DC isolators – consequences of cancellation of a number of certifications

Issued: 6/10/2021
Last Updated: 6/10/2021

Direct current (DC) isolators used in photovoltaic solar systems in household installations are classified as high risk (level 3) electrical equipment in the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS). They are required to be registered on the EESS national database before they are supplied in Queensland. This registration requires using a valid certificate of conformity.

The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) was advised by SAA Approvals Pty Ltd (a private certification body) they had cancelled 18 certifications for DC isolators. This means any EESS registrations associated with these DC isolators certifications were also cancelled on 29 September 2021.

Responsible suppliers are not allowed to supply the affected DC isolators until they are re-certified and re-registered.

The ESO is investigating the circumstances of the cancellation.

What you need to do

Before purchasing a DC isolator ensure that it is not one of the DC isolators affected by this certification cancellation.

• ESO recommends that if you have stock that was purchased before 29 September 2021, you do not install it until the DC isolator is confirmed by the responsible supplier you purchased it from that it has been re-certified and re-registered.
• At this stage you do not need to do anything regarding DC isolators that have already been installed. Regulators are working to verify that there are no safety concerns with the affected products.
• Check the EESS website to be sure the products you are supplying are registered and look for the Regulatory Compliance Mark on the product.

Background

The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) requires in-scope electrical equipment categorised as level 3 to have a responsible supplier registered on the EESS national registration database, to have the brand and model registered on the EESS national registration database and be linked to a current certificate of conformity listed on the EESS national certification database.

The Queensland Electrical Safety Act 2002 and the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 requires in-scope equipment (household type equipment) to comply with EESS requirements prior to the responsible supplier selling the equipment.