Authored by Rimkus Forensics Marketing Team
Published July 14, 2026
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) deployed in seismically active regions face two primary risks:
- Fire hazards from lithium-ion cells damaged by ground shaking
- Loss of function from damage to interconnection, communication, and control hardware.
No single standard governs BESS seismic performance. Instead, safe deployment draws on UL 9540 and UL 9540A for fire safety, IEEE 693 for substation seismic design, ASCE 7-22 for structural loads, and UN 38.3 for vibrational tolerance.
Rimkus expert Dr. Davis George Moye, P.E. consolidates guidance across multiple standards into practical recommendations for developers, insurers, and engineers siting BESS in earthquake-prone regions.
Access the full white paper, Energy Storage and Earthquakes: Design Considerations and Best Practices to Optimize Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Deployment in Seismically Active Regions, here or read the executive summary below.
Key Takeaways
- Ground shaking causes roughly 90 percent of earthquake damage, and cable joints pulling apart are the most common earthquake-induced grid failure.
- UL 9540 and UL 9540A govern BESS fire safety but do not address vibrational strain from earthquakes.
- IEEE 693, especially Annex J on station batteries and battery racks, is the closest applicable seismic standard and should be followed for BESS deployments.
- UN 38.3 transportation vibration and shock tests provide a practical baseline for BESS vibrational tolerance in seismic regions.
- Damage to interconnection, transmission, and distribution infrastructure is more likely than damage to the BESS unit itself, so designs should place yield mechanisms in low-cost, easily repaired components such as connecting cables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What standards apply to battery energy storage systems in earthquake zones?
UL 9540 and UL 9540A govern BESS construction and fire safety testing. IEEE 693 provides seismic design guidance for substations and station batteries. ASCE 7-22 covers structural loads, and UN 38.3 provides vibration and shock testing benchmarks. NFPA 855 references UL 9540 compliance for safe installation.
Does UL 9540A testing cover earthquake risk?
No. UL 9540A evaluates thermal runaway and fire propagation at the cell, module, unit, and installation levels, and addresses humidity and temperature environments, but it does not address vibrational strains or other earthquake-related concerns.
What is the most common earthquake damage to grid-connected battery storage?
Damage to related infrastructure is more likely than damage to the BESS unit itself. Cable joints pulling apart has been cited as the most common earthquake-induced grid failure, which is why designs should include cable slack, flexible connections, and electrical isolation for disconnected cables.
Should BESS be sited in earthquake-prone regions at all?
Where possible, developers should avoid siting BESS in the regions most prone to earthquake damage. In practice, energy storage is often needed in exactly these regions to support grid resilience, so the paper recommends consulting ASCE 7-22, following IEEE 693 Annex J, and applying additional operational requirements during UL 9540 and UL 9540A evaluation.
About the Author
Dr. Davis George Moye, Senior Consultant, holds a B.S. degree in Oceanography from the United States Naval Academy; an M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Florida State University; and a JD from Florida State University. He is a licensed professional engineer (P.E.), an attorney in Florida, and a certified project management professional.
As a P.E., he has developed conceptual designs and proposals and managed numerous projects involving grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), energy storage research and development, renewables implementation, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) projects for energy efficiency measures. Dr. Moye has developed battery emulator software for use in designing new battery cells, predicting long-term battery performance, and microgrid controls decision-making.
Additional Resources
Learn more about the engineering and operational challenges affecting battery energy storage systems, as well as solar and wind systems, in free, one-hour webinar. Register to watch the webinar here.
This article is intended to provide general information and insights into prevailing industry practices. It is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, technical, or professional advice. The content does not replace consultation with a qualified expert or professional regarding the specific facts and circumstances of any particular matter.