The BS1940 Series: lithium battery storage and charging safes certified Class I to VDMA 24994:2024-08 by ECB·S
The Phoenix BS1940 Battery Commander Pro Series is a lithium-ion battery storage and charging safe. All six models, BS1941 to BS1946, are independently certified Class I to VDMA 24994:2024-08 by ECB·S. VDMA 24994 is a dedicated test specification for fire-protection storage cabinets for lithium-ion batteries.
For Australian businesses, WHS officers and procurement teams, the BS1940 comes with an independent certificate you can put on file to support your lithium battery risk assessment.
What VDMA 24994:2024-08 certification means
VDMA 24994:2024-08 is a German VDMA specification that sets test requirements for fire-protection storage cabinets for lithium-ion batteries in the case of thermal runaway. It was drawn up through German DIN standards committees, with input from manufacturers, testing institutes, insurers and safety bodies, and published in August 2024. Phoenix says it played a key role in its development.
ECB·S issues a certificate only after the cabinet design passes type testing. This includes a fire test with lithium-ion batteries in thermal runaway inside the cabinet. The manufacturer is then subject to ongoing independent surveillance. A manufacturer’s own test is not the same as an ECB·S certificate.
Australia has no national standard for this product category. Specifying a cabinet with an independent VDMA 24994 certificate gives you documented evidence for your WHS risk assessment, and for your insurer or an auditor if they ask.
The BS1940 series is built differently from a typical battery cabinet. Each unit has double-wall steel construction with an insulated fill. All six sizes include reinforced, insulated shelving, an internal temperature monitor, an integrated smoke detector and alarm, built-in power outlets for in-cabinet charging, and a plinth for emergency relocation. Each model is certified Class I to VDMA 24994:2024-08 by ECB·S for a stated maximum battery energy per shelf. Contact us for the certificate and the limit for each model.
Who is the BS1940 suited to?
The Battery Commander Pro suits organisations where an auditor, insurer or procurement policy asks for independently certified battery storage; mining, resources, and industrial operations with large battery fleets; government departments and councils with formal procurement standards; schools and educational institutions with compliance obligations around battery storage; and businesses that want the strongest available evidence of duty of care.
Australian pricing and availability
Available for supply across Australia. We hold the BS1943E, BS1945E and BS1946E (electronic lock) in stock. The BS1941E, BS1942E and BS1944E are special order, with a 6–10 week lead time. Key-lock (K) versions of every size can be ordered but aren’t normally stocked. Contact Battery Safes Australia for current AUD pricing by model, delivery to your site, and a copy of the ECB·S certificate for your procurement documentation.
Features
- Certified Class I to VDMA 24994:2024-08 by ECB·S (all six models, BS1941–BS1946)
- CE certified electronic control system
- Six sizes (BS1941–BS1946), storing up to 22,500 Wh of batteries (BS1946)
- Electronic locking (E) as standard; key-lock (K) versions available to order
- Internal temperature monitor as standard
- Reinforced and insulated shelving
- Full electronic monitoring system
- Integrated smoke detector and alarm
- Built-in power outlets for in-cabinet charging
- Plinth included for emergency relocation
Resources
Battery Commander Pro sizes
| Model | Ext. H×W×D (mm) | Weight | Litres | Max Wh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS1941 | 855 × 690 × 710 | 185 kg | 91 | 2,500 |
| BS1942 | 995 × 690 × 710 | 213 kg | 120 | 5,000 |
| BS1943 | 1385 × 690 × 710 | 261 kg | 199 | 7,500 |
| BS1944 | 1610 × 690 × 710 | 388 kg | 245 | 10,000 |
| BS1945 | 1910 × 690 × 710 | 416 kg | 307 | 12,500 |
| BS1946 | 1910 × 1125 × 710 | 610 kg | 569 | 22,500 |
All six models are independently certified Class I to VDMA 24994:2024-08 by ECB·S. BS1943E, BS1945E and BS1946E are in stock. BS1941E, BS1942E and BS1944E are special order (6–10 weeks). Key-lock (K) versions are available to order.
Frequently Asked Questions — BS1940 Series
What is VDMA 24994:2024-08 and why does it matter in Australia? VDMA 24994:2024-08 is a German test specification for fire-protection storage cabinets for lithium-ion batteries, published in August 2024. It was drawn up through German DIN standards committees, with input from manufacturers, testing institutes, insurers and safety bodies. Australia has no national standard for these cabinets, so an independent ECB·S certificate to VDMA 24994 gives you documented evidence for your WHS risk assessment. Check with your insurer whether they have specific requirements.
How do I choose the right BS1940 size? The BS1940 Commander Pro series spans six sizes — BS1941 through BS1946 — from compact workshop units up to the BS1946 at up to 22,500Wh capacity. Choose based on how many batteries you store and charge, their Wh rating, and whether you need room to grow. Contact Battery Safes Australia with your battery types and quantities and we’ll recommend the right model, including the 6–10 week lead time for the special-order models (BS1941E, BS1942E and BS1944E) and any key-lock (K) version.
Can I get a copy of the VDMA certificate for procurement purposes? Yes. Contact Battery Safes Australia and we’ll provide a copy of the ECB·S certificate to VDMA 24994:2024-08 (Class I) for the BS1940 series, models BS1941 to BS1946. This is commonly required for government, mining, and institutional procurement processes.
What is the largest model available and how much can it store? The BS1946 is the largest model in the BS1940 series, with capacity for up to 22,500Wh of batteries. The series spans six sizes — BS1941 through BS1946 — to suit a range of operational requirements. Contact us with your specific battery types and quantities and we’ll recommend the right model.
Is installation included and are there freight considerations for large units? Supply and delivery are standard across Australia. Installation anchoring and freight for larger units (BS1944–BS1946) may involve additional logistics — contact us to discuss your location and site requirements before ordering.