Buying a home battery is a smart investment, but safety is of course paramount. Because a home battery operates with high voltages and energy storage, there are strict requirements for production, transport, and installation. Various certifications and quality marks 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 certifications. In this blog, we explain which certifications are really important and why you shouldn't skimp on them.

What does CE marking mean for a home battery?

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 guidelines for safety, health, and environmental protection. Consider the following:

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

• Verification: With reputable brands, this claim is supported by independent testing.

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

CE marking is essential, but not sufficient alone: it indicates that the homebattery meets minimum requirements but does not speak to any additional quality or performance.

What does UN 38.3 certification involve?

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

• Safety under extreme conditions: Consider shocks, temperature fluctuations, short circuits, and overpressure.

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

• International acceptance: Without this certification, batteries are often not allowed to be transported.

In short: a home battery without UN 38.3 certification carries risks for delivery and storage, and should definitely be avoided.

Which 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).

In addition, fire-retardant housings and automatic protections against overcharging or overheating are often used. Always inquire about these extra safety measures before having a home battery installed.

Are there installation certifications for home batteries?

The installation of a home battery must be carried out by a certified installer. Important quality marks 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 skilled installers in the field of electrical engineering and energy storage.

Ensure your installer is certified according to these standards. This way, you can be sure that 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 provides 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.

• Value retention and easier sale in the future.

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

Frequently asked questions about home batteries and certification

Is 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 such as IEC 62619 and UL 9540A specifically focus on fire safety.

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

Will a home battery without certification not be compensated for damage?
Insurers may refuse coverage for damage due to faulty or uncertified installations.

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

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

Are there subsidies dependent on certification?
Sometimes municipalities or subsidy schemes impose additional requirements on the certification of equipment.