Which NEC article covers storage batteries?

• A. Article 430
• B. Article 450
• C. Article 517
• D. Article 480

Answer: (D)

Storage batteries have dedicated coverage in the NEC under Article 480. This article addresses the installation, safety, and practical requirements for storage battery systems used in electrical power setups, including stationary and portable batteries of various chemistries. It covers how battery rooms or enclosures should be arranged, ventilation and gas detection considerations to prevent hydrogen buildup, fire protection and suppression guidance, and the necessary clearances and accessibility for maintenance. It also details how charging equipment and battery interconnections must be installed, protected, and coordinated with overcurrent devices, along with rules for labeling, spacing, and handling hazards associated with battery systems. In short, Article 480 specifically targets storage batteries and their safe integration into electrical installations, making it the appropriate reference.

The other articles address different equipment: motors and motor controllers are covered in Article 430, which deals with motor circuits, overload protection, and related controls; transformers and reactors fall under Article 450, which governs transformer installation, protection, and operation; and Article 517 applies to electrical installations in healthcare facilities, focusing on patient care areas and related system requirements.