Buying a home battery is a smart investment, but safety comes first, of course. Because a home battery operates with high voltages and energy storage, there are strict requirements for production, transport, and installation. Various certifications and labels ensure that a battery can be safely used within homes. Do you want to be sure that you choose a reliable solution? Then it is important to pay attention to certain standards such as CE marking, UN 38.3 certification, fire safety standards, and installation labels. In this blog, we explain which certifications truly matter and why you shouldn't skimp on them.

What does the CE marking mean for a home battery?

The CE marking is a basic requirement for almost all electrical products within the European Economic Area. A home battery with CE marking complies with European directives for safety, health, and environmental protection. Note the following:

• Conformity: The manufacturer declares that the product meets all relevant EU legislation.

• Control: Among reputable brands, this claim is supported by independent tests.

• Traceability: There should be clear instructions for use and technical documentation available.

A CE marking is essential but not sufficient on its own: it indicates that the homebattery meets minimum requirements but says nothing about extra quality or performance.

What does the UN 38.3 certification entail?

The UN 38.3 certification is specifically focused on the safety of lithium batteries during transport. Since home batteries often operate on lithium technology, this certification is indispensable. UN 38.3 guarantees, among other things:

• Safety under extreme conditions: Think of shocks, temperature variations, short circuits, and overpressure.

• Testing during transport: Prevents risks during transportation by truck, ship, or plane.

• International acceptance: Without this certification, batteries often cannot be transported.

In short: a home battery without UN 38.3 certification poses risks during delivery and storage, and you should absolutely avoid it.

What fire safety standards apply to home batteries?

Fire safety is crucial in energy storage. Good home batteries comply with additional standards, such as:

• IEC 62619: International standard for the safety of industrial lithium batteries.

• UL 9540A: Test method for fire risk and thermal runaway behavior.

• VDE-AR-E 2510-50: Specific standard for the safe placement of storage batteries in buildings (particularly relevant in Germany, but increasingly used).

Additionally, fire-retardant enclosures and automatic protections against overloading or overheating are often used. Always inquire about these additional safety measures before installing a home battery.

Are there installation certifications for home batteries?

The installation of a home battery must be carried out by a certified installer. Important labels and certificates are:

• NEN 1010: Dutch standard for safe low-voltage installations.

• Scope 12: Inspection standard for solar panels and associated energy systems, sometimes required for insurance.

• BRL6000-2: Certification for qualified installers in the field of electrical engineering and energy storage.

Ensure your installer is certified according to these standards. This way, you know your home battery is connected safely, professionally, and insured.

Why choose a home battery with all required certifications?

A home battery with the right certifications not only offers peace of mind but also ensures:

• Optimal safety for you and your family.

• Lower insurance risks and better coverage.

• Less chance of malfunctions, defects, or incidents.

• Retained value and easier resale in the future.

Moreover, some insurers and municipalities require certain certificates to be present before granting permits or coverage.

Frequently asked questions about home batteries and certification

Is a CE marking mandatory for every home battery?
Yes, without CE marking, a home battery cannot be sold in Europe.

Why is UN 38.3 so important?
It proves that the battery can be safely transported without risk of fire or explosion.

Which standard guarantees fire safety?
Standards like IEC 62619 and UL 9540A specifically address fire safety.

Does my installer need to be certified too?
Yes, always choose an installer with recognized certifications such as NEN 1010 or BRL6000-2.

Is a home battery without certification not covered in case of damage?
Insurers may refuse coverage in case of damage due to defective or uncertified installations.

Are all home batteries on the Dutch market certified?
Not always. Pay close attention to labels and ask for certificates when purchasing.

Can I verify if a battery is certified myself?
Yes, always ask for official certification documents and check serial numbers.

Are subsidies dependent on certification?
Sometimes municipalities or subsidy programs impose additional requirements on equipment certifications.