Storage of lithium-ion batteries

Storage of lithium-ion batteries includes all structural, technical, and organizational measures for the safe keeping of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and batteries in commercial environments. The aim is to minimize the risk of thermal runaway and, in the event of an incident, to prevent the spread of fire to surrounding batteries, goods, and parts of the building.

Legal and normative foundations

For the storage of intact lithium batteries, there are currently no dedicated quantity thresholds at the governmental level. Under chemicals legislation, lithium batteries are considered “articles”. TRGS 510 (2021 edition) does not specify a specific “lithium” criterion; in practice, however, rechargeable batteries are treated analogously to flammable hazardous substances and assigned to storage class (LGK) 11 (“Combustible solids”). This results in prohibitions on mixed storage, for example with flammable liquids (LGK 3) or oxidizing substances (LGK 5.1).

The central, civil-law binding reference is the VdS 3103 guideline issued by VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH. In addition, DGUV Information 205-041 defines practical threshold values. The essential regulatory gap is thus closed by the framework of property insurers and statutory accident insurance institutions.

Energy classes and quantity thresholds according to VdS 3103

VdS 3103 categorizes lithium batteries into three classes according to nominal energy (Wh):

Insurance relevance: If VdS requirements are grossly negligently disregarded, property insurers may reduce or refuse benefits in the event of a loss. Since the 5 m clearance strip is often not feasible in dense intralogistics environments, certified battery safety cabinets are usually the only practical alternative.

Threshold values according to DGUV Information 205-041

• Charging cabinet or fire protection-separated room for more than 5 existing batteries.
• For storage of the medium power class outside cabinets: clearance strip of at least 2.5 m from other combustible goods.

State of charge and environmental conditions

For storage, a reduced state of charge (SOC approx. 30–50 %) is recommended: It slows aging and reduces the stored fire load, so that a potential runaway is less severe. Overcharging and excessively high charging voltage must be avoided (risk of lithium plating). Storage should be cool and dry; frost, direct sunlight, and proximity to heat sources must be avoided.

Safety cabinets (VDMA 24994)

Modern battery storage/charging cabinets are based on the standard sheet VDMA 24994:2024-08, which tests fire scenarios from the inside and outside as well as a real thermal runaway test (type class I). Conformity is validated by accredited testing institutes and confirmed through ECB-S certification (ISO/IEC 17065) – including a manufacturing audit. DIN EN 14470-1 alone (type 90) does not cover internal fires and backdraft events.

Overview of storage equipment

Distinction

Storage must be distinguished from transport: Transport is subject to dangerous goods law (ADR, Class 9/Code 9A, UN 38.3), while storage is primarily subject to hazardous substances and fire protection law (TRGS 510, VdS 3103). 

Frequently asked questions

Which regulation governs the storage of lithium-ion batteries?

Primarily the VdS 3103 guideline and DGUV Information 205-041, supplemented by TRGS 510 (analogous treatment as a hazardous substance, LGK 11) and the company-specific risk assessment.

From what quantity is a safety cabinet required?

According to DGUV 205-041, for more than 5 existing batteries. According to VdS 3103, medium-power batteries (> 100 Wh) must be stored separately or at a distance of ≥ 5 m from combustible materials.

What distance must be maintained?

VdS 3103: at least 5 m from combustible materials (medium power). DGUV: at least 2.5 m for storage outside cabinets.

At what state of charge should batteries be stored?

About 30–50 % SOC is recommended – this slows aging and reduces the fire load.

May lithium batteries be stored together with other hazardous substances?

No. As LGK 11, mixed storage prohibitions apply, including with flammable liquids (LGK 3) and oxidizing substances (LGK 5.1).

Last update of this page: 06/2026