Home / Uses / Evacuating a home with hydrogen storage

Evacuation: what to do with the system when you have to leave

When civil defence or fire services say leave, you leave. No backup power system is a reason to stay, and this one is designed to look after itself while you are gone.

Before you go

If time allows, check the display for faults and note the storage levels. Do not open the enclosure, bleed hydrogen or try to shut valves by hand unless your installer has given you a specific procedure for that. Switch off non-essential circuits at the switchboard so the system only carries the fridge and freezer while you are away. Then lock up and go. People are always the priority over property.

What it would keep running

Fridge and freezer while you are away
Essential circuits only during evacuation
Leak monitoring with nobody home
Automatic shutdown and venting
Display showing faults on return

While you are away

The system is designed to keep running unattended, switching over automatically if the grid drops and shutting down if its leak sensors detect a problem. If a fire, flood or slip reaches the property, the automatic shutdown and venting are designed to make the system safe without anyone there to manage it. It will not stop damage from a direct event.

Tell emergency services and your neighbours that there is a hydrogen store on the property, and where it is. Fire crews deciding how to approach a house benefit from knowing exactly what is stored there, the same as with LPG bottles or fuel tanks.

How it works →

The H2OME loop: an electrolyser splits water into hydrogen, the hydrogen is stored in a tank for weeks, a fuel cell turns it into electricity for your home, and the water returns to the loop.

Coming back

When you are allowed home, check the property is safe before checking the equipment. Look at the enclosure for physical damage, water marks, scorching or debris. Read the display for faults. If there is any sign of damage, or the area was flooded or burnt, leave the system off and get it inspected before relying on it again. If all is clear, it can resume normal charging.

Questions

Should I turn the system off before evacuating?

Follow your installer's guidance. In most cases it is designed to keep the fridge and freezer running and shut itself down if needed. Do not delay leaving to manage equipment. Your safety comes first.

Will it be a danger to fire crews?

Any stored flammable gas is something crews need to know about. Tell them it is there and where. The low-pressure buffer, leak sensors, automatic shutdown and venting are designed to reduce the risk, but crews should know what they are approaching.

What if the enclosure was damaged while I was away?

Leave it shut down and do not try to restart it. Contact the service team for an inspection. Damaged hydrogen or electrical equipment should only be handled by people trained to do so.

Elsewhere

Every use →

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