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HefeiJune 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, DEKRA, an independent third-party authoritative testing and certification organization, completed the world’s first large-scale fire test of lithium-ion batteries for data centers in accordance with the ANSI/CAN/UL9540A:2026 standard. Huawei SmartLi 5.0 successfully passed the test, demonstrating its reliable energy storage fire safety protection capabilities under stringent conditions that exceed the standard.
This test strictly followed the latest specifications of the ANSI/CAN/UL9540A:2026 standard and, on this basis, incorporated Huawei’s internal higher safety criteria for verification. ANSI/CAN/UL9540A:2026, as the latest international stringent standard in the field of thermal runaway propagation assessment for energy storage systems, was officially released in March 2026. The standard covers full-dimensional safety verification at the cell, module, unit, and installation levels, including core evaluation indicators such as thermal runaway triggering, flame and smoke propagation, and structural integrity.
Throughout the entire test process, DEKRA leveraged its professional technical expertise to provide comprehensive support for test implementation and compliance assessment:
01 Standard Translation
Relying on its deep involvement in and profound understanding of the ANSI/CAN/UL9540A:2026 standard development, DEKRA translated the stringent requirements of the new standard into executable and quantifiable test plans, completing the construction of large-scale open flame scenarios and the setup of key monitoring points.
02 Independent Verification
During the test, DEKRA independently conducted data collection, on-site recording, and professional analysis for aspects such as thermal runaway triggering, flame and smoke propagation, and structural integrity.
03 Risk Assessment
Based on independently collected first-hand measured data, DEKRA accurately assessed potential risks, embedding the collaborative philosophy of “Exceeding Standards, Building Safety Together” throughout the entire test process.
During the test, the triggered cabinet experienced sustained and complete thermal runaway combustion for nearly 2 hours. Approximately 1 hour after thermal runaway began, the water sprinkler protection activated normally. Throughout the test, the adjacent cabinet did not experience fire spread due to water-induced short circuits. After the test, the adjacent cabinet remained intact without thermal runaway. Additionally, the non-affected cabinets and the monitoring and protection system could be powered on and off normally, with complete temperature anomaly alarm records and stable operation of all functions.
This test fully verified that Huawei’s data center lithium battery cabinet SmartLi 5.0 possesses excellent passive safety protection capabilities under the stringent test conditions of the ANSI/CAN/UL9540A:2026 standard, effectively delaying thermal propagation and buying more valuable time for fire response. Furthermore, the data obtained from the test provided empirical evidence for optimizing system integration and safety design.
With the acceleration of global digitalization and energy transition, efficient and safe power supply for data centers is crucial, and lithium battery energy storage systems must achieve a “high safety level.” Huawei’s successful passage of this test sets a new benchmark for energy storage safety in the industry.
In the future, DEKRA will continue to leverage its global service network and deep technical expertise to drive iterative advancements in testing methods and safety assessment systems. By deepening collaboration with leading companies like Huawei, DEKRA will transform practical experience and technical insights into actionable services, helping the industry chain refine technical access and safety control systems, and jointly build a more resilient energy infrastructure safety ecosystem for data centers.