Not every box with power points is a lithium battery control measure. If you are comparing a purpose-built battery safe with a charging cabinet, start with certification — and with what a safe is for.
What a certified battery safe is for
The Phoenix Battery Commander Pro (BS1940 series) is a lithium-ion battery storage and charging safe. Models BS1941 to BS1946 are independently certified Class I by ECB·S to VDMA 24994:2024-08, which tests how the cabinet contains a fire when batteries inside it go into thermal runaway. It is also a lockable steel safe, and Phoenix lists further fire and security test results on its specification sheet. Certificate copies are available from Battery Safes Australia for WHS and insurance files.
What a charging cabinet usually is
Many charging cabinets are sold on convenience: shelves, the number of outlets, and perhaps a lock. That helps keep batteries tidy, but it isn’t the same as tested fire containment. They are not automatically the same as a safe with independent ECB·S certification to VDMA 24994. If there is no certificate to a published standard from an independent body, you are relying on marketing language.
How to choose
Ask any supplier:
- Which standard was this certified to?
- Which independent body issued the certificate?
- Can I have a copy for our WHS / insurance file?
- Which models, and what maximum battery energy (Wh), does the certificate cover?
Charging cabinet or certified safe: common questions
Is a lithium battery charging cabinet enough for a workplace?
It depends on your risk assessment. Many charging cabinets offer shelves, power outlets and a lock, but no independent certification for containing a battery fire. If you regularly charge several lithium-ion batteries, or leave them charging unattended, ask whether the cabinet holds a certificate to a published test specification, such as VDMA 24994:2024-08, issued by an independent certification body.
Is “tested to VDMA 24994” the same as “certified to VDMA 24994”?
No. “Tested to” or “based on” VDMA 24994 can describe a manufacturer’s own test. “Certified” should mean an independent certification body, such as ECB·S, has issued a certificate naming the models. Ask for the certificate number, the models listed, the edition (VDMA 24994:2024-08) and the maximum battery energy the cabinet is certified to hold.
Which Phoenix BS1940 models are certified to VDMA 24994?
The Phoenix Battery Commander Pro models BS1941, BS1942, BS1943, BS1944, BS1945 and BS1946 are certified Class I to VDMA 24994:2024-08 by ECB·S. Class I covers containment of a fire that starts inside the cabinet. BS1941 to BS1945 are covered by certificate 1407/LIB25-01 and the double-door BS1946 by certificate 1407/LIB25-02. You can download both from our BS1940 Series page or request copies for your WHS or insurance file.
How much battery energy can a certified battery cabinet hold?
Each VDMA 24994 certificate sets a maximum battery energy, so check it before you buy. For BS1941 to BS1945 the limit is 2,500 Wh per shelf; for the BS1946 it is 4,500 Wh per shelf and 22,500 Wh for the whole cabinet. Certification lapses if those limits are exceeded. Add up the watt-hour (Wh) ratings of the batteries you will store before choosing a size.
Freight
Freight is charged on all battery safes. BS1940 units weigh from 185 kg to 610 kg, so we quote delivery to your site along with the safe.
Talk to us about BS1940 sizing, or request the VDMA 24994:2024-08 / ECB·S certificate for your file: 1300 366 462 · contact@batterysafes.com.au