DC solar isolator switches
Identification
A recall order was made for Avanco DC isolators imported by Advancetech Pty Ltd.
Under the recall order, Advancetech are required to organise replacement of the isolator and pay for all the costs relating to supply and installation of the replacement isolator they organise. However, the ESO has been advised that Advancetech have been placed into receivership and will not complete the requirements of the recall order.
Homeowners are entitled to have the Avanco isolator replaced free of charge by the company they purchased the product from.
The recall requires replacement the entire device (switch mechanism and the associated enclosure). Just replacing the switch mechanism does not remove the electrical safety risk associated with the Avanco DC isolator recall.
The Avanco isolators under recall are a rotary type switch device inside an associated enclosure, and the most common version has an enclosure with a red switch and a yellow background around the switch.
The model numbers are:
- AV/DC4P25A
- AV/DC2P25A
- AV/DC4P25AUB
- AV/DC2P625AU
- AV/DC2P25AU
- AV/DC2/2P25AU
- AV/DC2/2P125AU
- AV/DC4P25AU
- AV/DC4P25AUS
- AV/DC4P25AUT
Avanco brand isolators have the brand on the front (see photo below). Alternatively the Avanco isolator may be a rotary switch installed in an associated lockable enclosure with a flip opaque or clear lid. Under the lid is a black switch and there is external labelling of the Avanco brand on the front (see photo below).
Note: these Avanco DC isolators may have the external enclosure marked with the following model numbers:
- Clear Lid: AV/ENC4P25AC
- Opaque Lid: AV/ENC4P25AO
The Electrical Safety Office has issued a prohibition on the supply or installation of these isolators.
Safety issue
Risk of fire
Examinations have identified internal faults that lead to overheating and fires with the Avanco brand of isolators that are used in solar electricity system installations.
Product sold at
The defective models were sold in Queensland after 1 January 2012.
Action required
Suppliers
You can no longer supply the defective Avanco isolator models listed above. If you have supplied the isolators you should contact your customers and advise them that:
- they can no longer install the defective isolators
- 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.
Installers / electrical contractors
You can no longer install these Avanco isolators. If you have installed the isolators you should contact your 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 you have installed the isolators you should contact your supplier regarding any refund or product replacement advice.
The recall requires replacement of the Avanco DC isolator. This includes replacement of the entire device (switch mechanism and the associated enclosure). Just replacing the switch mechanism does not remove the electrical safety risk associated with the Avanco DC isolator recall.
Customers
If you identify that you have one of these isolators installed you should shut down the system immediately by following the shut down procedure.
If you are unsure of the type of isolator you have, check your operating manual or invoice. If you are still unsure contact your installer or an electrical contractor for further advice.
Once the system is shut down it is electrically safe.
Consumer rights
As a consumer, you have certain rights under the Australian consumer law for products or services that are not of acceptable quality.
Tenants
If your solar power system has one of these Avanco isolators or are concerned that it may, you should shut down the system immediately and contact your real estate agent or landlord for further advice.
Information for landlords and real estate agents
If your rental property has these Avanco isolators installed you should arrange for the system to be shut down immediately until they can be replaced. Advise the tenant that once the system is shut down it is electrically safe.
If your tenant identifies one of these isolators or has concerns that they may be installed you should advise them to shut the system down. If they are unsure about the shut down procedure you should make arrangements to have the system shut down as soon as possible. Once the system is shut down it is electrically safe.
Shutdown procedure
The shutdown procedure is the safe order of turning off the solar power system. The procedure may be on a label in the switchboard where you would find the main power switch for your house, or in the literature left by the installer. You should follow the procedure supplied with your system.
If you are unsure about shutting down your system contact your installer or an electrical contractor for further advice.
More information
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Identification:
This recall is for PvPower branded DC isolators with model number: XPDCISO1000V32A.
DKSH, the importers of this isolator, have announced a voluntary recall of and are working cooperatively with regulators to affect the recall.
The isolators are a rotary type, and have a red switch with a yellow background around the switch. The PVPower brand is on the front top right hand side corner (see photo below).
Safety issue:
Risk of fire.
Audits of solar PV systems have identified moisture ingress into some DC isolators (switches). This moisture ingress has the potential to result in fires.
Product sold at:
Sold through electrical wholesalers or direct to solar contractors and installers.
Action required:
Suppliers/Installers
If you have installed the isolators you should
- contact your 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).
- contact your supplier regarding any refund or product replacement advice.
Consumers
If you identify that you have these PVPower isolators installed, you should
- shut down the system immediately*
- contact DKSH or your installer (they will organise and pay for a replacement isolator and its installation).
