CAFS Testing and Evidence

Evidence before claims.

RML AU uses available EZ-CAFS test records, demonstration footage and technical information to inform the assessment of CAFS for lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles and other industrial fire risks. The value of a result depends on what was tested, how it was measured and how closely it represents the proposed application. [1,2]

What evidence supports RML AU's CAFS systems?

Testing has examined defined fire scenarios and CAFS configurations. Depending on the test and the records available, relevant information may include: [1]

Evidence area

Details to identify

Fire configuration

Fuel or battery chemistry, battery capacity and state of charge, enclosure and fire size.

Test sequence

Initiation method, pre-burn period and the point at which suppression began.

Application method

CAFS configuration, concentrate, proportioning, discharge method, distance and flow rate; identify water, solution or finished-foam flow.

Fire control and cooling

Flame-control time, temperature response and cooling duration, where measured.

Water consumption

Total water used, application period and any defined water-only comparison.

Propagation

Observed spread to neighbouring cells, modules, equipment or other exposures.

Electrical performance

Test voltage and type, separation distance, leakage-current measurements, test medium and acceptance criteria, where applicable.

Post-suppression behaviour

Further heating, re-ignition observations, monitoring method and observation period.

Not every test records every metric. Unmeasured outcomes, missing data and the limits of the observation period should be stated rather than assumed.

View the tests in context

The EZ-CAFS channel provides manufacturer footage of battery, vehicle, industrial-fire and equipment demonstrations. Use it alongside the available test records, not as a substitute for them. [2]

View EZ-CAFS test videos

Why are test conditions important?

A fire-test result demonstrates performance under the conditions actually tested. Battery chemistry, state of charge, fuel, fire size, enclosure, application method, flow rate, distance and cooling duration can materially affect the outcome. RML AU does not assume that a result from one test automatically applies to every fire scenario. [1,3,4]

The source of the evidence also matters. A manufacturer demonstration, a documented test, an independently witnessed test and a certification assessment are different forms of evidence. Each result should identify who conducted the work, the method used, what was measured and any independent involvement.

What does flame control demonstrate?

Visible flame control is an important observation, but it does not by itself establish that a battery is thermally stable, propagation has stopped or re-ignition is impossible. Cooling, thermal behaviour, propagation and post-suppression monitoring must be assessed separately. [1,4]

How should water-saving claims be assessed?

A meaningful comparison identifies the test scenario, the water-only benchmark and the total water used over the relevant suppression and cooling period. A lower instantaneous flow rate is not, by itself, proof of lower total water consumption. Any published percentage should identify its supporting test and limitations.

Lower water use may reduce the volume of firewater requiring management, but does not establish that runoff is uncontaminated or that the total pollutant mass is lower.

How should electrical-performance evidence be used?

Electrical results must be read with the test voltage and type, medium, discharge arrangement, separation distance, measured leakage current and acceptance criteria. They do not provide a blanket assurance of safe application to all energised equipment. Site-specific electrical risk assessment and operating controls remain necessary. [1,3]

How does a test inform a project design?

The engineering assessment must consider whether the tested configuration represents the proposed battery or fuel, enclosure, installation and credible incident. It should identify differences, supporting analysis and any further testing required. Project approval is separate from the existence of a test report. [3]

A demonstration is not automatically an independent test. A test report is not automatically a suppression-system certification or project approval.

Is there one Australian Standard covering lithium-ion battery fire suppression?

Lithium-ion battery fire protection involves multiple regulatory, standards and engineering considerations depending on the application. BESS, EVs, buildings, mobile mining equipment and electrical infrastructure are different hazards and should not be treated as though one standard provides a universal suppression design.

Project requirements should be determined from the applicable Australian regulatory framework, standards, fire-authority requirements, manufacturer information and project-specific fire engineering. For example, FRNSW has application-specific guidance for large-scale external BESS requiring a Fire Safety Study. [3]

What is UL 9540A?

UL 9540A is a test method used to evaluate thermal-runaway fire propagation and associated hazards in battery energy storage systems. Its data can assist fire-safety assessment and installation design. [4]

A UL 9540A test report is not, by itself, a fire-suppression-system certification. Check the edition, test level, actual equipment configuration, suppression arrangements and limitations relevant to the proposed installation.

What is NFPA 855?

NFPA 855 is the US Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems. It addresses installation fire-safety considerations for stationary energy storage. [5]

It may be relevant to an Australian project where adopted in the design basis, insurer requirements or engineering assessment. It does not replace applicable Australian regulatory requirements. The edition and its relevance to the project should be recorded.

Is AS 5062 relevant to battery-electric mining vehicles?

AS 5062:2022 addresses fire prevention and protection for mobile and transportable equipment, including risk management and fire-protection system requirements. It may be relevant to aspects of mining mobile-equipment fire protection. [6]

Lithium-ion battery-electric vehicles can introduce additional issues, including thermal runaway, access for cooling, propagation and post-fire monitoring. These battery-specific issues also need an application-specific assessment; a general equipment-protection claim is not proof of traction-battery performance.

Request evidence relevant to your application

Tell RML AU about the asset, battery chemistry or fuel, installation layout and design objectives. We can identify available technical information, explain its scope and discuss where further engineering or testing may be required.

Gary Rowe | RML AU - Rowe Management Pty Ltd
0433 496 254 | gary@rowemanagement.com

Request technical evidence