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.
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