Battery System Labels: Where Should They Actually Be Installed?

According to CER audits and on-site inspections, non-compliant labelling is the most common reason for solar battery installations not to meet Australian standards and state and territory requirements.

Compliant labelling on solar battery installations is essential to support the safety of installers, emergency responders and future trades working on systems with solar batteries.  Accredited installers under the SRES are legally required to ensure that every installation is safe, compliant and meets Australian standards, the Regulations and state or territory requirements.  These guidelines are inline with CER’s photo evidence requirements. Read more at CER’s website and CER’s audit results

This blog explores the issues surrounding battery label placement under AS/NZS 5139, shares official clarification from Solar Accreditation Australia, and provides guidance on compliant installation practices for installers and students.

The Industry Confusion

For many years, it has been common industry practice to affix required warning and identification labels directly onto the battery enclosure itself. This approach has generally been:

• Practical
• Secure (labels adhere well to the battery casing)
• Clearly visible
• Consistent with how labels are applied to inverters and switchboards
  
  

However, Section 7 of AS/NZS 5139 states that certain labels must be installed “adjacent to the battery system.”

Recently, some inspectors have interpreted this wording to mean that labels must be installed on a wall surface near the battery system — not directly on the battery enclosure. As a result, installations with labels affixed to the battery itself have been marked as non-compliant. The key issue was the interpretation of the word “adjacent.”

Clarification on Battery System Labelling Under AS/NZS 5139

Recently, we contacted Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) seeking clarification regarding the correct placement of battery system labels under the Standards Australia standard AS/NZS 5139.

This blog outlines:

• The industry confusion
• The response received
• What this means for installers
• Examples of compliant and non-compliant installations
  
  

The Response from SAA

SAA advised that:

• AS/NZS 5139 contains a definition of adjacent.
• Where definitions are not found, reference should be made to AS/NZS 3000.
• Standards Australia has been removing repeated definitions across standards and relying on AS/NZS 3000 for consistency.

AS/NZS 5139 Clause 1.3.3 defines:

Adjacent: “Next to or adjoining without obstruction and within arm’s reach.”

Additionally, “arm’s reach” is defined in AS/NZS 3000.

The clarification indicates that the requirement is to install labels next to the battery system, not necessarily on the battery enclosure itself.

How this is physically achieved is up to the installer. A common complaint method mentioned is fixing a small timber board to the wall surface and mounting the required labels to that board. Below is the screen capture from AS 3000.

What This Means for Installers

Based on this clarification:

Installing required labels directly onto the battery enclosure is likely to be considered non-compliant by inspectors.

Labels should be installed on a surface next to the battery system, without obstruction, and within arm’s reach.

The intent is that labels remain clearly visible and accessible even if the battery enclosure design changes or is replaced.

Therefore:

• Do not place required compliance labels directly on the battery enclosure.
• Install labels on a permanent surface adjacent to the battery system.
• Ensure the labels are:
  • Clearly visible
  • Not obstructed
  • Within arm’s reach
  • Durable and securely fixed

This ensures consistency between training outcomes and real-world inspection practices.

Compliant Labelling Examples

According to CER Labels must be placed in visible locations in accordance with Australian standards. 

• Labels fixed to the wall immediately next to the battery.
• Labels mounted on a timber or PVC backing board are secured to the wall beside the battery.
• Labels installed on a permanent adjacent structure within arm’s reach and without obstruction.

Example of labels mounted adjacent to the solar battery.

Non-Compliant Labelling Examples

• Labels affixed directly to the battery enclosure.
• Labels installed behind the battery or in a concealed location.
• Labels mounted outside arm’s reach.
• Labels obstructed by pipework, conduit, or other equipment.
  
  

This clarification highlights the importance of:

• Reading definition clauses carefully
• Cross-referencing AS/NZS 3000 when required
• Ensuring consistent interpretation across industry

Small wording differences in standards can significantly impact compliance outcomes.

We encourage installers to review their current labelling practices to ensure they align with this clarified interpretation of “adjacent.”

If further formal guidance is published, we will update the blog. For up-to-date training in the Solar and Battery Industry, contact AUSINET. Further, you can read more blogs on the Electrical Industry.