Euralarm position paper helps market surveillance authorities interpret EU battery regulations

Euralarm’s new position on battery regulation

Euralarm has published a position paper aimed at assisting market surveillance authorities in the interpretation of the EU Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries and waste batteries.

As stated by Euralarm, this position paper focuses on batteries typically used in fire protection, rescue and security systems.

This document discusses the types of batteries used in alarm panels and transmitters, but does not cover those used in wireless detectors due to their different applications and technologies.

The aim of this article is to explain the impact of regulations on these batteries, especially in relation to their classification and intended use.

Classification of industrial batteries

According to the Euralarm position paper, the EU Battery Regulation classifies batteries based on their design and use, not their chemical composition.

The article emphasizes that batteries used in safety and security systems are classified as industrial batteries, regardless of their weight.

Euralarm explains that this classification affects how these batteries are regulated, particularly in emergency power systems.

Such batteries constitute additional power sources in fire alarm control panels and must comply with the harmonised standard EN 54-4 under the Construction Products Regulation.

Impact on existing systems

The position paper emphasises the importance of the impact of the regulations on both new installations and existing systems.

Euralarm emphasizes that maintaining existing systems that have been designed and certified for specific battery types is crucial to their reliability and safety.

The article notes that while the expected lifespan of these systems is decades, the batteries typically last only 4–7 years.

Therefore, the constant availability of industrial batteries is crucial to maintaining millions of safety and security systems across Europe.

Conclusions from the position paper

The Euralarm position paper states that batteries installed in fire, safety and security panels as additional power sources should be classified as industrial batteries.

This classification exempts them from certain substance restrictions under the EU Battery Regulation.

The article cites the opinion of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, which agrees with this interpretation.

Euralarm also warns that falling demand and production of smaller batteries could impact prices, but stresses that availability may not be limited.

Read Euralarm’s position on battery regulation here.