This summary will help you understand CER’s new compliance requirements for critical labelling in battery installations.
The new requirements will come into effect on 1 March 2026. Any battery job installed on or after this date will be assessed under the new requirements before submission to CER.
It is very important that all retailers understand these new requirements and ensure that their appointed installers completely follow the new requirements during installation.
Any labelling which fails to meet the requirements will be regarded as "unqualified" and will be returned for your rectification. This usually requires the installer to revisit the site to attach the missing or incorrect labels to the installed system.
We have also provided a Checklist for retailers and installers. It can be used for internal training. We strongly recommend that all retailers and installers complete their reading of these materials before 1 March 2026 for smoother battery installations and STC claims.
Resources:
Battery Critical Labelling Includes Three Main Components:
Labels on Meter Box
Labels on and around Switchboard
Warning Signs for Battery Modules
Labels on Meter Box
At least two labels must be attached to the outside surface of the meter box, or be clearly visible when approaching the meter box.
"ES" Label, and
"PV" Label
Labels on and around Switchboard
At least three labels must be placed on or around the switchboard.
"Warning" Label
Which must be placed beside the switches and inside the meter box, showing:
"Warning"
"Multiple Mode Inverter Connected"
"Neutral and Earth Circuits May Be Live Under Normal and Faulty Conditions" and
"Follow Shutdown Procedure"
Shutdown Procedure Label
Which can be placed beside the switches and inside the meter box. If the inverter is located far from the switchboard, an additional shutdown procedure label should be placed on or beside the inverter.
During pre-assessment, we found that some installers attach the shutdown procedure label to the body of the battery and/or inverter. We strongly suggest that at least one shutdown procedure label be placed inside the meter box or on the back of the meter box cover.
Alternative Supply Label
Which must be placed on the switchboard to identify the main switch back-up supply and any backed-up circuits.
During pre-assessment, we found that in many jobs alternative supply labels are missing, and in some other jobs installers use a label in a different format. CER has provided a sample label where “alternative supply” is shown on a yellow background. We strongly suggest that all installers use a label in this standard format.
Please note that missing an alternative supply label is the most common issue in battery labelling.
Warning Signs for Battery Modules
The following warning signs must be placed around the battery modules.
"Danger, toxic fumes"
"Danger, risk of battery explosion"
"Arc Flash Hazard"
a chemical hazard sign giving instructions on what to do if the skin, eyes or other parts of the body are exposed to battery chemicals.
During pre-assessment, we found that some installers attach warning signs directly to the battery surface. We strongly suggest that all warning signs be mounted on the wall adjacent to the battery installed.