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Electrical Safety Guidelines for Black Rock City

Electricity is woven through nearly every corner of Black Rock City. It powers the lights that guide us at night, the tools that build our camps, the art that moves and glows across the playa, and the systems that help the city function. That power arrives in many forms — solar arrays, generators, battery systems, and hybrid setups — and it moves through a wide range of equipment before it reaches the projects and camps that depend on it. Because electricity is so central to how we create and share experiences at Burning Man, using it safely and thoughtfully is essential for everyone who builds, installs, or plugs in.

Electricity makes a tremendous amount of what happens on playa possible, but it also carries real risks when systems are rushed, improvised, or overloaded. The following sections outline key considerations for electrical safety in Black Rock City — from generation and distribution to grounding, protection, and day-to-day use.

These guidelines are intended to help citizens in Black Rock City plan safer systems, avoid common hazards, and keep both people and equipment protected and safe throughout the event. These guidelines are just that, guidelines, and they are not intended to summarize or supplant the many safety material resources available. If you are in doubt, consult a professional.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a simple but critical layer of electrical safety when building, installing, or working on power systems. Depending on the task, this may include hand protection, eye protection, and basic precautions like wearing closed-toed shoes to reduce the risk of injury.

Equipment Care

Proper equipment care is just as important as the design of the electrical system itself. Regular inspection, keeping equipment clean and dry, and using gear within its rated limits helps to prevent equipment failures, electrical shocks, and fire hazards.

Only use electrical equipment that is in good repair. Playa dust is alkaline and conductive. When exposed to electricity, playa dust creates a battery-like reaction that can quickly turn damaged or corroded equipment into a hazard to the community.

Extension Cord Best Practices

  • Match extension cord wire size and connector type to load.
  • Don’t daisy chain extension cords.
  • Keep extension cords out of water, and connections up off the ground.
  • Don’t bury electrical extension cords.

Equipment Visual Inspection Prior to Connecting Power Cables

  • Frayed or exposed wires: Look for any signs of fraying or exposed wires along the length of the cord, especially near the plug and where the cord bends.
  • Cracked, cut or brittle insulation: Check for cracked, cut, brittle, or damaged insulation on the cord.
  • Burn marks or discoloration: Look for any burn marks, discoloration, or other signs of overheating.
  • Bent or damaged prongs: Ensure that the prongs on the plug are not bent or damaged.
  • Loose prongs: Ensure that the prongs, ground pins, and housings are intact and securely attached.
  • Loose connections: Check for any loose connections where the cord meets the plug.
  • Moisture or dirt: Look for any moisture or dirt accumulation on the cords, plug ends, and connectors.
  • Signs of overheating: Look for discoloration, melted plastic, unusual smells, or other signs of overheating.
What to do if you find damage
  • Immediately replace the damaged cord or plug with a new one: Do not attempt to fix it with electrical tape, as this can create a fire hazard or the possibility of shock or electrocution.
  • For appliances with built-in cords, consult a qualified electrician or manufacturer for replacement.
  • When in doubt, take it out of service: It’s always better to be safe and replace a cord that you suspect is damaged.

If you are inspecting a plug or receptacle for corrosion or playa buildup, always make sure the power is turned off first.

Assume All Equipment is Energized

Test Before You Touch

  • Always treat all cables, connectors, and gear as if they are live unless verified otherwise.
  • Ensure equipment is de-energized and locked out before maintenance or repair.
  • Never work on or near energized equipment unless specifically trained and authorized.
  • Maintain line of sight and clear communication with your Power Lead if you are connecting or disconnecting equipment to make sure everyone is clear of active areas.
  • Generators may start automatically when paired with battery banks. Never assume a shut-off generator is de-energized without verifying inverter and sync settings.

Educating Campers & Communication

  • Educate camp members on basic power safety.
  • Provide contact info for your Camp Power Lead to camp members for troubleshooting.
  • Reinforce which issues campers may self-resolve.
  • Encourage immediate reporting of any damage or outage.

Avoid Current Overloading

See resource section below for more information.

Hazard Identification

Identify and communicate hazards such as:

  • Worn gear
  • Trip hazards
  • Buried or exposed cables
  • Dust accumulation inside connections or panels
  • High voltage areas / Locations requiring restricted access
  • Wet or muddy areas around gear
  • Hot surfaces on generators, transformers, or cables
  • Vehicle traffic near gear (vehicles, bikes, or carts)
  • Inadequate separation of cables and fuel lines
  • Overhead clearance issues (rigging, shade structures, art)

Burying Electrical Cables Is Strongly Discouraged

It is best practice NOT to bury electrical cables on the playa. Buried cables create hidden hazards — if they are not clearly marked, tent stakes, rebar, or other ground anchors can easily puncture them and create dangerous situations.

