DC solar isolator safety alert

The Queensland Electrical Safety Office has identified an internal fault with the Avanco and PVPower DC isolators. The fault leads to overheating and fires with these isolators that are used in solar electricity system installations. The defective brands and models include:

• Avanco branded DC isolators (model numbers AV/DC4P25A, AV/DC2P25A, AV/DC4P25AUB, AV/DC2P625AU, AV/DC2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P125AU, AV/DC4P25AU, AV/DC4P25AUS, and AV/DC4P25AUT).
• PvPower branded DC isolators (model number XPDCISO1000V32A).

The office has issued prohibitions on the supply or installation of these isolators. The defective isolators were sold in Queensland after 1 January 2012. DKSH, the importer of the PVPower brand DC isolator, has announced a voluntary recall of these isolators. The recall and contact details for DKSH can be found at: www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1056490. A recall order has also been made for the affected Avanco brand DC isolators imported by Advancetech.

What do they look like?

The isolators are a rotary type and have a red switch with a yellow background around the switch. Avanco brand switches have the brand on the front (see photo below).

Other defective isolators will look similar but may not have a brand name on them.

Suppliers can no longer supply the defective isolator brands and models listed above. Those who have supplied these isolators should contact their customers and advise them that:

• they can no longer install the defective isolators; and,
• they should contact their customers who may be affected and advise them to shut down the system immediately until they can be replaced. 

Once the system is shut down it is electrically safe. For advice on returns or refunds for unused products, contact the supplier or importer.

Information for installers

Installers can no longer install the isolators. If they have installed the isolators, they should contact their customers and advise them to shut down the system immediately until they can be replaced. Once the system is shut down it is electrically safe. If the installers have installed the isolators, they should contact their supplier regarding any refund or product replacement advice