NOTE: Do not contact DKSH if you have a brand that is not PVPower.
If you are unsure or can't identify the types of isolators you have:
- check your operating manual or invoice. If you are still unsure,
- contact your installer or an electrical contractor for further advice.
You do not need an electrician to shut the system down, however, you should seek assistance if you are unsure of how to safely carry out the shut down procedure.
Once the system is shut down it is electrically safe.
*Shutdown procedure
The shutdown procedure is the safe order of turning off the solar power system. The procedure may be on a label in the switchboard where you would find the main power switch for your house, or in the literature left by the installer. You should follow the procedure supplied with your system.
If you are unsure about shutting down your system contact your installer or an electrical contractor for further advice.
Supplier details:
DKSH Australia Pty Ltd
1800 006 137
dksh.com.au/recall
recall.au@dksh.com
More information:
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Identification:
GWR Pty Ltd trading as Uniquip Industries, the importers of the Gen3 and SPM brand dc isolators, have announced a voluntary product replacement program of these isolators and are working cooperatively with regulators to affect the replacement program.
Uniquip Industries PV Array Rotary DC isolator model numbers:
- GEN3DC-25
- GEN3DC-32
- SPMDCISO25
- SPMDCISO32.
Safety issue:
Risk of fire.
Audits of solar PV systems have identified moisture ingress into some DC isolators (switches). This moisture ingress has the potential to result in fires.
Action required:
Suppliers/Installers
If you have installed the isolators you should:
- contact your 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).
- contact your supplier regarding any refund or product replacement advice.
Consumers
If you identify that you have these Gen3 or SPM isolators installed you should
- shut down the system immediately*
- contact Uniquip or your installer.
NOTE: Do not contact Uniquip if you have a brand that is not Gen3 or SPM.
If you are unsure or can't identify the types of isolators you have:
- check your operating manual or invoice. If you are still unsure
- contact your solar installer or an electrical contractor for further advice.
You do not need an electrician to shut the system down. However, you should seek assistance if you are unsure of how to safely carry out the shut down procedure.
Once the system is shut down it is electrically safe.
*Shutdown procedure
The shutdown procedure is the safe order of turning off the solar power system. The procedure may be on a label in the switchboard where you would find the main power switch for your house, or in the literature left by the installer. You should follow the procedure supplied with your system.
If you are unsure about shutting down your system contact your installer or an electrical contractor for further advice.
Supplier details:
Uniquip Industries
04 5750 5122
uniquip.net.au
prp@uniquip.net.au
More information:
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Identification:
NHP have identified a batch of isolators models that contains a component that has been fabricated from the incorrect material:
- NHP-KDA-432
- KDM-43
NHP have announced a voluntary recall of these isolators and are working cooperatively with regulators to affect the recall.
Only those items within the affected batch are suspect, specifically all serial numbers from X2013 through to X3813, where 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).
Any product that does not fall within this band is not affected.
Safety issue:
Risk of electric shock.
The switch may still be 'ON' even when the handle is indicating 'OFF'.
Action required:
Suppliers/Installers
Test these systems to ensure isolation before conducting any maintenance or repair work.
Final identification of the affected batch may require opening the isolator, follow safe work procedures.
Defective isolators are required to be replaced.
Consumers
If you are unsure or can't identify the types of isolators you have:
- check your operating manual or invoice. If you are still unsure
- contact your installer or an electrical contractor for further advice.
NHP will organise and pay for a replacement isolator and its installation.
Supplier details:
NHP Electrical Engineering Products Pty Ltd
03 9368 4088
nhp.com.au/recall
More information:
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Identification:
A recall was initiated on ISO MAX dc isolators model numbers and markings:
- Model No. LS16, DCISO 1000V
- Model No. LS25, DCISO 1000V
- Model No. LS32, DCISO 1000V
Product sold at:
Sold by Eltech industries in 2012.
Action required:
Installers / electrical contractors
If you have installed any ISO MAX switches should visit eltech.com.au and complete a DC ISO-MAX Advice Form.
Eltech will be in contact with you in due course to arrange for the ISO MAX switch(es) to be replaced.
NOTE: Switches that are switched off should remain switched off. If any switches are presently switched on, leave these switched on and contact Eltech for advice on appropriate action on 1300 76 44 70.
Consumers
Home owners with any ISO MAX switches installed should visit eltech.com.au and complete a DC ISO-MAX Claim Form.
Supplier details:
Eltech Industries
1300 76 44 70
eltech.com.au
More information:
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)