Trenching can also damage cables and connectors during removal, as pulling them out of the ground may stretch or stress the conductors. In addition, digging trenches can disturb and damage the playa surface, which we are responsible for protecting.

Electrical Safety During Rain Events

During rain events, the combination of water, alkaline dust, and electricity can create additional hazards. Wet playa can become conductive, increasing the risk of shock hazards, short circuits, and equipment damage.

The best practice is to take additional precautions when rain is possible like:

Protect Electrical Equipment

  • Elevate power strips, connectors, and distribution equipment off the ground.
  • Use weather-rated connectors and covers whenever possible.
  • Avoid leaving exposed plugs or receptacles sitting in wet playa mud

Inspect Equipment Before Re-Energizing

  • If equipment becomes wet, turn power off and inspect connections before restoring power.

Prevent Ground Hazards

  • Avoid running cables through areas where water may pool.
  • Keep power distribution areas clear of standing water and mud.

Maintain Safe Access Zones

  • Ensure electrical panels, generators, batteries, and disconnects remain accessible in wet conditions.
  • Do not operate electrical equipment while standing in water or saturated playa.
  • Be mindful that any metal inserted into the ground can conduct electricity and cause electric shocks, especially when located in standing water.

Equipment Placement

Proper placement of electrical equipment is foundational for safe, serviceable, and efficient grid operation.

Protect your equipment from traffic, including vehicles, bikes, and heavy equipment.

Transformers / Generators

  • Place on flat, clear, compacted surfaces.
  • Allow proper clearance on all sides.
  • Avoid low spots or drainage paths.
  • Orient for service access.
  • Do not place next to tents or heat-sensitive materials.

Distros / Panels

  • Place in accessible areas for troubleshooting.
  • Route cables with service in mind — avoid backing gear into corners or behind fences.

Cable Management

  • Keep cables clear of walkways and roads unless otherwise flagged and protected.
  • Avoid routing cables over sharp edges, through water, or under structures.
  • Route cables in straight lines and secure them to avoid tripping hazards.
  • Connections should never be under tension or exposed to traffic.
  • Unwind cable fully before energizing to prevent overheating.
  • Coil and deploy cables carefully to avoid twists and kinks.
  • Coil excess cable in a figure 8 pattern:

    Excess in-use cable is often coiled in a figure-8 pattern to reduce the buildup of electromagnetic fields and inductive heating within the cable.

    When a long power cable is coiled in a tight circle while carrying current, the loops can act like a large inductor. This can cause heat buildup in the cable, especially under heavy load, and can also create unwanted magnetic fields within a deployed power grid.

    A figure-8 coil cancels much of this effect because the current in one loop runs in the opposite direction of the other loop. The opposing magnetic fields largely cancel each other out, which reduces inductive heating and magnetic field buildup.
Connectors
  • Ensure connectors are matched correctly per grid design.
  • Inspect connectors for wear, damage, or dirt that may affect performance.
  • Check connectors for tightness and security before energizing.
    • Loose connections are a common cause of overheating and power failure.
    • Always torque connections to manufacturer or field-specified values, where necessary.
Strain Relief
  • Provide cable strain relief at all connection points where necessary.
  • Avoid placing tension on connectors or cable ends.
  • Never suspend cables from connectors, use proper support methods.

Strike Procedures

  • De-energize equipment prior to cable removal.
  • Inspect cable for damage as it is retrieved.
  • Coil cables properly for transport.
  • Store connectors and cables in designated bins or reels.

Batteries in Black Rock City

Batteries are becoming an increasingly common part of power systems in Black Rock City. As camps and art projects adopt larger battery banks for solar and hybrid systems, the overall scale of these installations continues to grow. With that growth comes new safety considerations — particularly regarding proper storage, emergency access, and the risks of battery fires. The following guidance highlights key considerations to help camps deploy battery systems safely and responsibly on the playa.

