As energy demand grows across Australia, utility providers face increasing pressure to ensure the reliability and safety of critical assets.
Battery chargers and stationary VRLA batteries are essential for maintaining operations during power outages. The new Australian Standard AS4044:2024, effective from 15 November 2024, provides asset owners a clear framework for ensuring compliance and protecting these investments.
What you need to know
The updated standard introduces guidelines tailored for Australian environmental conditions, ensuring equipment longevity and reducing operational risks. Key features include:
- Compatibility with modern switch mode rectifiers and phase-controlled chargers
- Limitations on neutral current to match or remain below phase active current
- Built-in battery charge current control
- Updated cable colour standards (black or blue for negative, red for positive)
- Allowance for modern digital instrumentation
- Compliance with EMC standards
For asset owners using Intelepower Systems, Century Yuasa proudly confirms compliance with AS4044:2024, ensuring optimal performance, safety and reliability for your critical systems.
Why compliance matters
Battery ventilation is critical for maintaining DC Power Systems safely. Australian Standards such as AS3011.2 and AS2676.2 require that hydrogen (H₂) concentration in battery rooms or enclosures must remain below two per cent, well under the explosive threshold of four per cent.
A growing trend is to fit small plastic ventilation tubes into the valve covers of VRLA batteries to avoid the challenge of properly ventilating the battery cabinet or room.
However, this approach does not comply with the requirements of the standard.
Key non-compliance risks
Insufficient ventilation
Tubes often lack the required cross‑sectional area to vent hydrogen effectively, especially when linked in series.
Formation of gas pockets
Downhill bends and condensation blockages in tubes create explosive hydrogen pockets.
Maintenance hazards
Tubes require meticulous upkeep to avoid blockages, increasing safety risks for maintenance personnel and operations.
Hydrogen release under fault conditions
Tubes are usually attached to the valve cover of the battery. Aged or stressed batteries may release hydrogen from other parts of the casing, such as around post seals or via cracks in the lid seal. This gas bypasses the tubes and vents directly into the enclosure, increasing explosion risk without proper cabinet or room ventilation.
By adhering to the natural ventilation principles outlined in AS2676.2, Century Yuasa ensures that its Intelepower Systems and battery banks meet all safety requirements, eliminating risks associated with substandard practices.
For more than 30 years, Century Yuasa has delivered future-proof energy solutions across Australia and New Zealand. The team’s expertise in industrial power systems ensures utilities benefit from safe, reliable and compliant solutions.
With nationwide service and a commitment to innovation, Century Yuasa is ready to help you meet AS4044:2024 and ventilation standards.
For more information, visit intelepower.com.au
