EPC Energy developed a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System project at the Glenarm Power Plant in Pasadena, California. The project consists of 28 battery energy storage containers, each with an approximate capacity of 5.0 MWh, along with 14 integrated inverter skid units and supporting electrical infrastructure. The site occupies approximately 23,420 square feet and is located in Pasadena, California.

Engineering Fire Protection, LLC provided comprehensive BESS fire protection consulting services to support the project’s fire and life safety approval process. EFP’s scope included preparation of a Hazard Mitigation Analysis, development of an Emergency Response Plan, site-wide fire alarm design, and fire suppression system design for the associated switchgear room.

A key challenge was addressing the fire, explosion, toxic gas, and thermal runaway hazards associated with a utility-scale lithium-ion BESS installation exceedElogistics was exploring the possibility of expanding storage capabilities within a large existing warehouse facility in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. The warehouse is approximately 1,035,000 square feet and supports product storage and distribution for online retailers. As part of early planning, the client wanted to understand whether the facility could potentially accommodate perfume products containing high alcohol content, as well as consumer electronics containing lithium-ion batteries.

Engineering Fire Protection, LLC provided fire code consulting services to help the client evaluate the feasibility, limitations, and code implications before making operational or construction decisions. EFP reviewed applicable Pennsylvania building and fire code requirements, NFPA 30 flammable liquid storage requirements, sprinkler protection considerations, storage quantity limitations, separation concepts, spill control and containment, ventilation considerations, and lithium-ion battery storage guidance.

This early-stage study helped the client compare multiple possible compliance paths, including a dedicated liquid storage room, a liquid storage warehouse, and a performance-based design approach within the general warehouse area. Because high-volume perfume storage can trigger hazardous materials and flammable liquid storage requirements, EFP’s analysis helped the client understand potential constraints, fire protection impacts, permitting considerations, and future expansion options before committing to costly warehouse modifications. The work provided a practical roadmap for decision-making and helped the client evaluate whether the business opportunity could be pursued safely and code-compliantly.
ing typical code thresholds. EFP helped the client evaluate system hazards, UL 9540A test data, fire detection and suppression features, combustible gas exhaust, explosion venting, emergency access, and first responder coordination. The final deliverables helped demonstrate compliance with the California Fire Code and NFPA 855 while supporting a practical fire protection and emergency response strategy for the Pasadena BESS facility.