Utility-Scale BESS Fire Protection System

Fire Protection at Grid Scale for Battery Energy Storage Systems

Project Overview

The Challenge

Building a fire protection system for a project of this scale was anything but standard. The BESS installation faced three key challenges:

• Modular Complexity: The system encompassed hundreds of containerized battery units from third-party suppliers, each requiring fire protection integration.

• Programming Mismatches: Vendor-programmed components created compatibility issues, risking commissioning delays.

• Compressed Schedule: With commercial operation on the horizon, the project demanded immediate technical intervention and coordination across multiple contractors.

The end user (utility-scale energy storage operator) was an energy leader but new to large-scale fire alarm systems. Potter’s engineering collaboration and ORR’s expertise were essential to keeping the project safe, compliant, and on track.

The Solution

Working under a national energy infrastructure contractor, ORR Protection implemented a custom-designed Potter fire alarm system built for modular scalability and continuous supervision.

• 800 Potter AFC Series Fire Alarm Control Panels – Provided distributed protection across each modular container, networked to communicate with a central command unit.

• Potter Pull Stations and Annunciators – Deployed for rapid local notification and operator awareness throughout the facility.

• Potter Central Control Integration – Enabled seamless coordination between distributed nodes and the master alarm interface for instant response visibility.

Engineering and Technical Execution

• ORR pre-tested and reprogrammed mismatched third-party equipment to ensure full Potter system compatibility and NFPA code compliance.

• The team resolved Level 2 alarm and communication issues in real time, working long hours and weekends to maintain the commissioning schedule.

• Potter engineers supported the effort with timely technical assistance and system validation, ensuring uniform operation across the massive 800-panel network.

Installer Testimony

“Partnering with Potter allowed us to bring confidence and code-level performance to one of the region’s most complex energy storage projects. Their support, responsiveness, and product reliability were key to achieving a flawless result.”

— Erica Khourjian, ORR Protection, Regional Vice President, West

Installation Approach

• Pre-test and reprogram mismatched third-party components

• Resolve alarm and communication conflicts in real time

• Coordinate multi-contractor commissioning schedules

Why Potter

This large utility-scale BESS installation demonstrates how Potter’s fire systems and technical partnership empower leading integrators like ORR Protection Systems to deliver safety, scalability, and certainty on large-scale energy infrastructure projects.

• Scalable Network Architecture – Potter systems integrate seamlessly across distributed modular applications.

• Proven Reliability – Engineered to perform in mission-critical environments like energy, industrial, and data infrastructure.

• Responsive Engineering Support – Potter’s technical team provides real-time collaboration for installers under tight deadlines.

• Open and Adaptable Systems – Non-proprietary architecture simplifies commissioning and long-term maintenance.

Potter. Designed to outperform. Chosen by pros. Trusted where it matters.
Planning a high-visibility project? Let’s talk about how Potter can help you deliver confidence without complexity.

Based on a real Potter installation. Customer and project identifiers have been removed. No owner or operator endorsement is implied.