Lithium banks have gone from rare to common on cruising boats, and many were fitted by owners. E-13 is the standard a surveyor checks them against.
What it covers
ABYC lists E-13 as Lithium Ion Batteries. Panbo's summary: it applies to lithium systems of 600 Wh or more, which is 50 Ah at 12 V, built or installed since it took effect.
What surveyors check against it
A BMS on every battery. Panbo reports section 13.7 requires a battery management system on all lithium batteries. The notes recommend a warning before the BMS disconnects, so the crew isn't caught out by a sudden loss of power.
Documented limits. E-13 leaves the disconnect thresholds to the battery maker, so the manual has to state the charge, discharge and temperature limits. Ask for it.
Charging sources set for lithium. Alternator, charger and solar controller should be set for the chemistry and able to cope with a BMS disconnect.
Restraint. No visible movement, stricter than the one inch ABYC E-10 allows for lead-acid.
The overcurrent protection rules of ABYC E-11 still apply, and a large lithium bank needs a fuse that can interrupt what it delivers.
Citing it in a finding
"Have the lithium installation checked by a marine electrician against ABYC E-13, including a BMS on each battery and charging sources set for lithium." Record the make, capacity and BMS, and what documents were aboard. Battle Born notes most insurers look to ABYC standards, so an install with papers to show compliance is the easier case.