Polarium’s approach to system-level safety extends beyond the design of the battery itself. It encompasses how batteries are integrated, installed, and operated as part of larger power systems in telecommunications and industrial environments. The company’s compliance framework is built around internationally recognised safety standards, regional installation guidelines, and rigorous internal processes to ensure every deployed system operates safely throughout its life cycle.
Certification and Standards Compliance
Polarium batteries, supplied by Powerbox, are designed and certified to comply with leading global safety standards for lithium-ion energy storage:
- IEC 62619 – Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in industrial applications.
- UN 38.3 – Transportation safety standard ensuring safe handling and shipment of lithium-ion batteries.
- CE Marking – Conformance with European Union safety, health, and environmental protection standards.
- UL 1973 – Safety standard for stationary and motive auxiliary power applications (UL-certified models available on request).
- RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) – Demonstrates compliance with relevant Australian electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
For the New Zealand market, Polarium products are typically certified to IEC 62619 and related IEC standards, which are widely accepted for telecommunications and industrial installations. UL-certified models can be supplied where projects require North American certification or specific UL listing.
Installation and Local Compliance Considerations
While New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 5139 Electrical Installations – Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment is primarily written for residential applications, it is sometimes referenced in telecommunications and industrial projects as a guideline for best practice. For mission-critical sites, compliance often extends to:
- Electrical protection devices meeting IEC 60947 or equivalent standards.
- Cabling and terminations that meet AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules).
- Battery enclosures with appropriate ingress protection (IP) ratings.
- Separation of battery banks in mixed-chemistry configurations.
By working with integrators and end-users, Polarium ensures that installation practices maintain compliance while supporting system reliability and ease of maintenance.
Integration with Electrical Protection Devices
Safe integration of Polarium batteries within a larger system requires the use of correctly rated overcurrent and overvoltage protection devices. In most telecommunications and similar applications, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) are incorporated directly into the DC system. For larger installations, where higher current ratings are required, moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) are typically used and housed in a separate distribution panel.
These protective devices are sized according to the specific installation requirements and work in conjunction with the circuit breaker built into each Polarium battery module. Together, they ensure that both the system and its cabling are protected in the event of a fault.
Appropriately sized DC cables must also be selected to match the system’s maximum continuous current and fault current rating. Correct cable sizing helps avoid overheating, reduces the risk of insulation damage, and minimises voltage drop, which is particularly important in long cable runs. Cable selection should follow relevant Australian standards and take into account installation method, ambient temperature, and length.
When a fault occurs, the upstream MCB or MCCB will isolate the affected circuit, while the integrated breaker at the battery module provides an additional layer of localised protection. This dual-layer approach minimises the risk of damage to equipment and cabling, while also enhancing operator safety.
Long-Term Operational Safety
Maintaining compliance does not stop once a system is commissioned. Polarium’s integrated Battery Management System (BMS) continues to monitor key safety parameters over the life of the battery, ensuring that any conditions that could compromise safety or compliance are identified early. Operators can leverage the BMS’s remote monitoring capabilities to confirm that deployed assets remain within their certified operational parameters.
This combination of certified design, correct installation, and ongoing monitoring ensures that Polarium batteries meet both the letter and the spirit of relevant safety standards.
