Why large-scale fire tests
UL 9540A shows whether thermal runaway propagates. It does not always produce a fully developed fire. Regulators and insurers increasingly want to see the worst case: a unit fully involved in fire, and whether the fire spreads to adjacent units, equipment or through a fire-rated barrier. Manufacturers also use these tests to prove passive fire protection — barriers, insulation, enclosure design — before going to market.
What we build
- Initiating unit with thermal runaway triggered by heaters and the vent gas ignited by a controlled igniter.
- Target units at the spacing you want to prove — side by side, back to back or across an aisle.
- Scenarios: doors open or closed, suppression on or off, full state of charge, extended burn duration.
What we measure
Heat release by calorimetry under the exhaust hood; up to 180 temperature channels; radiant heat flux on target units; pressure; O₂, CO, CO₂, H₂ and FTIR gas analysis, with gas samples for later GC-MS; HD, thermal and high-speed video; and fire water sampling for analysis.
Our two large-scale sites
| Hebei large-scale fire test site | Jiading indoor fire hall | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Outdoor, mountain valley | Indoor |
| Exhaust hood | 18 m × 13 m, 17 m above ground | 25 m × 25 m, 25 m high |
| Scale | 10–20 MW cabinets, 20–40 MW containers | 20 MW |
| Typical use | BESS containers and cabinets | C&I energy storage, electric vehicles |
Plan it with simulation
A large-scale burn costs a full system. We use fire and explosion simulation to predict the outcome, choose the scenario and set the test up to answer the question you actually need answered.
Deliverables
- Test plan agreed with you and, where needed, your certifier or AHJ
- Test report with heat release, temperatures, heat flux, gas and video records
- Remote live viewing for your team and witnesses
- Post-test engineering review: what happened, why, and what to change
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an open-door and a closed-door burn?
A closed-door burn keeps the container closed and relies on its ventilation and explosion vents, as designed to NFPA 68/69. An open-door burn opens the doors to give the fire unlimited air and relies only on passive fire protection. They answer different questions; we help you choose. See our article on the subject.
How big a system can you burn?
The Hebei site is built for outdoor cabinets with an estimated peak heat release of 10–20 MW and containers of 20–40 MW, with a 60 t crane. The Jiading indoor hall is rated at 20 MW.
Can we watch remotely?
Yes. The Hebei site streams test data and video to an observation room about 800 m away and to remote participants.