NFPA 111

Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems

NFPA 111 establishes performance requirements for stored electrical energy systems that provide an alternate source of power when normal electrical supply fails. It covers uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), battery-backed emergency lighting, and other stored-energy emergency power supply systems (SEPSS) in commercial, industrial, and healthcare buildings. The standard applies wherever continuous power is legally required or a brief power interruption is unacceptable — data centres, hospitals, financial institutions, emergency services, and critical infrastructure. The 2025 edition is current. NFPA 111 is often paired with NFPA 110 (engine-driven generators) and the two together define the full range of emergency and standby power options available to building designers.

Published by: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Current edition: NFPA 111-2025

Replaces: NFPA 111-2022

Scope

NFPA 111 covers stored-energy emergency power supply systems (SEPSS) for legally required and optional standby loads, including:

  • Power sources, transfer equipment, controls, and accessory equipment for SEPSS
  • Installation, maintenance, operation, and testing requirements for stored-energy systems
  • System types: Type L (lithium-ion, VRLA, NiCd), Type M (flow batteries), Type E (flywheel), Type F (fuel cell)
  • Equipment and system requirements, load calculations, and automatic transfer sequences
  • Inspection, testing, and maintenance schedules for stationary battery SEPSS installations

Relationship to other standards

NFPA 111 governs stored-energy emergency systems, while NFPA 70 NEC Article 706 governs their electrical installation. NFPA 110 covers engine-driven generators as an alternative standby source. IEC 62040-1 and EN 62040-1 are the IEC and European equivalents for UPS safety requirements. For grid-connected BESS, NFPA 855 and IEEE 1547 are the primary references. In healthcare settings, NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code) references NFPA 111 for stored-energy standby power requirements.

Disclaimer: This is not a definitive guide, just an indication and it is important that you always go back to the source for legislation.

References

  1. NFPA 111 — Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems standard development page, NFPA

See also: HV Lead-Acid Battery Packs