The PGS37 explained: what do PGS37-1 and PGS37-2 mean for home batteries?

As home batteries become more popular, attention to safety and regulations is also growing. One of the most important safety guidelines in the Netherlands for energy storage is PGS37 . This guideline describes how lithium battery systems must be safely designed, built, and operated.

But the PGS37 isn't a single document—there are multiple parts, including the frequently discussed PGS37-1 and PGS37-2 . Many consumers aren't sure which part applies to their situation. In this blog post, we'll clearly explain what the PGS37 is, why it's important, and the difference between Part 1 and Part 2.

What is the PGS37?

PGS37 stands for Publication Series Hazardous Substances 37. It is a Dutch guideline for the safe storage and use of lithium-containing energy storage systems. PGS37 covers, among other things:

• the safe storage of lithium batteries
• limiting risks such as fire or overheating
• guidelines for installers, manufacturers and users
• requirements for spaces in which batteries are placed

The PGS37 is not a law, but it is used by municipalities, safety regions, insurers, and installers to assess risks. For many professionals, the following applies: installation not in accordance with PGS37 means no approval or insurance .

Why does the PGS37 exist?

Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly powerful and are more common in:

• home batteries
• large energy storage parks
• EV charging systems
• commercial storage facilities

Although modern batteries—especially LFP batteries—are very safe, the government wants uniform regulations to further limit risks. The PGS37 helps with:

• safe installation
• minimal fire risks
• clear guidelines for private individuals and companies
• correct placement and ventilation
• better risk assessments

The difference between PGS37-1 and PGS37-2

The PGS37 is divided into several sections because domestic installations are completely different from industrial systems. We explain the differences below.

🟩 PGS37-1: for small systems up to 20 kWh (private use)

PGS37-1 focuses entirely on small lithium battery systems for consumers, such as:

• home batteries
• systems up to a maximum of 20 kWh
• batteries in homes, garages or outbuildings

What is in PGS37-1?

PGS37-1 mainly concerns safe use in homes:

✔ Safe location of the battery

• distance to flammable materials
• adequate ventilation
• recommended distance to sleeping areas

✔ Installation requirements

• professional installation
• correct fuses
• safe wiring
• correct communication with inverter and BMS

✔ Fire safety

• suitable fire class of the housing
• good temperature monitoring
• early warning via BMS

✔ Suitable battery chemistry

• LFP (LiFePO₄) is considered very suitable
• temperature stability is important

✔ BMS requirements

• cell balancing
• over- and underload protection
• temperature control

Who does PGS37-1 apply to?
For all private home battery systems up to 20 kWh.

🟦 PGS37-2: for large systems above 20 kWh (commercial/industrial)

PGS37-2 applies to large energy storage systems, such as:

• battery containers
• business systems
• industrial energy storage parks
• installations above 20 kWh

What is in PGS37-2?

Because larger systems have greater risks, PGS37-2 contains stricter requirements:

✔ Fire compartmentation

• fire-resistant separated spaces
• thick compartment walls
• automatic fire detection

✔ Advanced cooling

• temperature control mandatory
• special ventilation ducts

✔ Distance and safety rules

• distance to public space
• distance to homes
• safety zones

✔ Fire extinguishing systems

• mandatory for container installations
• smoke extraction and emergency ventilation

✔ Extensive risk analysis

• QRA analysis
• supervision by safety regions

Who does PGS37-2 apply to?
For businesses, solar parks, industrial installations — not for consumers.

Which PGS guideline applies to my home battery?

Home battery ≤ 20 kWh → PGS37-1
This is the standard guideline for consumers.

Battery > 20 kWh → PGS37-2
Stricter guidelines for commercial systems.

Most residential batteries range from 5 to 15 kWh and therefore almost always fall under PGS37-1. Consider, for example, safe LFP systems like the Anker SOLIX Solarbank 3 .

What does PGS37 mean for you as a consumer?

The PGS37-1 guideline provides additional certainty:

• your battery is installed safely
• your insurer sees a safe setup
• correct positioning of the battery
• fire safety is guaranteed
• risks for family and neighbors remain minimal

A good installer always works according to PGS37-1.

Why LFP (LiFePO₄) is a perfect fit for PGS37-1

Many recommendations within PGS37-1 perfectly match the properties of LFP batteries:

• excellent heat resistance
• very low chance of thermal runaway
• stable chemistry
• long lifespan
• safe in case of damage

As a result, more and more manufacturers are choosing LiFePO₄ as the standard.

Conclusion: PGS37 ensures safe home storage — and the difference between parts 1 and 2 is significant

The PGS37 guideline helps consumers and installers install batteries safely. The most important things to remember:

• PGS37-1 is for home batteries up to 20 kWh
• PGS37-2 is for commercial systems
• PGS37 promotes safety, ventilation and correct installation
• LFP fits perfectly with the guideline
• The guideline increases confidence and security of home storage

Want to know which home battery meets the highest safety standards? View our solutions at aboutwatt.com or ask a specialist for advice.

Which battery is right for you?

Use our handy calculator