Best Practices for Camps:

  • Understand and identify the type and size of your battery system. Inventory the major components.
  • Consider battery system placement within camp.
    • Do not place battery systems right up against living spaces, kitchens, fuel storage areas or flame effects.
    • See National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommended distances below.
  • Place your battery systems outdoors, as indoor storage areas might require additional ventilation.
    • Do not place inside an enclosed structure like a box truck or storage container.
  • Create a shaded area with open walls over your battery system to reduce the risk of overheating while charging.
  • Emergency shutoff devices are important to allow for an electrical disconnect to isolate battery charging source from battery system.
  • Locate close to a point of ingress, egress.
    • Emergency access lanes are a must and should follow the 20’ wide access lane requirement for Emergency Services vehicles.
  • Centralized charging zones
    • If you’re offering community bike or EV charging consider having a centralized bike charging area with a surrounding safety zone.
  • Designate a muster point in case of fire, easily identifiable for arriving Emergency Services crews.

In recent years, Emergency Services has responded to battery fires involving scooters, eBikes and portable chargers. It is not recommended to leave any battery system unattended while being charged.

Battery Types

The primary large battery types currently used in Black Rock City are lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, and some sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries as well. Each battery chemistry has its own hazards and requires different safety considerations and emergency response protocols.

There is a significant difference between Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and DIY battery setups when it comes to overall safety standards.

Understanding System Size: kWh vs kVA

Battery systems are often described using two different numbers that mean very different things: energy capacity (kWh) and power output (kVA).

  • kWh (kilowatt-hours) refers to the total amount of energy stored in the battery. Think of this as the size of the fuel tank. A 100 kWh battery can theoretically deliver 100 kW for 1 hour, 10 kW for 10 hours, or some similar combination depending on system limits.
  • kVA (kilovolt-amps) refers to the maximum power the system can deliver at one moment in time. This is closer to the size of the engine. It represents how much electrical load the inverter or power system can support at once.

For example, a battery system might have 200 kWh of stored energy but only a 50 kVA inverter, meaning it has a large energy reserve but can only supply a limited amount of power at any given moment. When planning power systems in Black Rock City, both numbers matter: kWh determines how long your system can run, at a certain connected load, while kVA determines how much equipment you can power at the same time.

General Battery Storage Best Practices

NFPA 855 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems) defines minimum separation distances to reduce fire risk and allow safe emergency response.

In Black Rock City, where camps and art projects are often densely arranged, careful placement of battery systems and maintaining clear access around them is critical for both fire safety and emergency response.

Safe storage of batteries requires maintaining minimum clearance distances based on system size:

These distances help reduce fire risk, allow safe emergency access, and keep nearby camps and installations protected.

Emergency Shutoff

Every power system should include a clearly accessible emergency shutoff as a best practice. This allows power to be quickly disconnected in the event of a fault, fire, or other safety issue.

For solar-powered systems, the preferred location for the emergency shutoff is near the solar array or at the solar disconnect, rather than only at the battery bank. This allows responders or operators to quickly stop power coming from the panels, which can continue producing electricity whenever they are exposed to sunlight.

Clearly label the shutoff and ensure it is easy to access without entering hazardous areas so it can be used quickly during an emergency.

Diesel-powered systems can typically be shut down directly at the generator using the built-in stop engine controls, so a separate emergency electrical shutoff is usually not required.

BESS vs. DIY Battery Fire Protection

Commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are typically designed with integrated safety features, including built-in fire detection and suppression systems, thermal management, and automated shutdown protocols. These systems are engineered, tested, and certified to mitigate fire risks and contain hazards if a battery fails. These systems must meet stringent building codes, which depend on the jurisdiction of their installation. Please review the specifications of your system and bring a copy to BRC.

In contrast, DIY battery setups rarely include these advanced protections. Without engineered suppression or automated safety systems, DIY installations rely entirely on proper spacing, vigilant monitoring, and external fire mitigation measures to reduce risk. These systems generally do not meet stringent building codes. This makes careful planning, storage, and emergency preparedness essential when using DIY battery banks on the playa.

Emergency Equipment for Battery Fires

  • Keep a 20 lb ABC fire extinguisher readily accessible.
  • Always approach upwind when responding to a fire. Wind socks are a great visual.
  • Have a fire blanket on hand for potential exposure protection by covering the battery.

Important considerations with fire blankets:

  • Once deployed over a battery, they cannot be safely removed because they trap flammable gases and smoke. Allow Emergency Services to remove the fire safety blanket upon arrival.
  • Deployment carries its own risks, including improper placement or entrapment of gases.
  • Removing a fire blanket prematurely can increase danger rather than reduce it.

