If you’re upgrading your caravan, campervan or motorhome with lithium batteries, you might be wondering: Do lithium batteries in RVs need IEC 62619 certification in Australia? The short answer is yes — but let’s break it down simply.

This information is our best interpretation and must not be used in the final build, and design of your system, we give this information only as a starting point, you must adhere to the full regulations in your State, and follow Australian Standards, which means you must be suitably qualified professional.
The main standards we talk about here are the AS/NZS 3001.2:2022, AS/NZS 5139 and the IEC62619

What is IEC 62619?

IEC 62619 is an international safety standard for lithium batteries used in industrial applications, including RVs. It tests how safe a battery is under stress (like heat, shock, short circuit, overcharge) and ensures the entire battery pack is designed and built to avoid dangerous failures.

Why It Matters for RVs in Australia

As of 18 November 2023, the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 came into full effect. This standard covers electrical safety in recreational vehicles and:

• Requires all lithium batteries installed in RVs to be certified to IEC 62619.
• Applies to new builds and any major upgrades (like replacing AGM with lithium).
• Specifies how and where the batteries can be installed (sealed, vented, or external compartments).

If you’re installing a lithium battery without IEC 62619 certification, it could be non-compliant and even affect insurance or registration.

What About Each State?

Although the Standard itself isn’t a “law,” every state and territory in Australia enforces electrical safety rules that refer to these standards. Here’s how it looks across the country:

If you’re upgrading your RV now, or building a new one, assume IEC 62619 is mandatory in every state.

Are These Just Guidelines or Actual Law?

This is where it gets controversial.

Strictly speaking, AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 is not itself a law — it’s a standard. However, almost all Australian states and territories have adopted this standard into their electrical regulations. This means:

• In practice, the standard becomes enforceable law.
• Regulators, insurers, and certifying electricians will all treat it as mandatory.
• If something goes wrong with a non-compliant install (e.g. a fire or electrocution), you may be held liable for breaching electrical safety obligations.

So while you won’t find a line in the law saying “IEC 62619 is required,” you will find that breaching the standard can result in penalties or insurance refusal — which is effectively the same as a legal requirement.

What About Cars and 4×4 Vehicles?

A common question is: “Does IEC 62619 certification also apply to lithium batteries in everyday cars or 4×4 vehicles?”

Factory-Fitted Starter Batteries

If your vehicle only has a lithium battery for engine ignition or propulsion — and it’s part of the factory system — IEC 62619 and AS/NZS 3001.2 do not apply.

Auxiliary or Camping Batteries

However, if you’ve added a house battery or auxiliary lithium battery for powering fridges, lights, or other accessories in your 4×4 or car:

• You are now within the scope of AS/NZS 3001.2:2022.
• This means the battery must be IEC 62619 certified, installed in an appropriate enclosure, and fitted with a proper BMS.
• This applies to dual-battery setups common in 4WD touring and camping builds.

If you’re setting up a 12V lithium battery system in a car or 4×4 for camping, fridge, or solar use, make sure it meets the same rules as an RV install.

What You Should Do Before Buying

1. Ask for an IEC 62619 test report for the full battery pack, not just the individual cells.
2. Make sure the pack has a BMS (Battery Management System) that monitors temperature, voltage, and current.
3. Ensure it can be installed safely (external or sealed & vented compartment).
4. Install it through a licensed or qualified person to meet compliance.

Final Word

At Lifepo4 Australia, we believe in supplying safe, reliable, and compliant lithium battery systems. With the rules now clearly enforcing IEC 62619, it’s more important than ever to choose a battery that’s properly certified and ready for Australian conditions.

Need help checking compliance? Feel free to get in touch with our team!

Grid Connected Batteries and the rules

⚡ Is CEC Listing Mandatory for Grid-Connected Batteries?

✅ Yes – if you want to claim STCs or rebates

If your grid-connected battery is part of a solar installation eligible for financial incentives, then:

• The battery system must be listed on the CEC Approved Battery List.
• Both the inverter and battery must be CEC-listed for eligibility under Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), state-based rebates (e.g. Solar Victoria, SA Home Battery Scheme), or VPP trials.

So:

For financial incentives – ✅ CEC listing is mandatory.

⚠️ No – CEC listing is not a legal requirement for DNSP connection approval

If you’re not applying for rebates, and only want connection approval from a DNSP (e.g. Ausgrid, Energex, Powercor), then:

• CEC listing is not strictly mandatory.
• What is mandatory is compliance with AS/NZS 5139 and product safety standards like:
  • IEC 62619 for lithium battery safety
  • IEC 62109 for inverter safety
  • Proper lab testing from accredited bodies

Most DNSPs accept products certified to IEC 62619 for batteries and tested by accredited labs, even if the product isn’t on the CEC list.

However:

• Many DNSPs (especially in NSW, VIC, SA) encourage CEC-listed products to simplify verification and compliance.
• If you’re using a non-listed battery, DNSPs may require:
  • Full documentation (test certificates, BMS details)
  • Engineering sign-off or RPEQ certification (in QLD)

🧾 Summary Table

🧠 Best Practice

If you’re installing grid-connected battery storage, even without rebates, using CEC-listed batteries:

• Reduces paperwork with DNSPs
• Ensures proven compliance
• Minimizes approval delays
• Is often requested by installers and insurance companies

But technically, IEC 62619 certification (pack-level) from an accredited lab is enough for DNSP grid approval if paired with compliant inverter and installation.

✅ Final Answer

• CEC listing is optional for DNSP grid-connection approval
• IEC 62619 is generally sufficient for DNSP approval, provided it comes from a trusted lab and the system meets AS/NZS 5139 and AS/NZS 4777.2.

What about connecting DIY batteries to the grid. It is possible but only with an Engineer and Electrician working together.

⚠️ When Does RPEQ Become Required?

RPEQ involvement becomes legally necessary in Queensland only when: