Solar battery location and restricted-zone guide

Visual examples for garages, outdoor walls, doors, windows, appliances, combustible walls, vehicle areas and weather exposure.

600 mm side zones900 mm upper zones1 m egressIP rating explainedClause references
Assessment basis: AS/NZS 5139:2019 with Amendment 1:2025, the battery manufacturer’s instructions, AS/NZS 3000 restricted switchboard locations, and the conditions found at the property. A drawing does not decide compliance by itself.
600 mmHorizontal restricted zone beside relevant openings, exits and unrelated appliances.
900 mmRestricted zone above the battery in the examples covered by the standard.
1 metreClear egress path where a battery is installed in a corridor, hallway, lobby or similar route.

Battery location examples

These are original inspection illustrations. They show where measurements start and why a location needs approval, relocation or added protection.

BATTERYclear wall areaswitchboard
Lower-risk example

Outdoor brick or concrete wall

A clear non-combustible wall has fewer fire-barrier issues. Check doors, windows, vents, appliances, gas equipment, sunlight, drainage, access and the manufacturer’s clearances.

Reference: Clauses 4.2.2, 4.2.3 and 4.2.4, or Section 5 equivalents.
BATTERY<600window to habitable room
Restricted-zone conflict

Window or ventilation opening

Where the opening ventilates a habitable room, keep the battery outside the restricted zone. The example shows the battery within 600 mm of the vertical side. The zone also extends 900 mm below the opening and 600 mm out in front.

Reference: Clauses 4.2.2.2(c) and 5.2.2.2(c).
BATTERY<600exit ≤900 mm
Restricted-zone conflict

Narrow exit or doorway

An exit with an opening 900 mm wide or less has a 600 mm restricted zone. Amendment 1 changed treatment of wider openings. Safe egress still needs assessment.

Reference: Clauses 4.2.2.2(b), 5.2.2.2(b), and Amendment 1:2025 figures.
GARAGE DOORBATTERYassesskeep clear path ≥1 m where required
Site assessment required

Wide garage-door opening

A garage opening wider than 900 mm is treated differently under Amendment 1. The layout must still leave safe egress. Check the route a person uses and keep the required clear path from the battery.

Reference: Clauses 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2 and Section 5 equivalents. Figures added by Amendment 1:2025.
BATTERYA/C unit<600
Restricted-zone conflict

Air conditioner or unrelated appliance

Keep unrelated appliances outside the 600 mm horizontal and 900 mm upper restricted zone. Associated battery PCE has separate treatment. Confirm the equipment relationship and manufacturer spacing.

Reference: Clauses 4.2.2.2(d), 5.2.2.2(d).
BATTERY600 mm600 mm900 mm
Barrier required

Combustible wall backing a habitable room

A non-combustible barrier is needed where the wall construction and room behind trigger the requirement. The barrier extends 600 mm past each side and 900 mm above the battery. Corners and ceilings need assessment.

Reference: Clauses 4.2.4.2 and 5.2.4.2, clarified by Amendment 1:2025.
BATTERYbollard or approvedimpact protection
Protection required

Garage vehicle impact area

A battery exposed to vehicle movement needs suitable mechanical protection. Bollard position, strength, fixing and separation must suit the vehicle path and battery instructions.

Reference: Mechanical damage provisions in AS/NZS 5139 and AS/NZS 3000. Manufacturer instructions also apply.
BATTERYdirect sun and heat
Site assessment required

Direct sun and high temperature

An IP rating does not cover excessive heat. Confirm the manufacturer’s operating-temperature range and restrictions on direct sunlight. Add compliant shade without blocking ventilation or service access.

Reference: Environmental requirements: Clauses 4.2.3 and 5.2.3.
BATTERYshelter where required
IP and drainage check

Outdoor rain and water exposure

Select equipment whose declared IP rating suits the actual exposure. Check wind-driven rain, hose spray, pooling water, flood level, corrosion, cable entries and mounting height.

Reference: Environmental requirements: Clauses 4.2.3 and 5.2.3. IEC 60529 IP classification.
BATTERYdo not locate under stairs
Restricted location

Under stairs or access walkways

Battery systems are not placed under stairways or access walkways. Do not rely on added sheeting to turn this into an accepted location without a full design assessment.

Reference: Clauses 4.2.2.1 and 5.2.2.1.

IP rating guide

The IP code describes enclosure resistance to solids and water. It does not approve a battery for every outdoor location. The product instructions, mounting orientation, cable entries, drainage, temperature and corrosion conditions still control the installation.

Rating exampleSolidsWaterLocation assessment
IP44Objects 1 mm and largerSplashing waterOften needs shelter. Confirm the manufacturer permits the proposed environment.
IP54Limited dust ingressWater splashesSuitable only where exposure remains within the declared test level.
IP55Limited dust ingressWater jetsAssess wind-driven rain, hose use, drainage and cable-entry sealing.
IP65Dust-tightWater jetsCommon outdoor rating, but not an immersion or flood rating.
IP66Dust-tightPowerful water jetsHigher water-jet protection. Temperature and sun limits still apply.
IP67Dust-tightTemporary immersion under test conditionsDo not assume flood approval. Follow the exact manufacturer limits and mounting instructions.

Clause map for location assessments

4.2.2 and 5.2.2
General location restrictions, habitable rooms, ceiling spaces, wall cavities, roofs, stairs, access walkways, exits, openings and appliances.
4.2.3 and 5.2.3
Environmental conditions, including temperature and exposure within manufacturer limits.
4.2.4.2 and 5.2.4.2
Barrier requirements where the battery is on or near a wall separating the installation from a habitable room.
AS/NZS 3000 restricted locations
The AS/NZS 5139 location rules also refer to places where switchboards are restricted. Check the applicable Wiring Rules provisions.
Amendment 1:2025
Added and revised location figures, changed treatment of openings wider than 900 mm, and clarified barrier application.
Manufacturer instructions
Minimum spacing, sun exposure, temperature, ventilation, mounting, flood risk, impact protection and service access may exceed the standard’s base requirements.

Photo assessment checklist

For a useful preliminary battery-location review, send the following photos and measurements:

  1. One wide photo showing the entire wall, floor, ceiling or eave, doors, windows and nearby equipment.
  2. A straight-on photo of the proposed battery position with a tape measure visible.
  3. Distance from the proposed battery edge to each door, window, vent, appliance, switchboard, inverter and gas fitting.
  4. Wall material and the room located on the other side of the wall.
  5. Garage vehicle path, parking position and any proposed bollard.
  6. Outdoor exposure, including eaves, direct afternoon sun, downpipes, taps, sprinklers, drainage and possible flood level.
  7. Battery model, data plate, IP rating and installation manual.

A photo review identifies likely issues. Final compliance depends on the installed system and an on-site inspection.

Need a battery location assessed?

Metro Electrical Inspections provides renewable-energy electrical inspection services across Melbourne.

Call 0417 788 255

Source references

Energy Safe Victoria, Battery Energy Storage Systems guidance and Electricity Safety General Regulations. Standards Australia, AS/NZS 5139:2019 and Amendment 1:2025 catalogue records. Clean Energy Regulator, Solar battery inspection checklist. Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council, Battery Energy Storage System Installation Requirements. NSW Government, Changes to the Battery Standard. IEC, Ingress Protection ratings.

Links: Energy Safe Victoria · Standards Australia amendment · CER checklist · ERAC guide · Amendment overview · IEC IP ratings