Important Solar DC Isolators Safety Advice

* Disclaimer: Fallon Solutions have never installed any of the isolators listed or mentioned in this article

Do you have a solar power system installed in your home or office? If you do, continue reading as this post is for you! Your solar installation may be at risk of causing a fire due to a faulty isolator, so find out if your isolator is on the list of product recalls.

The Queensland Electrical Safety Office has issued safety advice for a range of DC Isolator Switches that are potential fire hazards for your home or office. There is a range of brands and models, so make sure you read all the way to the end. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your local solar professional immediately and they can assist.

Product Recalls

The following products have varying faults and recall information listed on the Queensland Government website. If you require any further information regarding any particular recall, head to DC isolator safety advice or the brand’s specific website.

Avanco branded DC isolators

The type of Avanco isolator that is under recall are a rotary type on a grey box with a red switch on a yellow background and have the ‘Avanco’ brand name across the front.

Alternatively, they may have a lockable enclosure with a clear or opaque flip lid with a black switch inside and the ‘Avanco’ brand name across the front.

Defective model numbers

The following are the defective Avanco branded DC isolator models :

• AV/DC4P25A, AV/DC2P25A, AV/DC4P25AUB, AV/DC2P625AU, AV/DC2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P125AU, AV/DC4P25AU, AV/DC4P25AUS, AV/DC4P25AUT

PVPower branded DC isolators

DKSH are the importers of PVPower DC isolators and have announced a voluntary recall of the isolators. They are a rotary type on a white box with a red switch on a yellow background and have the ‘PVPower’ brand name in the top right corner.

Gen3 or SPM branded DC isolators

GWR Pty Ltd (trading as Uniquip Industries) are the importers of both Gen3 and SPM DC isolators, and they have announced a voluntary product replacement program for both types. They are a rotary type on a grey box with a red switch on a yellow background or a black switch on a black background and have the ‘Gen3’ or ‘SPM’ brand name in the top left corner.

NHP branded DC isolators

NHP have found that a batch of isolators has been produced with a component that has been made with the incorrect material. As such, they have announced a voluntary recall as the switch may still remain on, even if it appears off. They are a rotary type on a white box (either plastic or metal) with a black switch on a black background and have the ‘NHP’ brand name in the top right corner.

Defective model numbers

The isolator models that have been voluntarily recalled are NHP-KDA-432 and KDM-43. According to Worksafe :

All serial numbers from X2013 through to X3813, whereby the “X” can be any number between 1 and 5. The serial number is printed on the box and on the base, noting that the box uses a 4 digit code (no “X” prefix) and the switch base uses a 5 digit code (including the “X” prefix).

ISO MAX branded DC isolators

A recall was commenced on ISO MAX DC isolators sold by Eltech Industries in 2012. If you believe you have one of these isolators, you are required to head to the Eltech Industries website and complete a Claim Form.

Defective model numbers

• Model No. LS16, DCISO 1000V
• Model No. LS25, DCISO 1000V
• Model No. LS32, DCISO 1000V

Salzer solar DC isolator

Finally, the ModelDCLB232 (also known as IPV40E and IPV40ES) Salzer solar DC isolator has been recalled by two different identities :

• AGL Energy Services Pty Limited
• IPD Group Limited

They are a rotary type on a white box with a black switch on a white background and may have white side panels.

What do I do if I have a faulty isolator?

Shut off your system immediately and contact your solar power installer!

In may be possible for your isolator to complete a ‘shutdown’ procedure, which is another way of saying a safe way to turn it off. Take a look at the label on your main switchboard for instructions, or in the paperwork left by the installer, in addition to any instructions provided with the product recall. If you are in any way unsure, speak to a professional!

If you are unable to contact the original solar power installer, contact us and we can arrange a replacement.

Your qualified and professional solar specialists

If you have any questions regarding your solar power system, its isolators or think it may be time to consider having a solar installation in your home, give the friendly and knowledgeable team at Fallon Solutions a call on 1300 762 260 or complete an online job enquiry form today. We pride ourselves on having the best team installing and repairing the best products available, so get in contact now.

* Disclaimer: Fallon Solutions have never installed any of the isolators listed or mentioned in this article

Resources :

Workplace Health and Safety (Electrical Safety Office) : https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/electricity/homeowners-and-consumers/avanco-and-pvpower-dc-isolator-safety-advice

Solar Accreditation: https://www.solaraccreditation.com.au/products/product-recalls.html

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (Recalls) : https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls

*All pictures in this article are courtesy of the Queensland Government – Workplace Health and Safety (Electrical Safety Office) website : https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/electricity/homeowners-and-consumers/avanco-and-pvpower-dc-isolator-safety-advice