Because of these complexities and the high risk of battery fires, the safest course is to contact Emergency Services Dispatch (ESD) rather than attempting to handle a large battery fire alone.

Battery Emergency Guidelines

Report battery emergencies to ESD on BRC911-ALT.
Jump to frequency details.

General Guideline for Battery Emergencies

  • Stop Use:
    • If a battery is damaged, emitting odors, changing shape or color, or exhibiting excessive heat, stop using it immediately and notify ESD immediately.
  • Isolate the Battery:
    • If safe, disconnect the battery from the device and move it away from flammable materials. Place it in a non-combustible container or a designated safe area. If the battery is smoking, do not approach, Li-Ion batteries will explode during thermal runaway and emit toxic gases. Never pick up a damaged battery with your bare hands, if you need to move the battery, use a shovel.
  • Avoid using water directly on large batteries if electrical current is present; water can conduct electricity and spread the hazard.
  • Evacuate:
    • If the battery is severely damaged or shows signs of thermal runaway (swelling, venting gas, fire), evacuate the area and notify ESD immediately.
  • Emergency Services:
    • Contact ESD and inform them about the lithium-ion battery incident. Provide as much detail as possible about the location, situation, including the type of device, the battery’s condition, and any potential hazards such as proximity to tents, RVs or other fuels.

Li-ion batteries must never be placed in the landfill waste stream. Emergency Services Dispatch (ESD) maintains a designated storage area with approved containers for damaged batteries. Even if a battery has not ignited, any damaged lithium-ion battery must be handled with extreme care. This applies to all Li-ion batteries—from small consumer devices like cell phones to large battery packs used in camps and art installations. If there is any indication that a battery has been compromised, it should be treated as a DDR battery (Damaged, Defective, or Recalled) and handled according to proper safety procedures. 

“911” Service in Black Rock City — Best Ways to Get Help Fast

If you have an emergency in Black Rock City, the fastest way to get help is to: flag down a Black Rock Ranger, a member of law enforcement, any other event staff or volunteer with a radio; or send someone to fetch help at a Ranger Outpost or medical station, which are located at 9:00&C and 3:00&C, as well as on Esplanade near 5:45. Cell service in BRC is spotty at best, and if you are able to connect via 911, it will take time for them to contact law enforcement on the playa, who will then relay information to our medical and fire responders.

That said, there is a way to call for help directly. The Emergency Services Department’s on-site emergency dispatch center monitors a designated emergency channel that is available for your personal radios.

  • Purchase a radio to have on hand in your camp to call for Emergency Services on the BRC911-ALT channel.
  • Large camps or villages might choose to make a radio part of their planning efforts and store it in a public place for emergency use. You might also be able to rent a radio from your local radio rental shop.
  • Program your radio to the BRC911-ALT channel, 451.9000 MHz with a CTCSS/PL tone of 91.5 to reach the Black Rock City 911 Dispatch. This is limited to 4-watt power output (typical limit of most handheld radios). Please refer to your user manual to see how to program your radio. We are developing a generic programming guide and of course, our wonderful Burning Man community is full of people with a desire to help.
  • FOR ALL RADIO USERS: you are responsible for following FCC rules regarding programming. Not all radios meet FCC regulations for this specific frequency. This channel is licensed to Burning Man and you are being granted access to use this channel as an emergency reporting channel only. Unauthorized use could face fines imposed by the FCC.
  • Dates that BRC911-ALT radio system is available is typically by Wednesday of Build Week, and runs through Tuesday post-event.

Learn more in the annual Survival Guide!

Educational Resources

Industry Resources:

Electrical Safety Foundation International
This page includes direct links to The National Electrical Code (NEC), OSHA, NFPA 70E, and IEEE.

Community Resources:

Burning Man Generators and Electrical Systems – Facebook group
A community driven Facebook group focused on generators and electrical systems at the Burning Man event.

Renewables for Artists Team (RAT)
An all -volunteer, community-driven group with educational courses that include topics like power and renewable energy within the educational platform Burning Man Hive. RAT is dedicated to lighting up Black Rock City—and beyond—without burning fossil fuels.

Burner Leadership Achieving Sustainable Theme Camps (BLAST)
A community-driven group. BLAST is a green camp rating system designed to incentivize and recognize sustainability efforts at the camp level. If you’ve heard of LEED for green buildings, think of BLAST for green camps!