

The Standard is AS3001.2 is a big document and only a small section relates to Lithium batteries in vehicles basically the battery must be mounted externally in this case externally means sealed off from the habitable area so I doubt there will be an off the shelf box ......... you certainly wouldn't want to seal up a lithium they need air flow for cooling.

Caravan Industry Assoc does have a very good explanation of what is required; https://rvelectricalready.com.au/battery-installation/


It should be noted that since a lithium can get to 600c when it cooks then the compartment won't stop it but should contain enough for safe exit from vehicle before it turns into a fireball................ A LiPo4 is supposed to just cook and melt, not turn into a fireball but the fumes will get you and the heat could cause a secondary fire ...


It really depends on where you propose to fit your batteries............

 

[DRW]

I read the regulations yesterday apparently you can still have a Lithium battery under the bed if it’s completely sealed and vented to the outside world.
I’ve been looking at LiFeP04 batteries for a while, after hours of research and talking to the guy who replaced me at my last position I’ve come down to Renogy or Victron IMO the rest are miles behind these two brands just my and others opinions but have a really good look at the BMS and all of the features!

 

[Drover]

A good read of the summary provided in the Caravan Industry link should be noted as the battery compartment regs apply to all batteries not just Lithium, the cruncher for what breed of Lithium is that it must also comply with AS IEC 62619 something which a lot don't seem to meet as yet ....... fuses and breakers on batteries and some other requirements also should be noted.

Also noted : "The standard calls for a monitoring device (specifically designed for managing Lithium batteries) to display State of Charge (SoC). The monitoring device may be hard wired or wireless. Clause : 5.4.12.3.4 ",

But this applies to new vans after NOV 2023 or you do a modification to your pre Nov23 van ................ so if you change your under bed/seat AGM's for lithium you will have to comply with the new regs, the plastic box won't cut it anymore and wiring upgrade as well for most..

Then again some States will bring in other regs which can cause more changes for that state and add to the confusion ......

If I want to add another lithium to my rig I will need to do some metal bashing and make an extension to my current box .... though if the battery can get to 600c I doubt a sheet of 1.5mm steel will do much at all.....

 

[DRW]

Hey Ian
The two brands I’m looking at have prismatic cells and Bluetooth connect one via a shunt so she’ll by right mate! I have seen some manufacturers using cylindrical cells that aren’t all monitored by the BMS should be banned IMO

 

[Drover]

Yeah Dave have seen some reports of some horrendous builds, though it does seem not a great deal of variation on the actual battery packs but the BMS is the make or break of the things... It does seem like the AS for lithiums mean some will be getting rid of their stocks quickly, explains why some real cheapies around, of course those with the Standard sticker will up their price.......... Much prefer hard wire than bluetooth my battery is in a tin box and my reg and power board is also in a tin lined boot so certain to give bluetooth some dramas ...

Prismatic versus Cylindrical seems to be a VHS versus Beta sort of thing, read 6 reports and none the wiser, each has pro's and cons ... Your right about some dodgy stuff around and not just batteries either ........

PS: Won't be going to Bundy for Jeep fix, heading south to daughters, free camping and transport into town and no cooking either...lol,lol.....

 

[DRW]

Travel safe Ian