Safeguard Your Future: DC Solar Isolator Switches Alert

Advancetech Private limited - Avanco DC isolator

WorCover Queensland has issued a recall order for Avanco DC isolators imported by Advancetech Pty Ltd. However, Advancetech, due to being placed into receivership, cannot fulfill the recall order requirements, including the replacement and associated costs.

Affected homeowners have the right to obtain a free replacement of the Avanco isolator from the original purchase source. The recall necessitates replacing the entire device, combining the switch mechanism and its enclosure, as solely replacing the switch mechanism doesn't eliminate the electrical safety risk linked to the Avanco DC isolator recall.

The recalled Avanco isolators feature a rotary-type switch device within an associated enclosure, with the most common version exhibiting a red switch and a yellow background around it.

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.

Risk of fire: WorCover Queensland has identified internal faults in Avanco brand isolators used in solar electricity systems, leading to overheating and fires.

Affected Product Sales: The faulty Avanco isolator models were sold in Queensland after January 1, 2012.

Required Actions: Suppliers: Cease supplying the listed defective Avanco isolator models. If supplied, inform customers that they cannot install these isolators and advise them to shut down the system until replacements are installed.

Installers / Electrical Contractors: Stop installing Avanco isolators. If previously installed, instruct customers to shut down the system until replacements are installed. Contact your supplier for refund or replacement advice.

Customers: If you have the identified isolators, shut down the system following the procedure. Check your manual or invoice for isolator type. If unsure, contact your installer or electrical contractor for guidance.

Consumer Rights: Consumers have rights under Australian consumer law for products not meeting acceptable quality standards.

Tenants: If your solar power system has these isolators, shut down the system and contact your real estate agent or landlord for advice.

Landlords / Real Estate Agents: Shut down rental property systems with these isolators. Inform tenants about the shut down's electrical safety. If tenants have concerns, advise them to shut down and seek assistance if needed.

Shutdown Procedure: Follow the safe shutdown procedure provided by your system's installer, located in the switchboard or installation literature. If unsure, contact your installer or electrical contractor for guidance.

More information: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)- Advancetech Pty Ltd - Avanco Brand DC Isolators



DKSH - PVPower DC isolators

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 Concern: Risk of fire. Solar PV system audits have detected moisture ingress in some PVPower DC isolators (switches), posing a potential fire hazard.

Product Distribution: Sold through electrical wholesalers or directly to solar contractors and installers.

Actions Required:

  • Suppliers/Installers: If you installed these isolators, you should: Contact your customers and instruct them to shut down the system immediately until replacements are installed (the system is electrically safe once shut down). Contact your supplier for refund or replacement guidance.
  • Consumers: If you have PVPower isolators installed: Shut down the system immediately. Contact DKSH or your installer for a replacement isolator and installation (they will manage and cover costs). Note: Do not contact DKSH if your isolator is a different brand.

If uncertain about your isolator type: Check your operating manual or invoice. If unsure, Contact your installer or an electrical contractor for advice. No electrician is required for system shutdown, but seek assistance if unsure of the shutdown procedure's safe execution. After shutting down the system, it is electrically safe.

Shutdown Procedure, follow the system's safe shutdown procedure, usually found in the switchboard label or installer-provided literature. If uncertain, consult your installer or an electrical contractor for guidance on the shutdown process.

Supplier details:DKSH Australia Pty Ltd- 1800 006 137
dksh.com.au/recall
recall.au@dksh.com

More information: Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)DKSH Australia Pty Ltd "PVPower" Branded DC Isolator


Uniquip Industries - Gen 3 and SPM PV Array Rotary DC isolators

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 Concern: Risk of fire.Solar PV system audits have revealed moisture ingress into certain Gen3 or SPM DC isolators (switches), posing a potential fire hazard.

Actions Required:

  • Suppliers/Installers: If you installed these isolators, you should: Contact your customers and advise them to shut down the system immediately until replacements are installed (the system is electrically safe once shut down). Contact your supplier for refund or replacement guidance.
  • Consumers: If you have Gen3 or SPM isolators installed:

Shut down the system immediately. Contact Uniquip or your installer.

Note: Do not contact Uniquip if your isolator is a different brand.

If uncertain about your isolator type: Check your operating manual or invoice. If unsure, Contact your solar installer or an electrical contractor for advice. No electrician is needed to shut down the system. Seek assistance if unsure of the safe shutdown procedure.

After shutting down the system, it is electrically safe. Follow the system's safe shutdown procedure, typically found on a label in the switchboard or in literature provided by the installer. If unsure, consult your installer or an electrical contractor for guidance on the shutdown process.

Supplier details: Uniquip Industries- 04 5750 5122
uniquip.net.au
prp@uniquip.net.au

More information: Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) 

  • Uniquip Industries—PV Array Rotary DC Isolator



    • NHP - DC isolators

    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 Concern: Risk of electric shock.The switch might remain in the 'ON' position, even if the handle indicates 'OFF.'

    Actions Required:

    • Suppliers/Installers: Test these systems to ensure proper isolation before conducting maintenance or repairs. Final identification of the affected batch may necessitate opening the isolator; follow safe work procedures. Defective isolators must be replaced.
    • Consumers: If uncertain about the isolator type: Check your operating manual or invoice. If still uncertain, Contact your installer or an electrical contractor for additional guidance. NHP will arrange and cover the costs of replacing the 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) 

    Eltech Industries - ISO MAX DC isolators

    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 ISO MAX switches have been installed, please visit eltech.com.au and complete a DC ISO-MAX Advice Form. Eltech will reach out to you to coordinate the replacement of the ISO MAX switch(es). Note: Keep switches switched off if already in the off position. For switches currently on, leave them on and contact Eltech for advice at 1300 76 44 70.
    • Consumers: Homeowners with installed ISO MAX switches should go to eltech.com.au and fill out a DC ISO-MAX Claim Form.

    Supplier details:Eltech Industries- 1300 76 44 70
    eltech.com.au

    More information:  Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) Eltech Industries—ISO-MAX Solar Connect DC Isolator

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